There’s something about the massed voices of a gospel choir in full flow that gladdens the heart and brings a smile to the face. No real surprises there – after all, gospel which is itself descended from negro spirituals, forms the roots of all modern day soul and R’n’B. (Both Aretha Franklin and Sam Cooke were gospel stars before they crossed over). For ten years now the Dublin Gospel Choir have been doing just that, starting out from small beginnings but more recently becoming a much in-demand live attraction. On this beautifully produced album, featuring mainly familiar material they confidently showcase their impressive mastery of the form.
Opening with a mighty version of Primal Scream’s ‘Moving On Up’ they more than do justice to similar contemporary fare including a better than usual take on U2’s ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ and Labi Siffre’s ‘Something Inside So Strong’ as well as standards like ‘Swing Low Sweet Chariot’ and ‘Oh Happy Day’. To pick a highlight here is difficult as each song tends to complement the next, though at least one standout would be their version of Stevie Wonder’s gorgeous ballad ‘As’ (also covered recently by George Michael) from his Songs In The Key of Life album. Solo vocalists Padraig Rush and Mary Cardiff get right into the heart and soul of the song while the joyous backing lifts it into the stratosphere.
Uplifting stuff.