Only Heaven: A Musical Work by Ricky Ian Gordon Based on the Poetry of Langston Hughes
Fans of Ricky Ian Gordon's collection of songsBright Eyed Joyhave already sampled eight songs fromOnly Heavenand will find even more to enjoy on this complete, 74-minute recording of the song cycle. Though Gordon is considered a rising star of American musical theater,Only Heavenis not a musical. But itisa stage work, 29 songs set to the writings of Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes (texts are included), and realized by seven singers, dancers, and a handful of instruments (including Gordon at the piano). While we can't pick up what the live audience at the Dayton Art Institute in February 2002 is laughing at, we can enjoy the songs, sharp and dissonant at times but also meltingly beautiful, powerfully sung, and building to a strong climax. Hughes's jazzy verse works well with Gordon's frequently jazzy music, especially when it's sung by Darius de Haas. A distinctly American work.--David Horiuchi