more albums for Warner Bros.--the Grammy-nominated Shaka Zulu , Journey of Dreams , and Two Worlds, One Heart --and solidified their reputation as one of the endearing and enduring world-music groups. This 17-track collection compiles their greatest hits from the label. With the bulk of the music composed by leader-composer Joseph Shabala, this CD captures the ensemble's ebullient mix of African American gospel harmonies, Kwa Zulu/English lyrics, and percussive sounds. From the choral-beat box splendor of "Homeless" and "Amazing Grace" with Paul Simon to the Caribbean-tinged "Township Jive" and the gospel-like "Leaning on the Everlasting Arm" with the Winans, Ladysmith Black Mambazo give us a stirring soundtrack for the new South Africa. --Eugene Holl...  (less)

a number of disparate genres including experimental music, Americana, cabaret, circus music, Appalachian string music, bluegrass music, old-time music, Southern Gospel, and funereal music. The understatedly beautiful cover artwork and illustrations, contained within the 12 page color booklet, are by Carson Ellis, best known for her work on albums by The Decemberists.  (less)

release, penning shrewd, often stunning country-folk lyrics is no longer enough. With the help of Lucinda Williams, John Prine, ex-Van Morrison guitarist John Platania, and gospel singers Audrey Martels and Deena Miller, Chip Taylor aims for the big statement, splicing in spoken samples from Eisenhower, Malcom X, Cassius Clay, and older brother Jon Voight as if his songs of temptation, outlaws, Jesus, baseball, and Marilyn Monroe weren't deliberate enough. Taylor isn't a memorable singer, but his lackadaisical drawl isn't offensive either--and when Lucinda joins him on aching, unpretentious ballads like "Could I Live with This" and "The Ship," his listeners will immediately recognize why Taylor is both a legend and a vital, contempo...  (less)

to quickly fade from sight. Now, with his sophomore album, he proves he wasn't a fluke, even if nothing here immerses itself in the baptismal fire of temptation, death, and redemption with the power of Train. His duet with Ralph Stanley, "Me and God," which Turner wrote, somehow falls short, especially since Stanley sounds so weak that he might have fallen over at the microphone. Where Turner does bring home the bacon is in moving out of the gospel area and wisely choosing four songs from the pen of the underrated Shawn Camp: "Would You Go with Me," the irresistible bluegrass invitation to forever (with lyrics that sound Biblically inspired, despite the overly romantic tone); the hilarious "Loretta Lynn's Lincoln"; the bluesy "No Rush," which...  (less)

"rural adaptation of contemporary soul music." In his "rural soul," Hawkins incorporates the direct approach of Delta blues, the resignation of country music, the honest and idiosyncratic lyrics of folk, the hope of gospel, and the rich and tender vocals of soul. On this 1994 live album, Hawkins's urgent guitar strumming and infectious singing captivates and connects with the audience--after all, playing solo in front of a crowd is where Hawkins had the most practice, after years of Venice Beach busking. "All I Have to Offer You Is Me" was a hit for Charley Pride, country music's most celebrated African American performer. Hawkins renders a gripping a cappella version of John Fogerty's "Long as I Can See the Light," and his reading of Webb Pierc...  (less)

Orchestra in Atlanta GA and was inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. Having worked with such notables as Bobby Womack, Sly & The Family Stone, The Temptations, Barry White and numerous industry greats, he felt GodChild was an artist he wished to work with. “Alabama Is My Home”, is filled with eclectic styles of music, including, Rap, Funk, R & B, Smooth Jazz, & Gospel, on 16 Tracks. GodChild has developed a unique, innovative and original style of music filled with Christian Value lyrics that have garnered him a local following and Radio Airplay on WGMZ FM and WMGJ AM in Gadsden AL.  (less)

No matter where you are in life, these melodies will hit home for you. Noé is an anointed psalmist, created by God to express his glory through song. This CD will usher you into praise, elevate you into worship and before it's all over, you'll be dancin'." Bishop George C. Searight – Abundant Life Family Worship Church "You can tell this CD was birthed out of a relationship with God. The versatility of songs are a refreshing blend with Noe's unique vocals. Truly, word based and uplifting to your spirit. I highly recommend this CD." Liz Black – Gospel Grooves WFDU 89.1 FM And Host of New Mercies Café  (less)

instrumentation. The Mayflies are a hard rockin' quintet that has been playing clubs all over the Midwest and West since 2000. The Mayflies were invited to attend the prestigious 2001 South By Southwest festival, in Austin as the sole musical guests from Iowa and in the short time since have performed with such celebrated acts as Asleep At The Wheel, Greg Brown, Deke Dickerson & The Ecco-Fonics, Robbie Fulks, Alejandro Escovedo, Grand Champeen, Mike Ireland & Holler, Lonesome Bob, Bo Ramsey, Jim Roll, Slobberbone, and Dale Watson & His Lonestars. Embodying all of the adrenalin of a garage rock band with an appreciable love for the history of American music... from bluegrass and gospel, to rural country, to the soulful urban bliss of punk and jazz, The Mayflies have become known for th...  (less)

music. Glendas soulfulness is tied to a complete mastery of her 4 ½ octave range. Velvet restraint in one instance and volatile passion the next are hallmarks of a Glenda Rae performance.  (less)

Music Maestro, they've included early Elvis, movie songs, concert versions, hard to find favorites, gospel, later hits and much, much more! If you love to sing The King's best songs to the best tracks, or know someone who does, this set will be treasured forever!  (less)

Bookended with narration by the great casting of Charlie Daniels, the compilation is filled by low-key, solemn tracks. "Old Gray Coat," starts out bleak, then kicks into a nice little country-pop song, but the lyrics uncannily convey images of a war few of us really know much about. The best song on the compilation--the lone contribution by an African American--is BeBe Winans's "River Jordan," narrated from the perspective of the black soldiers called upon to fight in the war. It's a touching, powerful gospel number that really breaks loose at the end. Other standouts include the piano ballad "Tell My Father" by Kevin Sharp and "Missing You (My Bill)" by Deana Carter. --Aaron Tassano  (less)