Shirley Caesar: After 40 Years…Still Sweeping Through the City (tbgb review)

After 40 Years…Still Sweeping Through the City
Shirley Caesar
Shu-Bel Records/Light Records 2007
www.shirleycaesar.com

Still sweeping, indeed.

Celebrating her fortieth anniversary as a solo artist, the starting point being the release of her “I’ll Go” LP for Hob Records in 1967, Pastor Shirley Caesar gives the listener a healthy sampling of her traditional side on her latest project, After 40 Years…Still Sweeping Through the City. Caesar recorded this album to remind gospel enthusiasts of the sounds and songs that made her a household name, and to introduce her earlier work to a new generation who may be unfamiliar with it.

And she’s on fire throughout this, her 41st album, but the debut release on her Shu-Bel Records imprint (named for Caesar and her sister), distributed by Light Records. The opening track, “Sweeping Through the City,” sets the tone, with Mighty Clouds of Joy leader Joe Ligon joining Caesar on the driving-tempo musical inferno that hearkens back to the singer’s days with the Caravans. Speaking of the ‘Vans, Caesar shares a penchant for parables with former Caravan colleague Dorothy Norwood. Caesar sings, shouts, testifies, evangelizes, and works the audience into holy exhilaration with classic story songs such as “The Old Apple Tree” and “Hold My Mule,” though her most popular, “No Charge,” was not reprised.

While “Sweeping” is the obvious standout track on the live recording, other highlights include “Peace in the Midst of the Storm,” a Steve Adams composition that sounds like it came right out of the Martin & Morris archives. The Mt. Calvary Word of Faith Choir (her church choir) and the Caesar Singers who accompany Caesar deserve special mention for their raw power and musical stamina. A medley that includes “Nobody But You, Lord” features bone-chilling congregational singing. And famed quartet singer and musician Criss Johnson on lead guitar gives the project additional traditional cred.

Pastor Caesar has come a very long way, more than 40 years if you consider her membership in Thelma Bumpess’ Royalettes during the Truman Era. Yet in sound, spirit, style and sheer commitment, Caesar will be sweeping for a mighty long time.

Three and a Half of Four Stars