Mississippi Mass Choir – …Then Sings My Soul

Mississippi Mass Choir
…Then Sings My Soul
Malaco Records (2011)
http://www.malaco.com/

Reviewed by Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

Time will tell but …Then Sings My Soul could well go down in history as the crown jewel in the Mississippi Mass Choir’s estimable catalog of gospel gems.

This two-disc set was recorded in June, 2009 at First Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. The 200-plus member multicultural choir, which has been “serving God through song” since 1988, is as strong as ever. Its lead singers more than hold their own against the thunderous wall of vocal power – because when Mississippi Mass crescendos, they can drown out a jet plane.

After the compulsory praise opener, the program never stops to take a breath. There is scant entr’acte commentary as flatfooted ballads alternate with traditional-style church-wreckers. High-tempo workouts include the strutting “I Love to Praise Him,” led by the beloved Mosie Burks; the holy dancing “I Will Survive,” and a Warriors-esque “Don’t Stop Praying.” “Lord, You’re the Landlord” is the kind of congregational song that Babbie Mason might sing; here, Jesus is a trustworthy landlord who will come to your rescue when “there’s a leak in your building.”

The gospel ballads are just as memorable as the uptempo pieces. Their lyrics tug at the heart and speak plainly to people in need of comfort and hope. Benjamin Cone III gives an effective reading to the current single, “God Made Me;” the fiery shouter Marva McKinley is equally striking on “We’ve Come to Praise the Lord,” and Luther Barnes, quartet star and one of the album’s producers, tears it up on “He’ll Carry You.”

In fact, the traditional-flavored “He’ll Carry You,” with its confident reminder that God will see you through all troubles, was clearly a favorite at the recording session, and is equal in mood and tone to “God Made Me.” It could very easily be a single.

It is difficult to choose a favorite from among the eighteen tracks on this double album.  Most all are well written, well rendered and well produced. …Then Sings My Song is how a gospel project ought to sound.

Five of Five Stars

Picks: “God Made Me,” “He’ll Carry You,” “Don’t Stop Praying.”