Making history
Glorious gospel jams provide the
perfect launch for NYC's Black History Month festivities
Staten Island Advance - Friday, February 03, 2006
They've swung low with Lyle Lovett. Climbed octaves with Diana Ross.
And added their heavenly pipes to Bono's brogue with U2.
But the biggest star the Harlem Gospel Choir has ever backed?
Jesus Christ, said founder Allen Bailey.
"We're just here to support him," said Bailey of the
globe-trotting ensemble, dropping into the College of Staten Island,
Feb. 11.
Nine singers, a drummer and keyboardist perform at 8 p.m. in the
Center for the Arts, 2800 Victory Blvd. Tickets are $18 to $23.
The gig is one of a slew of area performances, including Sunday's
NAACP "Gospel Extravaganza" at Susan Wagner High School, marking
Black History Month.
The choir spreads the Lord's message of hope and
inspiration, he said.
With shake-the-rafter rave-ups of traditional gospel
hits like "Oh Happy Day," the choir brings audiences to their feet
to clap, wave and testify.
From Poland and Thailand to Japan and New Zealand,
responses are always the same, no matter the audience's backgrounds,
said Bailey.
"Gospel music is about people who suffer," he said.
"Everyone can identify with suffering, especially with all the
problems that are happening in the world today. People want to be
inspired and our music inspires people."
Gospel literally means good news, noted his wife,
Anna, manager of the choir.
"Life isn't easy for anyone. Nobody's safe anywhere.
Do we need hope now more than ever? We certainly don't need it any
less," she said.
The chorus, whose 60-member roster comes from the
Pentecostal and Baptist churches of Harlem, makes over standards
like "I'll Fly Away" and "Amazing Grace," with uptempo jazz. And
from the contemporary songbook, the choir includes R&B star R.
Kelly's dark slow jam, "I Believe I Can Fly," along with a cover of
Kool and the Gang's rousing "Celebration."
By JODI LEE REIFER
Reprinted here with permission
from the
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