Customer Reviews

Blessed

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Soweto Gospel Choir performs gospel music, traditional African music and even pop music using the call and response vocal techniques that are associated with Soweto Township in South Africa. I've never heard this music performed by such a large ensemble of singers and the results are as soulful and deeply inspiring as any music you are likely to hear on this planet of ours.

"Asimbonanga/Biko" is a gorgeous rendering two combined songs, one by popular South African musician Johnny Clegg and the other a tribute to Steven Biko by England's Peter Gabriel. There are English language versions of songs of familiar songs like "I Bid You Goodnight", "Swing Down", "Kumbaya" and a rendition of "Oh Happy Day" that gives the Edwin Hawkins Choir's original version a run for the money. "Mbube" is the version of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" which brings it all back home to the African roots of the popular Tokens tune from the Sixties.

There are also some up-tempo tunes like "Njalo" in the ju-ju music tradition which sound quite a bit like the hip shaking socca dance music of played in West Indian nations like Trinidad, Tabago, Bardados and Dominica. "Weeping" sounds like an American pop tune straight from repertoire of a jazzy musical stylist like Roberta Flack or Nora Jones.

As with every previous reviewer I can't think of enough good things to say about the Soweto Gospel Choir. Take me at my word, they are breathtaking.

What a wonderful choir. I drove two hours to hear them, just for fun. I had no idea what I was in for. I have been to hundreds of concerts in my lifetime, from every style of music ever created. This was one of the best live performances ever to grace this earth. I am going to drive five hours and take my family, so they may experience such wonderful music and a beautiful spiritual connection with God. I cried, smiled, danced, etc. just listening to the cd, just think how moved you'd be if you experienced them live. A+ for music, vocals, harmony, performance, dance, richness in spirit, etc.

I just can't seem to get enough of listening to this CD. From the first song to the last is all good. It is very uplifting. I may not understand the language but I feel the message of the songs in my heart and soul. This is one for your collection.

They came to my school yesterday and were amazing. I was so pleased and hope that everyone can see them. they were extremely pleasing.

My husband and I just saw them at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. The song "I Bid You Goodnight" is a lovely lullaby. Their version of "O Happy Day" is a knockout. I highly recommend that you see them in concert if you're able. They'll be in the United States until April.

Everything you expect. Without even understanding the words, the sentiment & emotion are apparent. If, like me, you think the CD may be monotonous, you couldn't be farther from the truth. 'Blessed' runs the gamut from soulful to playful, but usually quite emotional and uplifting. It's one of those CDs you can listen to straight through.

Very refreshing to hear voices in music and not the modern music full of studio sound effects. These guys can sing. Even though they sing mostly in their traditional African language, you can't help but be moved by the harmony of the voices. Wish i could have been on stage to dance with them, their voices certainly make you want to dance. Wonderful and refreshing.

I bought my own cd at a concert, but after listening to it recently, I decided to send one to my brother, because the music is beautiful and different from gospel music we are used to.

I read a review about the Soweto Gospel Choir's local performance in the New York Times. The NYT review of the concert was so positive, so effusive that I took note. Toward the end of the review, the article describes how enthusiastically the New York audience responded to the Soweto Gospel Choir, I thought, wow, I have to get this album. I do not usually listen to Christian or gospel music, but I really like this album. It is the perfect Sunday morning treat, along with a cup of good coffee and the newspapers. If you haven't heard the album, I recommend sampling some of the songs. Don't be surprised if you find yourself swaying to the music.

Excellent, voices, arrangements, musicians, songs and production. Also, fantantically, inspirational and moving.