Proverbs and Songs

Proverbs and Songs is a live album by the English saxophonist John Surman of a suite of choral settings of Old Testament texts. It was recorded on June 1, 1996, at Salisbury Cathedral with the organist John Taylor and released on the ECM label.[1] It was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 1998.[2]

Proverbs and Songs
Live album by John Surman
Released	1997
Recorded	June 1, 1996
Genre	Jazz
Length	49:28
Label	ECM
Producer	Derek Drescher
John Surman chronology
A Biography of the Rev. Absalom Dawe (2001) Proverbs and Songs (1997) Coruscating (1999)

Reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[3]

Discogs rates the record as 3.67 out of 5.[4] The Allmusic review awarded the album 2.5 stars.[3]

Track listing

All music by John Surman and text from the Old Testament

1. "Prelude" - 3:11
2. "The Sons" - 4:55
3. "The Kings" - 6:41
4. "Wisdom" - 7:39
5. "Job" - 4:50
6. "No Twilight" - 7:42
7. "Pride" - 5:00
8. "The Proverbs" - 4:06
9. "Abraham Arise!" - 5:24

Personnel

• John Surman – soprano saxophone, baritone saxophone, bass clarinet
• John Taylor – organ
• Salisbury Festival Chorus conducted by Howard Moody

References

1. ECM discography accessed November 7, 2011
2. "Mercury Rising: Gomez Win '98 Album Prize". NME. 17 August 1998. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
3. " John Surman Proverbs and Songs", Allmusic. Retrieved November 7, 2011
4. "John Surman – Proverbs And Songs", Discogs. Retrieved July 19, 2015