Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Probably the best known gospel act in the world currently recording and performing, The Blind Boys Of Alabama have continued to make new fans even as its members have headed beyond pension age. With a recording career that stretches back to the late '40s and a trail of labels long gone behind them, there are any number of old recordings to pick out to highlight the group's power over the years. One huge frustration is that the compiler Mick Lloyd has chosen great songs but given away no further information about the origins of these recordings or even the dates of their capture. There are however a number of live recordings culled from the 1995 release 'I Brought Him With Me' including the magnificent "Getting Better (All The Time)". This covers the whole range of what makes The Blind Boys such a special group. From the anti-drug funk gospel of "No Dope" to versions of old hymns like "Blessed Assurance" and "Amazing Grace" to the kind of gospel songs that everybody does but nobody does like The Blind Boys! Whether it's "Down By The Riverside" or "If I Had A Hammer" or originals like "Somebody's Gone" and "Hush", this is a great way to take a trip into the music of The Blind Boys. Perfect for beginners and long time fans alike. Although it doesn't really touch on the Real World albums, that still leaves you plenty to enjoy here and plenty yet to discover. But enjoy these 30 songs first!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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