Reviewed by Tony Cummings

What a compilation! The label Nascente, which has released similar collections covering genres including reggae, folk and Bollywood, has really done its homework and produced this stunning three-disc set, which goes a long way towards representing the American gospel scene from its earliest days right up to the newest artists and sounds. Disc one - 'Old Time Religion: Gospel Roots' - features pioneers such as Mahalia Jackson, Original Five Blind Boys Of Alabama and Dixie Hummingbirds; one track features a very young Aretha Franklin alongside her father and his New Bethel Baptist Choir on "I've Decided To Make Jesus My Choice". The second disc - 'Amazing Grace: Soul Gospel' - heralds the arrival of the next generation, contemporaries of the Motown scene like Al Green and the Original Soul Stirrers, featuring the lead vocals of Sam Cooke. Disc three - 'Born Again: Modern Gospel' - brings the story up to the present day with the likes of the Winans and Sounds Of Blackness. Contemporary gospel's marriage to R&B and hip-hop influences is represented by Terri Carroll's "U Don't Hear Me". A welcome addition are sleevenotes about every artist featured on the collection, which reveal some fascinating titbits; did you know that the famous Motown track "You Can't Hurry Love" was based largely on Dorothy Love Coates' "(You Can't Hurry God) He's Right On Time"? Great stuff for beginners and devotees alike.

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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