Gospel Legacy Series: Sandra Crouch (Light 2008)

Gospel Legacy Series:
Sandra Crouch
Light Records 2008
www.lightrecords.com

Released in February 2008, this collection of twelve 1980s-era tracks by Sandra Crouch is the best in Light Records’ ten-CD “Gospel Legacy” series. It focuses on Sandra’s bright, energetic and engaging tracks as a solo artist.

Five of the selections were culled from Sandra’s debut solo project, the Grammy award-winning We Sing Praises (1983). One stands out in particular, the hit “He’s Worthy.” It starts out as a majestic hymn but by the end gets fully in touch with its Pentecostal soul and concludes as a double-time celebration.

We’re Waiting (1985) is responsible for the collection’s remaining seven tracks, including “Completely Yes,” which riffs on the COGIC chant “Yes Lord.”

The collection showcases Sandra’s artistic range, from her anthemic side on “(My God) How Excellent is Your Name” to her downright funkiness on “We’re Waiting.”

One constant throughout, however, is the backing of a full-bodied choir and Sandra’s churchy/contemporary touch. Sandra’s classic “Holy Spirit” is missing, but otherwise James Robinson did a fine job compiling the right tracks in the right order for the reissue.

Sandra and her twin brother Andrae formed the COGICs (later the Disciples), hitting it in 1962-3 with Andrae’s composition “The Blood Will Never Lose its Power,” recorded originally for producer Richard Simpson’s eponymous label. The song featured Gloria Jones on lead and Billy Preston on organ. The Disciples’ California gospel sound, joined later by the Hawkins Family’s own modern groove, became de rigueur musical fashion for a generation of choirs, groups and soloists.

Three and a Half of Four Stars