Dashon Burton – Press

“Burton’s substantial bass was a special treat all night”

“…watching him sing feels like looking directly at the sun — he is alight with the spirit of the music.”

“…the two artists evinced stunning versatility, bringing to the musical poetry enormous palettes of color, power, and expression.”

“Dashon Burton’s thundering basso in “Tuba mirum” was a stunner…”

“Dashon Burton was in his thunderous element as Zebul, delivering the kind of top-shelf performance that has sealed his reputation as one of today’s most compelling performers of sacred music.”

“What better instrument to convey this poet’s passion and fierce irony than the massive yet hyperarticulate bass-baritone of Dashon Burton? The appalled poet’s words amid the carnage came intensely to life in Rorem’s unsparing settings, as Burton’s powerful delivery of the text was matched by Michael Brofman’s bold performance of the challenging, volatile piano part.”

“…Burton, a bass-baritone with communicative power and a commanding presence.”

“…he brought ardor and urgency to the prayer “Fac ut ardeat.” And not many basses could match the deftness he brought to the more lyrical turns. “

“Tall, with a strong rectangular face and impressive dreadlocks, Burton strikes an imposing presence. His employs a strong and pure, steadfast and noble voice with subtlety in interpretation, and avoids the overtly dramatic.”

“Bass-baritone Dashon Burton’s firm, powerfully expressive delivery of the biblical text made him a commanding soloist.”

“This young American singer is the real thing–a bass-baritone with a rich, rounded voice, faultless diction and a natural, expressive style that had one hanging on every word. Burton’s dignified singing of his solo passages added a gravitas that Walton’s quirky confection can use, providing dramatic weight and confiding intimacy as needed.”

“The performance largely belonged to the five soloists, four portraying various fugitives plus the clear-voiced bass-baritone Dashon Burton in a sturdy turn as William Still himself.”

“…the reverberant and eloquent bass-baritone Dashon Burton sang the role with quiet authenticity, depth, and tenderness.”

“…Burton’s gorgeous singing rose (with the Criers) to just the right level of real dramatic intensity for the climactic complaint of a world which ‘Hath really neither joy, nor love, nor light / Nor certitude, nor peace, nor help for pain.’ The beautifully shaped epilogue brought Dover Beach to its close.”

“…Burton’s account of ‘The trumpet shall sound’ was the high point of the evening, delivered with sovereign certitude and the fervor of a revivalist preacher. It was an astonishingly stirring piece of singing, and one that will live long in the memory.”

“For each had at least one exceptional solo, most notably bass Dashon Burton’s captivatingly quiet air…”

“…the real gem of the disc, at the end of those sets, is unaccompanied: Mr. Burton’s profoundly moving — indeed, haunting — interpretation of the crucifixion anthem ‘He Never Said a Mumblin’ Word.’ ”

“As Jesus, Burton brought a deep and rich tone to the tragic role, and was especially moving when he sang ‘My soul is grieved to the point of death; stay here and keep watch with me.’ ”

“Dashon Burton’s commanding bass-baritone resounded through the sanctuary in imposing fashion as he told of the last trumpet sounding and the dead being raised. With firm low notes and a rich timbre, Burton brought powerful declamation and real expressive drama to Brahms’ dark and powerful setting of this text.”

“Burton, blessed with a voice that glows from bottom to top, projected intimacy, even in the imposing space of the Great Choir. He seemed to delight in the text and did not hesitate to whisper in the moments of greatest intensity. He used his considerable power sparingly, but it was clear that there was a lot there.”

“Bass-baritone Dashon Burton raised the dead during a standout ‘The trumpet will sound,’ slowly folding in ever more intensity and warmth, matching brilliance with Robin Pyle’s resounding Baroque trumpet and provoking sudden applause.”

“Dashon Burton, a bass-baritone, was typically stellar and mightily imposing.”