Give Thanks
The Promise
Psalter Music

Clansi Rogers

Seven years ago, as the arts writer for Avondale College of Higher Education’s newsletter, Connections, I reviewed the self-titled debut album of vocal ensemble The Promise. The album still sits in my CD collection—I have a special affection for it because it represents a part of my time as a student at Avondale. When I look at the cover, I see faces I saw everyday around campus and in class. This is of course not the case when looking at the cover of the latest album, Give Thanks—The Promise has a new artistic director and, mostly, new members.

This new album continues in the tradition of its predecessors in featuring some of the best of Avondale’s vocal talent while proclaiming the faith that makes the college so special. However, as should be expected from an evolving and maturing musical ensemble, Give Thanks is a noticeable step up from The Promise and from Faithful.

Moving away from the closed studio sound of these two albums, Give Thanks showcases the ensemble’s impressive dynamics with a full and live acoustic sound. The vocal blend is exceptional and when instrumental accompaniment is featured, it is well balanced.

It is exciting to see three tracks on the album written or arranged by members of the ensemble. These include “O Give Thanks,” written by artistic director Aleta King, “My Yes,” written by Emily Thomas and Jana Aveling with friend Kate Hollingsworth, and “Day by Day,” arranged by Benjamin Milis, Aleta and Ezekiel Kingston.

The order of the songs in the first half of the album is less than ideal. However, the second half flows beautifully and includes the most impressive songs on the album. Since hearing the live performance of “When David Heard” at Avondale Alumni Association’s Homecoming concert in 2012, I have been haunted by the memory of its power and emotional impact. Quality wise, it is as good as John Stainer’s “God So Loved the World” and Thomas Tallis’ “Hear the Voice and Prayer.”

Give Thanks is not just an album for fans and friends of The Promise but one I would happily recommend and give to those who appreciate classical and vocal music.

Clansi is an alumna of Avondale College of Higher Education who reviewed The Promise’s self-titled debut album in 2006 and its follow up, Faithful, in 2011.