Let's Go to Church. - sound recording reviews

Ebony, April, 1997 by Lynn Norment

The atmosphere of a downhome Baptist church service is captured on Let's Go To Church (CGI), the new recording from the National Baptist Convention Mass Choir. After an introduction by NBC president, Dr. Henry J. Lyons, the recording opens with the devotional hymn "Near The Cross," featuring the Rev. Walter Butts and Vergie Dishman, followed with scripture by the Rev. A. Harold White. Then there's "Prayer," a sermonette delivered by the Rev. Jasper Williams, and the lively title song, "Let's Go To Church," with Steve Jones on lead vocals. The Rev. C. L. Fairchild, the recording's producer, leads the choir on "I'll Go," while Evelyn Turrentine-Agee sings lead on "Not For Himself." Albertina Walker is featured on "Hallelujah," Paul Porter on "I'm Blessed," Kim McFarland on "Never Alone," and the Rev. Clay Evans on "Who Is This Jesus." Other vocalists include the Rev. Wendell Lowe and Lanelle Collins. The choir delivers on the promise to take listeners to church.

Al Green at his soulful finest is presented on the four-disc box set, Al Green Anthology (Right Stuff). Among the 61 tracks are "Back Up Train," "Let's Stay Together," the 7:41 seconds-long, live version of "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart," and the percolating "Take Me To The River." Featured in the set are chart hits, live cuts, alternative takes, remixes, and previously unreleased tracks. There are several interview segments, including a discussion on songwriting techniques and another from the movie, Gospel According To Al Green. Also included is an annotated 64-page booklet of liner notes and essays.

Erykah Badu makes an audacious debut with Baduizm (Kedar/Universal), and her soulful, hypnotic vocals have drawn comparisons to Billie Holiday. Afrocentric rhythms and ambiance come naturally for the trained dancer and teacher who calls herself a "poet who loves to act. . . perform." The easy-flowing melodies showcase Badu's songwriting talents and southern-flavored vocals that appeal to diverse audiences, from lovers of hip-hop, jazz, blues and soul. Among the memorable tunes are uptempo "Rimshot," "On and On" and "Appletree."

ALSO NOTED: Foday Musa Suso, Jali Kunda, Griots of West Africa & Beyond (Ellipsis Arts), featuring Pharoah Sanders; Mbilia Bel and Rigo Star, Yalowa (IMA); Live At The Apollo (Verity), featuring the Rev. Daryl Coley, John P. Kee, Richard Smallwood and Vanessa Bell Armstrong; Greg O'Quin 'N Joyful Noyze, Tryin 2 Make U See (Word); the Rev. Gerald Thompson, Let The Church Say Amen (AIR); James Bignon & Deliverance Mass Choir, What A Mighty God We Serve (AIR); Bernice Johnson Reagon, Voices of the Civil Rights Movement (Black American Freedom Songs 1960-1966) (Smithsonian Folkways); Quincy Jones, Roots (A&M); Ghosts of Mississippi soundtrack (Columbia); Marvin Gave, Vulnerable Sessions (Motown), Lenny White, Renderers of Spirit (Hip Bop); Solomon Burke, Definition of Soul (Pointblank); Millie Jackson, The Sequel: It Ain't Over (Ichiban); The Sugarhill Records Story (Rhino); and NBA At 50-A Musical Celebration (Mercury), with Vanessa Williams, Take 6 and SWV.