“The American Vocalist: Spirituals and Folk Hymns,...

“The American Vocalist: Spirituals and Folk Hymns, 1850-1870.” The Boston Camerata, conducted by Joel Cohen. Erato 2292-45818-2. This recording tunnels into the New England end of the rich lode of American folk hymnody. Much of the music here is familiar, but the singing is much more orotund--thicker, smoother and slower--than what is usually heard from the shape-note specialists in the Southern repertory. Cohen adds discreet instrumental accompaniment to some of the 25 tracks and varies the voicings, but without increasing the excitement or interest level significantly. Cohen writes in his notes that he is trying to get past the gentrified published editions, but the effect of his performances is staid parlor Americana.