The Evolution of Gospel. - sound recording reviews

Ebony, August, 1991 by Lynn Norment

The Evolution of Gospel (Perspective), the debut recording from Sounds of Blackness, epitomizes the feel-good pop gospel music of the '90s. Superproducers Jimmy Jam Harris and Terry Lewis bring out the best in this 40-member vocal and instrumental ensemble with uplifting arrangements like Sly & The Family Stone's "Stand" and "We Give You Thanks," the somewhat funky "The Pressure," and the artful a cappella Spiritual "Gonna Be Free One Day." With outstanding vocals (most notably from lead singer Ann Bennett-Nesby) and beautiful instrumentation, the choir explores the depth and complexity of Spirituals, gospel, jazz, blues, R & B and rap.

Says director/writer Gary Hines: "The album is an expression of where we are taking gospel music, and where it has been historically. Not only musically, but lyrically as well."