“Gospel
music has often followed the prominent trends in secular music,
probably in the hope of widening its audience by giving the subject
matter a sprinkling of cool. In the 60s it happened with R&B and
then funk-flavoured gospel, the 70s brought sweet-soul crossovers, and
by 1975 the sounds of early disco had started to permeate the genre.
This compilation brings together overlooked gospel gems that have their
production rooted in disco and boogie, the sound of the early 80s that
followed in disco’s wake. It’s only recently that this music has begun
to be appreciated by fans outside of its original target market, and I’m
glad to help it finally reach a wider audience.” David Hill
12 comments:
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This is a very interesting compilation. Thanks, KC. I think that it documents quite well the exact moment when I got off the boat listening to contemporary gospel music, and at lot of new R&B as well. It remains a huge mystery for me to understand the evolution of funk-based R&B to disco. We had just created one of the greatest dance musics ever known to man, and then it was like we just threw it away for something far inferior. For gospel music, the decline was even more extreme, from the supremely soulful early 70s grooves of people like Cleophus Robinson, the Swanees, Troy Ramey, and Mighty Clouds of Joy to this mess. Still, this is a very successful compilation from an historical point of view, a point of reference in the development of the music, whether we like it or not.
Of course, this set is worth a good listen if for no other reason than to hear how irrepressible Shirley Ceasar is, even in this context. Her tracks here kill. :)
Thanks for the insight Preslives!! And KC?? Been spinnin your joints like mad over the holidays bruh. Got Como Mamas goin as I write this, also lovin the Art Neville and The Relatives. Gonna check this one out.
Well, yes. Thanks KC. Interesting as Preslives says. I was going to say 'cryptically says' but it's only cryptic for the first sentence... These old ears can't hear some of this but Shirley, well who could object? (That is rhetorical). The title track really cooks too.
Many thanks, KC, for this stirring post. Much appreciated.
Very very interesting music and point of view. Thank you KingCake and happy funky new year.
Looks interesting so I'll give it a go, although I never was much of a Disco kinda guy (more "Heavy Metal Soundhouse", that was me).
The ZR site has a load of info and the full sleevenotes PDF for download...
http://www.zrecords.ltd.uk/product-detail/Soul-Funk-Disco/67/Z+Records/Various+Artists/Overdose+of+The+Holy+Ghost+compiled+by+David+Hill/download/269
Glad I gave this one a listen. "Disco and Boogie era" gospel produced some catchy toe-tappin tunes! Some fine gospel voices too.Thanks.
Thanks a lot for this --- looking forward to hear this!!!
Did you hear about "This May Be Ma Last Time Singing" and "Fire In My Bones" compilations? They were released by Tompkins Square, definitely worth listening...
Happy 2014 to you all!!!
Is a Reup possible??
plz plz reup thank you for everything this blog has brought to life for so many!
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