Gospel is an Olde English word which means "good news." It talks about the good news of Jesus Christ and his saving work on the cross at Calvary. The sacrifice of God's Son for the salvation of mankind. Hey! That's what it means! And this Rough Guide to Gospel is filled with music and song from people who believe that literally! Gospel music has become a watered down stylistic description of a category filled with schmaltzy, happy tunes by wannabe pop singers, but in its original form gospel music is a powerful, soulful, purposeful music which is as inspirational as it is potent. This CD provides a cross-section of some of the best purveyors of gospel music, and a succinct essay tracing its roots and branches.
Jesse Jackson is quoted as saying, "Gospel and the blues both have very sad origins, born of pain. The difference is, in the blues you go down twice, you come up once. In the gospel, it's always a "good news" ending. There's always some resurrection beyond the crucifixion. There's always some brighter day ahead, beyond the clouds of today." I think I agree. You go down once, under the waters of baptism and you come up with hope, in a new life in your Savior. The singers and players on Rough Guide to Gospel know what I'm talking about. You can hear them in the Amen Corner shouting "Preach it brother! Amen! Hallelujah!"
With roots in the tragedy of African-American slavery, the development of gospel music corresponds closely to the history of the blues. From the field hollers and chants their parents sang in the cotton fields, some followed the Devil to the juke joints and clubs to sing the blues, others looked to God for an answer in the church. Both directions led to some great music, as you can hear on this disc, beginning with The Soul Stirrers, who kick things off with "Christ Is All". The precision quartet singing, backed by a little guitar, and a quiet but steady drum beat, this group (which introduced Sam Cooke to the world) needs little help in maintaining a forward direction. The excitement caused by their vocals propels this tune into the stratosphere. Shirley Caesar and the Caravans continue the excitement with their rendition of "I Feel Good." It's not the same song that James Brown did, but there's little question that Shirley feels just as good as James did, and it's all because there's "something about singing for Jesus!"
The Original Five Blind Boys of Alabama (now enjoying new success in light of their albums for Peter Gabriel's Real World label) show that the rest of the world just caught up with what they've been doing since their formation in 1937 at the Talladega Institute for the Deaf & Blind with a rousing version of "Oh Lord--Stand By Me." Then the Staple Singers slow things down, but with just as much passion in a smoldering, almost sexy "New Home." This combination of the sacred and the profane gives gospel music a part of its attraction. It is just as physical, just as concerned with love and devotion as the blues is with sex; but the focus of attention is the Lord.
The great Mahalia Jackson makes an appearance, and so do The Dixie Hummingbirds, Montgomery Gospel Trio and Dorothy Norwood. Each tune shows a different approach to worshipping your Savior than you will find in your local corner church, unless you happen to live in the Southern USA! At a recent concert by the Toronto Mass Choir (a new choir not present on this collection, but who perform very much in this style) we were totally swept up by the music, the faith, the excitement, the devotion of a group of young singers who display the live passion that can be heard on Rough Guide to Gospel. There are groups like this all over North America, who bring their gift of music to their Jesus. It's personal! And the Rough Guide to Gospel provides you with a tour guide to a strange but very real world.
Just as their travel books show you the best places to eat, sleep, dance and visit in various parts of the world; as their music guides seek to educate the reader about specific styles and genres; as their CD collections give you a taste of the music of different countries, so this guide to the world of gospel music leads the listener into a different, mystical world. It is a place between the street and heaven, where real people respond to their Maker. It is powerful stuff. And that's good news!
