Grace

by The Soweto Gospel Choir

Overview

South Africa's Soweto Gospel Choir went through some difficult times in 2009. Guitarist Joshua Mcineka, to whom the album is dedicated, passed away before these recording sessions were to begin; and just before Christmas, a month before the album's release, its co-founder and musical director David Mulovhedzi succumbed to cancer. The music contained here, however, is still full of celebration and joy. On its fifth album for Shanachie, the Soweto Gospel Choir expands its musical reach outside its homeland and even the church, and in turn offers musical examples of the various meanings of the word "grace." On this 19-track collection, the group sticks close to its traditions on most songs, writing and performing original ones, as well as interpreting many traditional ones in their unique way in six of South Africa's official languages. In addition, they reach into the secular world with a radical reinterpretation of Paul Simon's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" that lends the song a far deeper, wider-ranging shade of meaning. They also reach into the classical canon by using a Mozart lieder to create a new song entitled "Prayer for South Africa." As is their wont, different soloists are featured on each tune, with musical accompaniment backing them for about half the album, while the other half is devoted to songs performed a cappella with drums. Standouts include the glorious readings of the traditional "O'Nkosi Yam," and "Ngahlulele." The Roman Catholic and American gospel traditions are represented by "Ave Maria," and "Oh! It Is Jesus," respectively. The choir also takes on an old Ocean song "Put Your Hand in the Hand" and places it in a medley with "Joy, Peace and Happiness" and "What a Mighty God," and manages to transform the entire mess into a gorgeous new entity with their soul-drenched harmonies and a single hand drum. For those who might be put off by the familiar tunes and are cynical enough to think this a gimmick, there is no need to worry: each standard has been transformed by the elegance and innovative spirit of the mighty Choir; they have in turn imbued each of these songs with a grace that is at once both human and seemingly divine. - Thom Jurek

Product Details

Release Date:	01/26/2010
Label:	SHANACHIE
UPC:	0016351664327

Tracks

1. Kae Le Kae
2. Emarabini/Nkomo Ka Baba
3. Mangisondele Nkosi Yam
4. Eli
5. O'Nkosi Yam
6. Bridge Over Troubled Waters
7. Muphulusi
8. Ndikhokhele
9. Put Your Hand Medley: Put Your Hand/Joy, Peace and Happiness/What a Mighty God
10. Umoya We Nkosi
11. Ngahlulele
12. Voices on the Wind
13. Ingoma
14. Oh! It Is Jesus
15. Prayer for South Africa
16. Jerusalem
17. Ave Maria
18. Calvary
19. Grace

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Soweto Gospel Choir   Primary Artist
Zanele Ngcano   Soloist
Velile Msimango   Percussion
Vusimuzi Shabalala   Soloist,Keyboards,Choir Director
Mandla Modawu   Drums,Soloist
Lucas Bok   Musical Director
Mxolisi Sithole   Percussion
David B. Mulovhedzi   Musical Director
Kevin Williams   Guitar
Zwai Bala   Musical Director
Sibongile Makgathe   Soloist
Sipho Ngcamu   Percussion
Beverly Bryer   Director
Jatulife Dladla   Soloist
Jeff Nomvete   Saxophone
Anne Masina   Soloist
Bongani Khumalo   Soloist
Bongani Ncube   Guitar (Bass)
Buti Mosia   Soloist
Diniloxolo Ndlakuse   Soloist,Keyboards,Choir Director
Linda Nxumalo   Soloist
Lungisani Mhlongo   Soloist
Mary Motselele   Soloist
Matshepo Chapole   Soloist
Nkosinathi Hadebe   Soloist
Phelo Bala   Featured Artist
Philisiwe Faya   Soloist
Rebecca Nyamane   Soloist
Shimmy Jiyane   Soloist
Sipokazi Nxumalo   Soloist
Tshepo Maitisa   Percussion
Victor Makhathini   Soloist
Vusumuzi Madondo   Soloist
Zanele Ngcamu   Soloist

Technical Credits

A. Crouch   Composer
M. Dawson   Arranger
The Soweto Gospel Choir   Composer
Traditional   Composer
Paul Simon   Composer
B. Payne   Composer
Robin Hogarth   Producer,Liner Notes
Fikle Sidumo   Arranger
G. McLellan   Composer
Zwai Bala   Arranger,Composer,Producer
Sipho Ngcamu   Photography
Beverly Bryer   Executive Producer
Helge Schlosser   Photography
Andy Phillipson   Photography
Mokete Mohapi   Cover Design
Oliver Neubert   Photography
Philisiwe Faya   Arranger
Peter Thwaites   Mastering
Richard Mitchell   Engineer