Customer Reviews

Voices From Heaven

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you love Ladysmith Black Mambazo and have been longing to hear some female voices with the same kind of tight harmony and vocalizations, this is the CD for you. This is an amazingly talented group of people. Soweto Gospel Choir members speak 11 African languages and sing in 8 plus English. You'll also hear the 'clicks' and ululations which make African music so distinctive.

The choir is also touring in the US for a while. If you get a chance, a listen to this group is definitely an uplifting experience.

High quality and excitement throughout. Most are easy to recognize as gospel music, even when the specific form is unfamiliar. Songs vary in approach and language. Some are distinctly tribal in origin; others sound Caribbean, some are clearly American, old-school soul in origin. And much in between. But they tend to certain attributes. The core of each song is a steady, communal, simple chant. Songs feel like they are blocked out, and the chorus works through each song in blocks. Some have complex harmonies or even layers of separate parts of the chorus. Others seek the sacred in simplicity. One or two solo voices sing above the chorus in a much more individual, excited, complex, fervent spirit. Solos are mainly female; a few male voices. Individual leads effectively voice their wild devotion over the rock-solid steadiness of the community. Drums typically appear, usually in sparse, syncopated role, and always supporting the voices. Simple but stinging electric guitar accompanies a few pieces. Stand-outs: tr 3-Thina Simnqobile (Close, steady communal chant. Deep female voice above. Quick, light, syncopated drums. Precise clapping in complex rhythms. Ululating.) [56:33]

I not only bought the CD i was blessed to watch them live on their current tour of the United States. When the concert was over it was obvious that everyone wanted more and i could hear a little voice behind me saying "encore". What a refreshing sound from such a small group and they sing with such passion and joy! I recommend this album to everyone who wants to hear real voices sing. An amazing display of God's gift to man.

Purchased Voices From Heaven,after seeing a live
performance of "Blessed." While the audio only album
cannot fully describe the songs on this album,the way
a live video can,it was still very enjoyabloe.The harmony
was at times "soul wrenching." The presentation,
captivating!

My favorite songs were: "Ahuna Ya Twanag Le Jesu" (Nobody
Like Jesus,)The classic South African Lullabye "Thula Baba"
and the Johnny Clegg standard "My African Dream." This was
an outstanding performance.I wish I had seen it live.

We saw the Choir in concert last night in Providence, RI and bought the CD. It captures the energy, harmony and wonderful experience from the live concert. I just wish you could see their dancing and moves that accompany their songs.

I can't stop playing the CD. I bought copies for my family and friends. If you have a chance to see them on their US Tour - don't miss it!

You can find their tour schedule on their website: www.sowetogospelchoir.com. They are fantastic and this CD extends last night's performance for us.

I saw the Choir in concert last night in Madison. The cd captures their spirit. Having seen both Ladysmith Black Mombazo last year and owning cd's of each group, I must say Voices from Heaven is even more uplifting.

. . . during their 20 minute interview on NPR is ANY indication of the quality of this CD, then I'm in.

HOLY CITY gave me chills . . . and the other three tunes they did were absolutely amazing. The clarity of their voices was evident, even though I don't have great reception from the nearest NPR station.

Wow. I'm impressed.

I bought this CD and "Blessed" as the first CDs I've ever owned from the South African genre of praise music. What took me so long? This music is melodic, soothing to the soul, and uplifting to the heart. Even when they sing in their native language and I don't know the words, my spirit connects with theirs and I am touched. God must love it when we praise Him melodically in heart and spirit like this. Let this CD take you into that quiet place of uplifted hands, singing lips, and dancing feet!

I attended their performance in Atlanta, and the CD captures the beauty of their voices. This CD will be uplifting for anyone who listens to it!

Saw them tonight in concert in Ann Arbor. Simply Amazing. I have attended choir concerts of all kinds all over the world. This group moved me more than any other. You could feel the energy of the crowd grow during the performance. Even my seven year old was mesmerized by the music and dancing, and he usually won't even listen to a single song on the radio. Ran out and got the album. Too bad the Steven Biko renditon (Peter Gabriel)they sang is not on the album.