COMPOSERS: Various
LABELS: Real World/Virgin
PERFORMER: The Blind Boys of Alabama
CATALOGUE NO: 8 12793 2
The latest from the Blind Boys of Alabama, still going strong ever since their formation at the Alabama Institute for the Blind in 1939. Well, partly ever since – three of the six joined later – but certainly strong.
This stirring outfit puts punchy gospel singing over Sixties-style wailing guitar and tremulous Hammond organ, and the distinctive feature on Higher Ground is a soul/funk repertoire including their personal versions of songs by Stevie Wonder (the title track) and Prince.
The finale is a gem, solo voice echoed by an eloquent ‘speaking’ guitar until eventually joined by vocal harmonies.