There’s probably nothing more spiritually arousing then a good gospel choir in full song. While most choirs are traditionally rather subdued when singing in praise of the Lord the primarily African-American gospel choirs harness the energy from the congregation and transform it into a joyous and enthusiastic celebration of worship. Here we offer recordings and DVDs from some of the world’s finest gospel choirs.
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Shady Green Pastures |
In Harlem, New York City, exists a wonder of Christian redemption. Over forty years ago James Allen, an ex-addict himself, began the Addicts Rehabilitation Center. Their success with hard-core addicts, using tough love built on the rock of unshakeable faith, has turned around the lives of thousands. The ARC Choir is the sung testament of that work. Each of the singers is not expressing merely an idea but bearing witness to his and her own personal salvation. The result is music so profoundly moving that one is inevitably moved to tears. On the cover of the CD is this simple description. "The great Harlem a cappella choir that reduced the Bill Cosby Show audience to tears. 32 burning-with-faith voices sending a message of hope 'cause they've been pulled from the abyss." It doesn't get more real.
| 6117 CD $14.95 |
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Total Praise |
Higher & Lifted Up is an uplifting and celebratory album from the famed Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Renowned for their remarkable performance skills and brilliant handling of both traditional favorites and more contemporary selections, the choir has recorded what is sure to be one of the most talked-about gospel albums. Drawn from favorite selections previously performed at Sunday morning worship service, High and Lifted Up is the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir's first studio album in more than a decade. Akin to the Brooklyn Tabernacle singers' Songs from the Altar, this is an elegantly scored collection that remains firmly focused on the choir's trademark praise and worship bent. However, while it begins with the relatively uncomplicated "Total Praise," High and Lifted Up, unlike Songs, is lyrically complex, including the words of Psalm 150 and "Battle Hymn of the Republic." Skillfully executed multipart harmonies and swelling strains of strings make the title cut, the Celtic-tinged "Father We Adore Thee," and closer "God of All Gods" crowning achievements.
| 2294 CD $11.95 |
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The Brooklyn Tabernacle draws thousands of people from around the world, who come to worship and be inspired by the Grammy award-winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. These 11 accompanied, high-energy, revival-style gospel tunes will get your foot tapping, and very possibly up and dancing! There are several nice originals here, several of them written and composed by Carol Cymbala, wife of Pastor Jim Cymbala: the title tune, “Nothing is Impossible,” “Keep Me True,” and “Holy Like You.” Other favorites are “Church Medley,” Robert Gay’s “More Than Enough,” the traditional hymn “All The Way To Calvary, ” “It’s Amazing” by Oliver Wells, “I Found The Answer” by Johnny Lang, “Lift Your Voice” by Cindy and Becky Cruse, and “For Every Mountain” by Kurt Carr. “God Is Working” is a powerful, inspirational collection that will touch and move you!
| 2299 CD $9.95 |
| 2299 DVD $9.95 |
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How Great Thou Art |
One of Christian music's best-selling and most recognized choirs continue to impact the world while maintaining its roots in its Brooklyn neighborhood. With over 20 recordings to its credit this great selection includes some of the very best songs they have recorded over this period.
| 2293 CD $14.95 |
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O Come Emmanuel |
A fine selection of traditional carols mixed with contemporary takes on the birth of the Christ child, Christmas at the Brooklyn Tabernacle is a festive and joyful celebration of the season. True to their roots, the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir pays homage to their ethnic diversity by including a variety of styles: the funky Caribbean influenced "First Day of the Son," the soulful R&B groove of "They Followed His Star," and the exquisitely executed classicism of "Carol of the Bells." Also included are the popular "Happy Birthday Jesus," performed by the children's choir division, and a magnificently arranged rendition of director Carol Cymbala's "You Shall Call His Name Jesus." Featured soloists include the well-loved voices of Charles Allen, Susan Cymbala, and Karen Melendez.
| 2295 CD $8.95 |
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We Can Do All Things |
"Just Having Church“, is an unforgettable experience that raises the roof on Gospel Choir Music. This project from the Grammy, Dove and Stellar Award nominated group is their most impressive to date. Recorded live in front of a packed house at St. Stephen Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, Just Having Church is suitably titled. From songs like Spirit of the Living God to Let’s Praise Jesus to He’s Alright, the Chicago Mass Choir uses their unique gift to give listeners an incredible blend of traditional gospel and modern worship. The 80-member Chicago Mass Choir is hitting the road like never before, with feature appearances at the Inspirational Network’s Camp Meeting, the Gospel Music Channel’s “Hometown Gospel Special, and the 23rd Annual Chicago Gospelfest. Since their first recording 17 years ago, the Chicago Mass Choir has grown into one of the strongest and most exciting choirs on the Gospel scene and is now considered one of the top traditional choirs in the country. “Just Having Church” continues the tradition of excellence and will be a must-have CD for any Gospel collection.
| 5230 CD $15.95 |
| 5230 DVD $19.95 |
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Nkosi Sikelel, iAfrica Kwa Unyenyekevu Ain'a That Good News Zion's Walls Great Day Hail Mary Just A Little Walk With Jesus The Storm Is Passing Over Elijah Rock Plenty Good Room Fix Me Mary Had A Baby Geographical Fugue For Speaking Chorus I'm Gonna Sing Sonata No. 18, Opus 13 "Pathetique" Second Movement |
Trevor Payne has taken his Montreal Jubilation Choir around the world and back, literally and musically, since their first concerts after their founding in 1982. Whether performing in Africa, Europe or home in Montreal, the group has built their reputation on its innovative a cappella work, their most popular recording being 1992's "A Cappella." While selecting the music, however, Payne kept hearing instruments, a bassoon here, an African kora, even a New Orleans street band. The traditional spiritual "Zion's Walls" gets the steely counterpoint of a harpsichord, and "Great Day" picks up after church and follows the rollicking New Orleans street band home. "Mary Had a Baby" features some nice soprano sax call-and-response, and a deep, sinuous double bass adds to the cool rhythm on "Elijah Rock." The soaring vocals of "Hail Mary" are complemented by English horn and bassoon. A beautiful pair of songs from Payne's travels in Africa are happily included, the rhythmic a cappella "Nkosi Sikelel, iAfrica" and the haunting "Kwa Unyenyekevu." Our friend Kirby Shaw's finger-snapping spiritual "Plenty Good Room," and the traditionals "Fix Me" and "I'm Gonna Sing" are other favorites among these 15 tunes. A beautiful, feel-good collection from the MJGC!
Listen to Just A Little Walk With Jesus in RealAudio.
| 2495 CD $14.95 |
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Lord I Know I've Been Changed - Trevor W. Payne |
Trevor Payne's renowned, veteran Choir brings us this moving tribute to the Negro Spiritual. Following in the footsteps of the Fisk Jubilee Singers and other gospel music pioneers, this is a rare collection of a cappella Spiritual "hits," beginning with "Lord, I Know I've Been Changed," the lovely "There Is A Balm in Gilead," "Ezekiel Saw The Wheel," "Deep River," "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Soon Ah Will Be Done," "Steal Away," "In That Morning When The Lord Says Hurry," "Ain't Got Time to Die," "Joshua Fit The Battle of Jericho"…the good stuff just keeps on coming! One of the best collections of this wonderful, inspirational music we have heard!
| 2494 CD $14.95 |
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Seteng Sediba Avulekile Amasango / One Love I'll Remember You Ke Na Le Modisa Akahlulwa Lutho Sitting In Limbo / This Little Light Of Mine / M';ilo Vutha Mathanjeni / If Yu ever Needed The Lord Izwi Lahlab'inhiliziyo Yami Africa One Hlohonolofatsa Hosanna Sefapano By The Rivers of Babylon Modimo Balm Of Gilead Forever Young Somlandela Shosholoza World In Union |
South Africa's 26-strong, mixed-voice Soweto Gospel Choir draws their talented singers from the churches and communities around Soweto. Their exuberant sound is a blend of traditional music rooted in song and percussion, combined with the influence of 19th century missionary music, called African Gospel. The Choir continually tours the world to standing ovations and sold-out concerts, and has performed with artists from Bono, Peter Gabriel and Queen to Diana Ross, Jimmy Cliff and Johnny Clegg. They are famous for their bright costumes and spirited live performances, and for their fundraisers to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in South Africa. 18 songs, some accompanied, are here. Traditional tunes "Setend Sediba," "Ke Na Le Modisa," "Izwi Lahlab'Inhiziyo Yami," "Africa," "Sefapano," "Modimo," "Somlandela" and "Shosholoza" are very fine, as is "Avulekile Amasango/Bob Marley's "One Love" medley, Bono's "One," Dylan's "I'll Remember You" and "Forever Young," and "Sitting in Limbo/This Little Light of Mine/M'Lilo Vutha Mathanjeni/If You Ever Needed the Lord" medley. Every cut on "Spirit" is a joy, as is looking at the pictures of these beautiful, powerful singers!
Listen to By The Rivers of Babylon in Real Audio
| 9895 CD $16.95 |
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Shewane Asimbonanga/Biko Jiko Yahao A Place In Heaven Njalo I Bid You Goodnight LeLilungelo Ngelakho Oh Happy Day Noyana Masigiyae'bo Swing Down Weeping Thapelo Woza Meli Wami Mbube Tshepa Thapelo Khumbaya South African National Anthem |
Soweto Gospel Choir is the most successful and exciting vocal group to emerge from South Africa Since Ladysmith Black Mambazo. "Blessed", a follow up to their number 1 Billboard World Charts debut album "Voices From Heaven," takes their irresistible blend of traditional South African music, gospel and inspirational pop one step further. With some awe-inspiring South African hymns and great versions of such classics as "Oh Happy Day," "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," and "Khumbaya." The Soweto Gospel Choir with their intricate harmonies and soulful singing will beckon all to reclaim their spirit.
Listen to Swing Down in Real Audio
| 9873 CD $15.98 |
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Jikela Emaweni Vuma Thina Simnqobile Zanele Paradise Road Ahuna Ya Yswanag Le Jesu/Kammatia Many Rivers to Cross/Going Down Jordan/Amen (Medley) Amazing Grace Thula Baba Sikulandile Malaika Hlanganani Bayete Jerusalem Holy City/Bayete (Medley) African Dream |
The 25 mixed-voice Soweto Gospel Choir draws on the best talent from many churches and communities in and around Soweto, and is truly an "all-star" Gospel ensemble. Like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the SGC has strong roots in traditional music and celebrates the vitality of South Africa with its powerful spiritual message. They've achieved breakthrough success in Europe (two sold-out shows at London's Royal Festival Hall!), Africa and Australia, and their sellout runs in 2003 and 2004 were the surprise hit of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. "Voices" is the SGC's debut recording, and it includes an irresistible mix of traditional South African secular and gospel songs, American gospel material such as "Amazing Grace," and stirring inspirational tunes such as "Many Rivers to Cross," sung in English as well as Zulu. Some tracks are breathtaking a cappella, while others are upbeat tracks with instrumental backing. A massive tour of the US is accompanying the launch of "Voices" in early 2005, most notably Carnegie Hall in NYC, Sanders Theatre in Boston and the Robert Frost Center in Atlanta. "Voices" is an impressive, powerful, joyous debut CD for the Soweto Gospel Choir!
| 9862 CD $15.98 |
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Walk Together Children Rock My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham Don't Stay Away I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray Trying to Get Ready The Old Ark's A-Movering Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child Ezekiel Saw the Wheel Wade In The Water I Just Got Over Meet You at the Judgement Plenty Good Room Trampin' Old Ship of Zion I'm A-Rollin When You Come out of the Wilderness My Lord's Gonna Move This Wicked Race Sweet Little Jesus Boy Until I Found the Lord I've Been 'Buked I'm Going to Sit at the Welcome Table Over My Head Where Shall I Be When the First Trumpet Sounds Amen He's All and All to Me |
Reverend Glynn T. Settle was the originator of the Wings over Jordan Choir (WOJC), which on the public scene in the late 1930s, the first full-time professional black choir in America. Proficient and versatile, during the period 1938 to 1949, the choir performed before sold-out, non-segregated audiences in over 40 American states, 5 European countries, Canada and Mexico. In 1937 the choir inaugurated a successful weekly "Negro Hour" on CBS Radio in Cleveland, reaching 40 million listeners. WOJC's segment of spirituals would be followed by the Southernaires Quartet, and then the Golden Gate Quartet. A songbook was published and over 50 recordings came from this program, performances with major symphonic orchestras and an invitation to sing at the White House. Reverend Settle narrates in this rare collection, saying things like "It's not because I'm a coward and afraid to defend myself that I smilingly take the many abuses forced upon me through life. The fact is, I pity and pray for those who despitefully mistreat me. You may wonder about my attitude. Well, the answer is very simple. I am busy trying to get ready to try on my long white robe." Gospel Friend records is releasing this wonderful collection of 25 authentic spirituals, accompanied by fascinating pictures and text in the liner notes (one of our favorites is several members of the group all dressed up in front of their spanking-new tour bus, "Wings Over Jordan" proudly on the front). There are several spirituals we are hearing for the first time, such as "The Old Ark's A-Movering," "My Lord's Gonna Move This Wicked Race," the joyous "I Just Got Over," "Meet You at the Judgement," "Trampin'," "Over My Head" and others. And then there are tunes we've heard many times, such as "Rock My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham," "Ezekiel Saw the Wheel," "Wade in the Water," "Old Ship of Zion" and "Sweet Little Jesus Boy," but it's as if we are hearing them for the first time. "Trying to Get Ready" is a treat on many levels, from beginning to end. Don't miss this one!
Listen to The Old Ark's A-Movering in Real Audio
| 2526 CD $16.95 |
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S.A.C. Choir: Namhla Niyabizwa St. Moses Choir: Bayahuba Abantwana Amadodana Asempumaze: Wadatshulwa Amadodana Ase Wesile: Zingandidakumbisa Na? Amagugu Odumu: Morena Boluka Michael Nkole & His Apostles: Hamba Jona Ama-Nazaretha: Nkosi Baba Ngiyakuthanda Vuyo Mokoena & Pure Magic: Lefatshe La Dikhutsanyane I.P.C.C.: Tumelo Holy Brothers: Nkosi Yami Uze Ungikhumbule 12 Apostles Church Choir: Izindaba Kings Messengers Quartet: There's Room Enough Davey Angels: Hosanna Nkosi Yami Rebecca Malope: Usizo Lwam Holy Cross Choir: ha Ba Tshela Jordane Rock of Ages Temple Choir with Majuwel Ramoroesi: Kenang Bohle Ladysmith Black Mambazo: Baba Wethu Singenile Barorisi Ba Morena: Ha Batsela Nokeng Ea Jordane Z.C.C. Mukhukhu: Ka Lifu Laka Izikhova Ezimnqini: Vuka John Sithandaze Bana Ba Lesedi: Alleluya Holy Spirits Choir: Wmngoma Lishonile |
Gospel music is an integral part of everyday life in South Africa's urban townships and rural communities, and it constitutes one of the largest genre segments of the local recording industry. This widespread popularity has spilled over onto the international stage with groups and artists like Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Rebecca Malope. "The Rough Guide" brings together 22 powerful performances recorded over the last 40 years, in styles ranging from apostolic choirs to pop-influenced gospel divas. Some accompaniment. It's hard to pick favorites here, but "Bayahuba Abantwana" by St. Moses Choir, "Morena Boluka," by Amagugu Odumu, "Hamba Jona" by Michael Nkole & His Apostles, "Tumelo" by "I.P.C.C.," "Izindaba" by 12 Apostles Church Choir, ""There's Room Enough" by King's Messengers Quartet," "Hosanna Nkosi Yami" by Davey Angels, "Usizo Lwam" by Rebecca Malope, ""Ha Ba Tshela Jordane" by Holy Cross Choir, "Baba Wethu Singenile" by Ladysmith, "Ka Lifu Laka" by Z.C.C. Mukhukhu and "Wemngoma Lishonile" by Holy Spirits Choir are particularly wonderful. Spirited, joyful, rhythmic music from some of the best Gospel choirs and singers in the world that will have you singing along, boogying to the beat and feeling fine!
Listen to There's Room Enough in Real Audio.
| 2871 CD $15.98 |
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The Vision - A.L. Jinwright Mass Choir |
The popularity of the Gospel Choir is one of the major reasons for the growth of the genre. Crystal Rose searched its vault and selected the best live performances ever for a visually exciting gospel music experience. This DVD compilation provides pure gospel in the form of Praise & Worship as well as contemporary and traditional gospel songs by some of today's most recognized choirs.
| 3063 DVD $14.95 |
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They Got The Wod |
This documentary and concert program takes a look at the world famous, Grammy nominated Mississippi Mass Choir, following the once small-time church singing group on its journey to eventually become a critically praised collective of singers with a series of successful albums and tours.
| 3064 DVD $15.95 |
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The Brooklyn Tabernacle draws thousands of people from around the world, who come to worship and be inspired by the Grammy award-winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. These 11 accompanied, high-energy, revival-style gospel tunes will get your foot tapping, and very possibly up and dancing! There are several nice originals here, several of them written and composed by Carol Cymbala, wife of Pastor Jim Cymbala: the title tune, “Nothing is Impossible,” “Keep Me True,” and “Holy Like You.” Other favorites are “Church Medley,” Robert Gay’s “More Than Enough,” the traditional hymn “All The Way To Calvary, ” “It’s Amazing” by Oliver Wells, “I Found The Answer” by Johnny Lang, “Lift Your Voice” by Cindy and Becky Cruse, and “For Every Mountain” by Kurt Carr. “God Is Working” is a powerful, inspirational collection that will touch and move you!
| 2299 DVD $9.95 |
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We Can Do All Things |
"Just Having Church“, is an unforgettable experience that raises the roof on Gospel Choir Music. This project from the Grammy, Dove and Stellar Award nominated group is their most impressive to date. Recorded live in front of a packed house at St. Stephen Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, Just Having Church is suitably titled. From songs like Spirit of the Living God to Let’s Praise Jesus to He’s Alright, the Chicago Mass Choir uses their unique gift to give listeners an incredible blend of traditional gospel and modern worship. The 80-member Chicago Mass Choir is hitting the road like never before, with feature appearances at the Inspirational Network’s Camp Meeting, the Gospel Music Channel’s “Hometown Gospel Special, and the 23rd Annual Chicago Gospelfest. Since their first recording 17 years ago, the Chicago Mass Choir has grown into one of the strongest and most exciting choirs on the Gospel scene and is now considered one of the top traditional choirs in the country. “Just Having Church” continues the tradition of excellence and will be a must-have CD for any Gospel collection.
| 5230 DVD $19.95 |
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Shewane Asimbonanga/Biko Jiko Yahao A Place In Heaven Njalo I Bid You Goodnight LeLilungelo Ngelakho Oh Happy Day Noyana Masigiyae'bo Swing Down Weeping Thapelo Woza Meli Wami Mbube Tshepa Thapelo Khumbaya South African National Anthem |
Soweto Gospel Choir is the most successful and exciting vocal group to emerge from South Africa Since Ladysmith Black Mambazo. "Blessed", a follow up to their number 1 Billboard World Charts debut album "Voices From Heaven," takes their irresistible blend of traditional South African music, gospel and inspirational pop one step further. With some awe-inspiring South African hymns and great versions of such classics as "Oh Happy Day," "The Lion Sleeps Tonight," and "Khumbaya." The Soweto Gospel Choir with their intricate harmonies and soulful singing will beckon all to reclaim their spirit.
Listen to Swing Down in Real Audio
| 3061 DVD $19.98 |
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Jesu Ngowtthu Seteng Sediba Izwi Lahlab Inhliziyo Yami Ke Na Le Modisa Ziyamazi'umelusi One Love River Jordan This Little Light of Mine If You Ever Needed The Lord Kammatia I'll Remember You Jerusalem Woza Moyam Hakeleje Table Music Woza Meli Wami Amazing Grace Bayete World in Union Sisazoyivuma Le Ngoma |
This multitalented group has exploded onto the world music scene, wowing audiences with its virtuosity and passion. Drawn primarily from the churches and communities of South Africa’s most famous township, the choir mixes earthy rhythms, rich harmonies, drumming, dancing, and irrepressible charisma for an experience that lifts the soul and stuns the senses. Filmed live in concert on their Australian tour, they sing a blend of traditional gospel and contemporary standards in English as well as some of the 10 other official languages of South Africa. Constantly in motion and dressed in vibrantly colored robes and textiles, with one superb soloist after another taking the lead, they offer up such highlights as "Asimbonanga," Jonny Clegg’s tribute to Nelson Mandela; Peter Gabriel’s "Biko"; "Mbube," the South African song that became "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"; the traditional ballad "I Bid You Goodnight"; Bob Marley’s classic "One Love"; and Nkosi Sikelel’iAfrika, the South African National Anthem.
Listen to Seteng Sediba in Real Audio
| 9929 DVD $19.95 |
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