Outline For their third album (the previous release, Blessed, won a 2007 Grammy for Best Traditional World Music Album), the now-world-famous ensemble of brave, passionate survivors, many of whom are living with HIV and AIDS, has crafted another heartbreakingly beautiful and inspiring program. They raise their voices in praise and hope, at peace with what cannot be changed but not remotely resigned about how to deal with it. The set list concentrates predominantly on South African spirituals but also includes pieces composed by Bono/U2 ("One"), Bob Dylan ("Forever Young"), and reggae icons Jimmy Cliff ("Sitting in Limbo"), and Bob Marley ("One Love"). There is even a rendition of "The World in Union", official anthem of 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa, which is in turn based upon the "Jupiter" movement of Gustav Holst's The Planets. Some listeners may cavil at the crossover tracks, and Bono, heard live with the choir, certainly isn't shy about claiming his share of the spotlight. But building exclusionary fences around music has, thankfully, always been a colossal waste of time. Of whatever origin, each track is a miracle of fellowship, professed belief, and positive striving, interpreted by soloists and choristers of soul-deep, indestructible genius. --Christina Roden
Album Description
In the short time since their first CD release, Soweto Gospel Choir has become one of the most celebrated world music groups performing today. Their releases have hit the Top Ten of the Billboard World Music Charts and their coast-to-coast tours have electrified audiences across the country. They have been featured on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Conan O'Brien show, Emeril Live, A & E's "Breakfast With The Arts", NPR's "Morning Edition" and many other major media outlets.
African Spirit, the Choir's third CD, is their most accessible project yet with an irresistible mix of their versions of internationally known inspirational songs and distinctive South African gospel, including some of the songs that have received the greatest response from their audiences.
World renowned superstar Bono of U2 is a special guest vocalist on the Choir's scintillating version of Bob Marley's "One Love".
Highlights of African Spirit are the Choir's powerful versions of such hits as "Many Rivers To Cross", Bob Dylan's "Forever Young", Jimmy Cliff's "Sitting In Limbo" and Nina Simone's "Balm Of Gilead".
In support of African Spirit, Soweto Gospel Choir will launch a forty-city tour of North America beginning February 1st. This tour will cover all of the most popular cultural performance venues in all of the key cities including New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington D.C. and more.
More Soweto Gospel Choir
Voices from Heaven
Blessed
Album Description In the short time since their first CD release, Soweto Gospel Choir has become one of the most celebrated world music groups performing today. Their releases have hit the Top Ten of the Billboard World Music Charts and their coast-to-coast tours have electrified audiences across the country. They have been featured on the Conan O'Brien show, Emeril Live, A & E's 'Breakfast With The Arts', NPR's 'Morning Edition' and many other major media outlets. This is the third Choir's CD, is their most accessible project yet with an irresistible mix of their versions of internationally-know inspirational songs and distinctive South African gospel, including some of the songs that have received the greatest response from their audiences.
Outline
More Soweto Gospel Choir
Voices from Heaven
Blessed
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Record Label Shanachie
Dimensions: Length: 5.08" Width: 6.14" Height: 0.31" Weight: 0.14 lbs.
Binding CD
Release Date Jan 30, 2007
Publisher E1 Entertainment
ISBN 0012406325 EAN 0016351664020 UPC 016351664020
Availability 2 units. Availability accurate as of May 26, 2012 03:17.
Usually ships within one to two business days from Woodland, CA.
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This recording was one that came recommended by this site, based on previous purchases. I decided "What the heck" and ordered it. I am so pleased that I did! It's an uplifting wonderful blend of voices. I prefer the traditional songs, the the choir also performs some modern pieces, and adapts those pieces to their own style.
LOVE the soweto choir!!! Mar 21, 2007
this is the 3rd soweto CD i have and i love it! they have a wonderful blend of voices and great representation of african gospel music. i have also seen them perform in person and highly recommend their music if you like a good african sound.
See them live if you can... Mar 14, 2007
Just saw their performance and they are amazing! Have purchased all 3 CD's and like them all, although the Bono tracks are great for U2 fans. Whether you're into gospel or not, you will love the harmony of this group. Onstage, the dancing and performing is worth buying the DVD as well. I wish there was more information about the individual performers -Maybe someone will make a documentary about how this group got started?
Awesome Wonder "African Spirit" Feb 25, 2007
I found this CD to be the best so far by the Soweto Gospel Choir, (I have all 3 CDs)I found some great stuff on the albums by Soweto Gospel Choir. "African Spirit" I found to be the best so far. I like track (2)awesome medley with Bob Marley's "One Love" and interesting arrangement, track (3)and (16)great arrangements, for me all the Gospel songs on the album were beautifully put together but tracks 5,6,11 and 14 really hit home especially track 5, awesome arrangement. The thing that hits you first is the magnificent vocals, as only a choir coming from Africa can give, the fact that vocals play such an important part make it great. You can't lose buying this album, I have not put it down since getting it.
Makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck Feb 14, 2007
So far, every CD Soweto Gospel Choir has done has been better than the last. Their third studio album is a gorgeous mix of African music, sacred music, and secular folk.
It's hard to name a standout in this CD. "One Love" the Bob Marley cover with Bono as the guest singer is pretty amazing, but Bob Dylan's "Forever Young" is an unforgettable choral adaptation. "I will Remember You" is a wonderful R&B-gospel song that I suspect we'll hear much more of.
Instrumentation is simple--mostly just percussion and they don't need much else. The choir sings almost with one voice--the harmony and timing is right on. Members of the group sing in 8 African languages.
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