Albertina Walker and the Evangelical Choir of the Lighthouse Baptist Church
From the Savoy LP I Can Go to God in Prayer
Savoy SL-14600, 1981
You can’t get much more Chicago than “I Can Go to God in Prayer,” a song written by Chicago’s Calvin Bridges that features Queen of Gospel Albertina Walker (“Miss Caravan”) with an energetically clapping gospel choir from the Lighthouse Baptist Church, founded by former First Church of Deliverance member Rev. Jerry Goodloe. The performance was recorded live in Goodloe’s south side church. Even the album liner notes have Chicago provenance, penned by Elder George Jordan (“Jesus Can Work it Out”) of Rev. Maceo Woods’ Christian Tabernacle, another gospel choir powerhouse.
“I Can Go to God in Prayer” demonstrates why Chicago continues to be the gospel choir capital of the world. The performance will put a smile on your face, warm your heart, and brighten your step. Isn’t that what gospel music is supposed to do?
Plus, the song’s bridge has one of the catchiest call-and-response sections in gospeldom: To Walker’s call, “He can work it out,” the choir’s response is, “Yes He can/Yes He can/Yes He can/Oh, Yes He can.” Like the “sha la la” in Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” you can’t listen to this song without chiming in on the response.
The entire live LP is excellent, especially the workout on the Ward Singers’ famous “We Shall Be Changed,” but “I Can Go to God In Prayer” outshines all of the tracks. It is one of the most remarkable choir performances in gospel music. Given the competition, that’s saying a lot.
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Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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Dear Bob,
I found your blog some time ago, and just rediscovered it. I don’t know why I haven’t been keeping up with it, but I will now. I took classes with L. Stanley Davis at Northwestern in the late 90s and am happy to have your blog as a way to keep learning. I am physically very limited and can’t get out for anything live, so your album recommendations will be attended with interest.
Bless you and your work,
Priscilla
Priscilla, thank you so much for your kind words. Comments like yours are why I do the Blog! L. Stanley Davis is a gospel treasure! Happy to have you as a reader.
This LP is absolutely one of my all time favorites! I am especially fond of Sweet, Sweet Spirit and I’m Going to Work. After decades of searching, I finally found a copy in mediocre condition. :( But better than my fragmented memories!