Harlem Boys Choir Energizes Crowd

(first published in The Cincinnati Post April 1, 1992)

They're no angels, says founder/director Walter Turnbull of the Harlem Boys Choir, but, my, they sing like it.

An evening of such delights greeted 2,312 listeners at Music Hall Tuesday night. The concert, sponsored by Women's Alliance and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, had the crowd clapping and jumping to their feet before the evening was spent.

The three dozen boys - cream of the crop of the HBC's 250 singers ages 8 to 18, plus a couple of alumni singing bass - offered a panorama of African- American music.

Hailstork's opener began on an exultant note, chorus and soloist David Whitten reaching an ever heightened mood, before falling into agonized reflection in the second movement. The work turned full circle with the optimism of the 23rd Psalm.

Frank Jones, director of counseling for the HBC, narrated "Spiritual Heritage," which traced African-American music from "Mother Africa" to Mahalia Jackson. Choir members wielded African-style percussion and flaunted their vocal skills. Rodney Perkins launched into gospel in "Didn't It Rain," which had the audience clapping.

In the second half, Turnbull stepped into the pit as his energetic choristers in black-striped vests strutted smartly to Scott Joplin's "Maple Leaf Rag," then donned maroon jackets for a dazzling demonstration of Ellington's "It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing" and "Take the A Train."

Review - HARLEM BOYS CHOIR. Tuesday night, Music Hall. Walter Turnbull, director. Jason Andrews, Glen Person, pianists. Clyde Bullard, bass. Gregory Barrett, drums. PROGRAM: Adolphus Hailstork, "I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes." Howard Roberts, "Spiritual Heritage." Joplin/Waller Medley (arr. Roberts). An Ellington Medley (arr. Roberts). Music for Today. Sponsored by Women's Alliance, Inc. and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Attendance: 2,312.