Gospel — All Formats  

Spiritual sounds for the dancefloor – a completely compelling mix of disco and gospel modes, served up here with some of the best-ever examples of the style! Given the decades of crossing between the secular and spiritual worlds of soul music before the disco years, the blend is hardly a surprise – especially since so many disco singers had their roots in the church. But what is a surprise is how great the music works together – how the soaring spirit of one genre works perfectly with the tight rhythms of another – giving these tunes a lofty, righteous quality that goes far beyond the usual emptiness of disco lyrics. There's a mighty message on most of these numbers, and the groove is pretty damn great too – as you'll hear on cuts that include "I Need You (Joey Negro edit)" by Ricky Womack & Christian Essence, "I'll Keep Holding On" by The Young Delegation, "Awake O Zion" by Elbernita Clark, "I Am Gold" by Linda Evans, "Overdose Of The Holy Ghost" by The Clark Sisters, "No Cross No Crown" by Gloster Williams & Master Control, "He Lives" by The Young Delegation, "A Better Day" by Sharon Johnson, "Message To The People" by Shirley Caesar, "Lead Me" by Ronia La Vee, "He's My Friend" by Rahni Harris & Family Love, and "Love Is The Message (Joey Negro edit)" by Dan Greer.

Spiritual sounds for the dancefloor – a completely compelling mix of disco and gospel modes, served up here with some of the best-ever examples of the style! Given the decades of crossing between the secular and spiritual worlds of soul music before the disco years, the blend is hardly a surprise – especially since so many disco singers had their roots in the church. But what is a surprise is how great the music works together – how the soaring spirit of one genre works perfectly with the tight rhythms of another – giving these tunes a lofty, righteous quality that goes far beyond the usual emptiness of disco lyrics. There's a mighty message on most of these numbers, and the groove is pretty damn great too – as you'll hear on cuts that include "I Need You (Joey Negro edit)" by Ricky Womack & Christian Essence, "I'll Keep Holding On" by The Young Delegation, "Awake O Zion" by Elbernita Clark, "I Am Gold" by Linda Evans, "Overdose Of The Holy Ghost" by The Clark Sisters, "No Cross No Crown" by Gloster Williams & Master Control, "He Lives" by The Young Delegation, "A Better Day" by Sharon Johnson, "Message To The People" by Shirley Caesar, "Lead Me" by Ronia La Vee, "He's My Friend" by Rahni Harris & Family Love, and "Love Is The Message (Joey Negro edit)" by Dan Greer.

Glorious and spirit shaking Gospel Funk – a selection of stellar singles from the House Of Beauty label – stirring with Goodness and infused strongly with secular soul and funk influences! The House Of Beauty label started in the basement of Carmen Murphy's Detroit beauty parlor, which became a rehearsal space for local gospel acts, and soon enough a pioneering local label for gospel and some secular vocal groups. By the mid 60s, HOB became a gospel subsidiary for Scepter Records in NYC and things started getting funky! This vinyl only set on Secret Stash includes a tight collection of singles that are steeped in funk, some in a slow cooking way and others more uptempo. The vocals are wonderful and spirited all the way, accompanied by guitar, drums, bass and organ on most tunes. Includes "Power Lord" by The Victory Travelers, "Play It By Ear" by Rev Milton Brunson, "Trouble All Around Me" and "Serve The Lord" by Southland Singers, "If You Think Your God Is Dead, Try Mine" by The Swan Silvertones, "New Testament" (plus a reprise) by The New Testament, "Working People" by Connie Pitts, ""Can't Find No Toher Love" by Messiahs Of Glory and more.

A nice compilation on the Cotillion subsidiary of Atlantic collecting spiritual soul tracks and gospel numbers performed by R&B artists from the late 60s. 11 numbers in all: "Let It Be" by Aretha Franklin, "Steal Away" and "Lord Pity Us All" by Wilson Pickett, "I Wish I Knew (How It Would Feel To Be Free)" by Solomon Burke, "I Told Jesus" by Roberta Flack, "Down By The River Side" and "Without A Doubt" by the Sweet Inspirations, "Heaven Help Us All" by Brook Benton, "God Gave Me A Song" by Myrna Summers & The Interdenominational Singers, and "Milky White Way" and "People Got To Be Free" by Marion Williams.

Inspired work from the legendary Chis Jasper – a smoking set that continues the spiritual vibe of his other recent work, but which also echoes the strength he brought to the Isley Brothers back in the 80s as well! Jasper's still one heck of a vocalist – and these well-crafted tunes mix deeper messages with the kinds of soulful lines and warm hooks we loved in Chris' soul music – more than compelling enough to bridge the gap between gospel and soul! Titles include "Inspired", "Keep Believin", "Let My People Go", "Someone", "Faith", "In My Dream", and "Truly".