Anonymous 4 is quite probably unknown to many bluegrass fans. The reason for the anonymity (sorry, I couldn’t help it) stems from the fact that the group is not bluegrass. It’s composed of four, imagine that, women who normally sing a capella versions of medieval music.
Recently however, the group has released a CD that focuses on American Folk music, spirituals, and hymns. The CD is entitled Gloryland. The ladies made the decision to include some instrumentation on this CD and called on the talents of fiddler (and mandolinist) Darol Anger and guitarist Scott Nygaard. With the accompaniment of these two masterful musicians, the women tackle such songs as Wayfaring Stranger and Just Over In The Gloryland.
Making no attempt to adopt the vocal stylings with which these tunes are normally performed, the ladies come strait at them with a classical approach. The resulting blend of bluegrass instrumentation and classical vocals is quite interesting.
If you’re interested in hearing what this combo sounds like, tomorrow is your chance. The group, accompanied by Nygaard and Anger, will be performing for the American Public Media Thanksgiving Special.
The program will be carried on many public radio stations. You can find a radio station near you on this page.
You can also listen online if you want. I’m not sure if this program, which is currently available, is the same one which will be broadcast tomorrow.
You can also hear clips from the CD at Anonymous4.com and myspace.com/theanonymous4.
