“Rescue Me”
The James’
From the Needle Gate Records CD Rescue Me
www.needlegate.com
No, this is not a gospelized version of Fontella Bass’s 1965 soul smash. The title track of the James’ CD is hypnotic and bracing, a praise and worship melody given a marching tempo and all but overshadowed by performance techniques straight outta old school.
What makes “Rescue Me” distinctive is the insistent shouting, beseeching and exhorting of the firebrand lead singer, Sonja James-Bellephant, who grasps the lyric with both hands and, like a frothy evangelist, flings it at the congregation with the urgency of a prophet on the last day. You can see her in your mind’s eye, walking to and fro on the altar, testifying.
The five sisters who make up the James’ hail from Chicago’s Greater Rock Missionary Baptist Church, a church their family founded, where Rev. Floyd James serves as pastor.
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.
Visit Today : 1373
This Month : 34694