Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Undoubtedly, there are gospel music purists irritated by the self-congratulatory (and inaccurate) album title while others might suggest that veteran producer Gordon Lorenz, best known for countless easy listening recordings, isn't the best man to put together an authentic celebration of passionate black gospel. But if one views this double CD for what it is, a showcase to take the soulful swoop and pyrotechnic power of gospel out of black church and present it as a means of entertainment and spiritual comfort to a MASS audience, this does pretty well. TV advertised and available in the major British supermarkets, this double CD puts the marketing focus on the songs, rather than the singers. And an intriguing mix there are too. There are ancient slavery days spirituals ("He's Got The Whole World In His Hands", "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot"), stirring hymnody ("There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood"), old gospel classics ("Precious Lord", "Oh Happy Day"), modern gospel hits ("Shackles") and even a couple of contemporary worship songs (Zschech's "Shout To The Lord" and Redman's "Blessed Be Your Name"). The 100 powerful voices who do justice to this eclectic mix belong to members of Urban Voice (Manchester), the Roy Johnson Singers (Leeds), the Liverpool Philharmonic Gospel Choir, The People's Christian Fellowship Choir (London) and The One Voice Community Choir (Preston). There are some stirring moments - the full force of those triumphant voices on "Amazing Grace", the joyful romp on Crouch's "Soon And Very Soon" while the arrangements, by one of the great unsung heroes of the British gospel scene, Tyndale Thomas, are never less than fresh. I have no doubt this album will bless tens of thousands of non-church-goers.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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