Move over high-steppin’ brass bands and funky hipsters, here comes the
hallelujah-hoisting gospel God squadders. As these 15 testifying tracks demonstrate,
gospel is just as essential to the fabric of Crescent City music as any of its
secular brethren. It’s been a contributing factor to Jazz Fest’s
growth, all starting when Quint Davis petitioned Zion Harmonizers’ Sherman
Washington to stage a tent alongside rowdy revelers. Washington’s warriors
represent the lion’s share here, roaring with seven selections including
struttin’ traditionals “Down By the Riverside” and “This
Little Light of Mine” that’s replete with jukin’ guitars, swinging
horns and hearty male harmonizing. Their South African-like “Standing in
the Safety Zone” recalls shades of Ladysmith Black Mambazo while “Jesus
on the Mainline” finds their lead vocalist contorting away in a spirit-induced
trance. Joyful adds a contemporary spin with their deuce of tracks while Canton
Gospel Soul Children rev with seas of heavenly voices on the organ-funky “Ain’t
Got Time To Die” and the resounding, hand-clapping “No One Can Stop
Me.” By the time the Harmonizers close with “Old Time Religion” and “Saints,” not
only do ya want to be in that number, you’ll be one of the robed ones
jumping in the river.