Description
Rock Power Praise, Vol. III: Traditional Gospel Hymns is a multi-artist compilation released on Pakaderm Records in 1992, manufactured and distributed by Word. The album was produced and arranged by John and Dino Elefante.
The first installment of this three-part series was released in 1990, entitled Rock Power Praise, Vol. I: The Hymns, while the second installment was released the following year, entitled Rock Power Praise, Vol. II: Christmas Hymns.
There is no good reason for black gospel to be ignored by the white church and non-traditionally churched black masses. Reinterpretation may by in order for broader appreciation, and Scott Blackwell and the Elefante Brothers do just that to get club kids and hard rockers to tune into gospel. Because of the occasional club play of dance-oriented gospel, Blackwell’s ‘Myx’d Trip to a Gospel House‘ sounds like a natural progression from church music to house and swingbeat. Save for tune intros that aren’t always friendliest to club DJs (i.e., a few abrupt vocal beginnings), his gathering of talents like the ubiquitous Sandra Stephens and Allegra Parks, Monte Jackson from The Jackson Family and Bernard Wright (in a deep remix of «Trust and Obey» from his ‘Fresh Hymns’) to cover Andrae Crouch, Danniebelle Hall and Gospelaires chestnuts is a winner. Especially workable favorites include the desperate praying in the Late Supper Mix of «Take Me Back» and the fierce version of «Can I Get a Witness» (love that “ah, doot doot doot” sample!).
The Elefante-produced ‘Traditional Gospel Hymns’ is trickier, as the gospel roots of hard rock and metal aren’t as obvious. What stands most in common are the powerful vocal deliveries and flair for the dramatic in the musics. For me, that power and drama is best heard in slower pieces like Sara Tennison’s take on «Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child» and Howard McCreary’s Chris Redding-like «Joy Joy». Though you’re going to have to start using your toes to count the recent numbers of covers of the Staple Singers‘ «I’ll Take You There», the calypso feel of Voncielle Faggett’s version cooks, heavy guitars and all.
If these collections can inspire young dance music and rock fans to pursue the gospel racks next time they’re out music shopping, a higher purpose has been served. Even if they don’t, there’s plenty to warm up to on ‘A Myx’d Trip’ and ‘Rock Power Praise Volume III’ [Jamie Lee Rake, CCM, August 1992]
CD tracklist:
01. Oh Happy Day (Solo vocal by Linda McCreary) – 3:34
02. Going Up Yonder (Solo vocal by Olivia McClurkin) – 4:55
03. Joy Joy (Solo vocal by Howard McCreary) – 5:38
04. Soon And Very Soon (Solo vocal by James Salters) – 3:52
05. Amen (Solo vocal by Howard McCreary) – 3:03
06. Can’t Nobody (Solo vocal by James Salters) – 3:39
07. Blessed Assurance (Solo vocal by Kelli Reisen) – 5:39
08. Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child (Solo vocal by Sara Tennison) 4:49
09. I’ll Take You There (Solo vocal by Voncielle Faggett) – 4:19
10. I Surrender All (Solo vocal by Sara Tennison) – 4:23
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Pakaderm Records.
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