“The most distinctive music this season.”
–USA Today


“Like the Langston Hughes poems that inspired them, the Ricky Ian Gordon melodies in this song cycle are suspended between yearning and ecstasy, between life's troubles and its transcendent joys.”
–LA Times


“This gorgeous, meditative collection about reaching spiritual bliss is enhanced by lyrical composition and near-perfect voices. When the mighty pipes of [Jonita] Lattimore and [Adrienne] Danrich combine on the magnificent 'In Time of Silver Rain,' the result is spine chills and teary eyes.”
–Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Hailed by The New York Times as "one of the leading young composers of songs," Ricky Ian Gordon has written musicals, operas, and song cycles for such artists as Audra McDonald, Renée Fleming and Betty Buckley.

With ONLY HEAVEN, his setting of two dozen poems by Langston Hughes, the "Poet Laureate of Harlem," he has created a stirring work that Show Business has called "provocative and compelling – recommended for anyone who loves original and groundbreaking music, as well as the majesty of Langston Hughes poetry." Recorded live in February 2002 from a production by the Muse Machine of Dayton, OH, and featuring Darius de Haas, Adrienne Danrich, Jonita Lattimore, Jay Pierce and Sheila Ramsey.

Produced by Tommy Krasker & Joseph Bates

1. Heaven
2. My People
3. I Dream a World
4. In Time of Silver Rain
5. Genius Child
6. Daybreak in Alabama
7. S-sss-ss-sh!
8. When Sue Wears Red
9. Port Town
10. Delinquent
11. Poor Girl's Ruination / The Dream Keeper
12. Luck
13. Stars
14. Angels Wings
15. New Moon
16. I Loved My Friend
17. Kid in the Park
18. Late Last Night
19. Love Song for Antonia
20. Dream
21. Love Song for Lucinda
22. Harlem Night Song
23. Joy
24. Bound North Blues
25. Border Line
26. Gal's Cry for a Dying Lover
27. Song for a Dark Girl
28. Drum
29. Litany