Legends of Gospel in Concert

Like much non-classical American music, gospel had its roots in Africa before making its way via slave ships to North America, where the call and response tradition was honed by slaves laboring in the fields. In fact, the church provided the only real sanctuary for these beleaguered souls, and it was here that the sound of gospel was nurtured before eventually being codified in the 20th century by the Rev. Thomas Dorsey, the source of virtually every enduring feature of the art form (all of which is recounted in the "history of gospel" text included on this DVD). Unlike the staid hymns heard in many white churches, gospel music is joyful and unbound; simply put, it rocks. Witness the Rev. James Cleveland, one of the giants in the field. His "Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus" lasts for more than 13 minutes, with Cleveland stoking the band and the crowd at Oakland's Paramount Theatre until the whole auditorium fairly takes off in a foot-stomping, hand-clapping, soul-searing frenzy. Cleveland's 30-minute set is the highlight of this double disc set, but other performances are notable as well: the Walter Hawkins Singers (whose "Oh Happy Day" was a huge hit when older brother Edwin led the troupe) soar, the Mighty Clouds of Joy come on like a Philly soul group, Shirley Caesar makes like a sanctified Gladys Knight, and the Clark Sisters, testifying that "Jesus is the baddest man in town," are wondrous to behold. Granted, the sound and visuals on these archival performances are not topnotch, but God is most definitely in the house. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Graham)