Reviewed by Stuart Dearsley

For over 40 years the Rev James Cleveland's music touched millions of lives including people such as the Roberta Martin Singers, Billy Preston, Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin. In 1960, he made gospel history when, along with the Angelic Choir of the First Baptist Church from Nutley, New Jersey, he featured on the first live gospel album. It went on to sell a million! 30 plus years on and Cleveland was still recording live albums and this one is a 20th anniversary celebration of his involvement with the Southern California Community Choir, was cut a couple of years before his death. This album puts across a significant gospel message, but on the whole is a celebration of being saved and the joy and enthusiasm of all involved can be clearly heard. If you enjoy traditional black gospel music then you will almost certainly like this as it features the usual blend of powerful vocals and softer tunes. In reality the albums nothing new, but still not a bad listen.

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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