In the spirit
by Mosi Secret
- Derek Anderson
- The Durham Carolers singing at an annual Christmas party in the Duke Park neighborhood.
Since 1935, the Durham Carolers have shared their distinct sound--part a cappella harmony, part gospel--with families in Durham. In the beginning, the group went caroling on Christmas Eve in different neighborhoods across town. Over the years, the performances have moved inside the homes and the members have changed, but the sound--the spirit, really--has not.
Some time around November or December, the Carolers (including elder and honorary member Raymond Davis), gather to practice. They lead separate lives for 10 months, but at the end of the year they work on their harmony, timing and phrasing so that, when they stride into those Christmas parties looking as sharp as ever, they dazzle. They live up to the memories that they've created over the years and create memories anew.
"Rise Up Shepherd." "Go Tell it On the Mountain." "When Was My Jesus Born?" Each song rendered with such grace, power and rhythm that folks can't get enough. But the Durham Carolers have other homes to visit. They leave one party to enliven the next. Lucky for all, their spirit remains.
To hear the Durham Carolers visit the Music & More page on Scan, our music blog at www.indyweekblogs.com/scan/music-more.
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