Trombone player
Wycliffe Gordon
plays from his
gospel
roots on this CD entitled
The Gospel Truth
, released in the year 2000.
Gordon
grew up in a
church in his home state of Georgia. His father was the church pianist, assuring that his son's home and church life were filled with religious music. The
church musical experience draws on diverse elements, from
traditional
spirituals
and
hymns
to
blues
jazz
, played on a variety of instruments and sung by voices dedicated to praising the Lord. It is no wonder, then, that
sounds right at home with this music -- he is. Joining him on the album are trumpeter
Marcus Printup
and pianist
Eric Reed
,
Reuben Rogers
on bass,
Winard Harper
on drums, and
Victor Goines
on clarinet. These jazzmen are in a
mode, in which they are joined by a daughter of the church,
Carrie Smith
, on vocals. Together, they create a praise service that features
contemporary gospel
tunes, and original compositions by
. Listeners who love that old-time religion may especially enjoy
"Jesus Loves Me,"
"The Lord's Prayer,"
"What a Friend We Have in Jesus,"
"Take My Hand, Precious Lord."
is quick to acknowledge that his talents are God-given, and he shows it, on
"The Hallelujah Scat,"
"The Deacon's Moan,"
and the title cut, as he turns his trombone into an instrument of praise.
follows that lead as he plays a soulful rendition of
"The Battle Hymn of the Republic."
Reed
Printup
Harper
Rogers
are right on in their sensitive and joyous contributions to the recording. The most outstanding cut on this great album may be the selection that features all the musicians. Led by the mighty voice of
Smith
, the entire group sings and plays on the inspirational
"There's a Tree."
The album closes with a piece composed by
entitled
"The Message."
There is a popular saying in the
tradition: The message is in the music. It is on this CD. ~ Rose of Sharon Witmer