In the early 19th century a group of African-American citizens in New York and Ethiopian sailors grew sick and tired of the pious, supposedly-Biblically-sanctioned apartheid that prevailed in their local Baptist church. They resigned their membership for all eternity and set about building a new congregation. Inspired by the ancient Christian roots of Ethiopia, they called their new church the Abyssinian Baptist Church. Over the two hundred intervening years, the church has grown into one of the largest and most famous black congregations in the USA.
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| Abyssinian Baptist Church, Harlem |
In 1960 under the guidance of Alex Bradford, the Abyssinian Baptist Church Choir made a recording that has secured its status as undisputed classic of black choral gospel music. Recorded live in the Church the 120 voices truly shake the rafters. And stir the soul. And rattle the bones. This is music that must be played loud whether first thing in the morning or last thing at night. It’s the sort of music you need to be baptised by. Let it wash over you and feel your resistance crumble.
For all those who have chosen Jesus as their guru this is essential Easter Sunday music. For those who don’t want the dogma just take this record and enjoy its power, energy, joy and amazing singing. You will not regret.
Track Listing:
1. I Want to Ride that Glory Train
2. You’ve Got to Bear that Consequence
3. Heaven Belongs to You (If You Live Right)
4. Said I Wasn’t Gonna Tell Nobody
5. He Stays in My Room
6. Sweet Jesus
7. You Can’t Make Me Doubt Him
8. He is Such an Understanding God
9. I Can Call Him (He Always Answers Me)
10. Restore Unto Me (The Joy of Thy Savlvation)
11. The Lord’s Prayer
12. The Lord Will Make a Way (Somehow)
Listen here.
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