Mary Lou Williams Mass at The National Cathedral

The Washington Post, Richard Harrington
March 29, 1999

Chris Bacas’ airy flute introduces both “I Have A Dream” (a brief snippet of text from the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s fabled speech)and the luminous vocal presence and confident authority of Lundy, who also brought sorrowful serenity to the all-too-short “Act Of Contrition.” Lundy’s powerful voice and spirit were particularly effective on three works: the parable “Lazarus,” built on an ingratiating guitar vamp and delivered in a narrative manner reminiscent of Oscar Brown Jr., and two distinctive versions of the Lord’s Prayer. The first, “Our Father,” utilized Lundy’s lower register and, with John Peiffer’s muted French horn, evoked somber supplication. It was immediately followed by “Pater Noster,” with Lundy moving to a higher register and surrounding herself with other voices, suggesting greater hope for spiritual relief.