Peggy Scott-Adams began her career in 1968, and has been a star of soul and blues for over 40 years, but she has never forgotten her gospel roots, as evidenced by her new album Back to the Roots on her own Nora Records label. This is not Ms. Adams’ first foray into gospel, as she had an earlier gospel album called God Can and He Will, and the gospel roots of her singing are evident even on her secular releases. But this new album consists of 10 classic gospel songs and new compositions, including “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand” and Twila Paris’ “Lamb of God.” Back to the Roots may not be what fans of Peggy Scott-Adams were expecting, but, as the title says, it returns her not only to her Christian upbringing, but to the foundations on which soul and blues were built.
gospel
Peggy Scott-Adams began her career in 1968, and has been a star of soul and blues for over 40 years, but she has never forgotten her gospel roots, as evidenced by her new album Back to the Roots on her own Nora Records label. This is not Ms. Adams’ first foray into gospel, as she had an earlier gospel album called God Can and He Will, and the gospel roots of her singing are evident even on her secular releases. But this new album consists of 10 classic gospel songs and new compositions, including “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand” and Twila Paris’ “Lamb of God.” Back to the Roots may not be what fans of Peggy Scott-Adams were expecting, but, as the title says, it returns her not only to her Christian upbringing, but to the foundations on which soul and blues were built.
Tennessee Mass Choir at the Memphis Music & Heritage Festival 2011
The Tennessee Mass Choir is one of Memphis’ finest gospel choirs, and their performance at the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival was especially noteworthy, with legendary drummer Edward “Hot” Cleveland and bassist Jackie Clark backing them up. The rain could not dampen their enthusiasm, and it was a masterful performance.
The Bell Singers are another Memphis gospel group which is always a crowd favorite at the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival.
I had not heard of the Anointed Cowan Sisters, but another festival-goer told me they were not to be missed, and he was right. African-American gospel music is at the root of both early rock-and-roll and Memphis soul, and the Anointed Cowan Sisters and their band are both outstanding.
I had not heard of the Anointed Cowan Sisters, but another festival-goer told me they were not to be missed, and he was right. African-American gospel music is at the root of both early rock-and-roll and Memphis soul, and the Anointed Cowan Sisters and their band are both outstanding.
Favor is a Memphis gospel group with an unusual line-up, consisting of voices, a saxophonist, a drummer and a conga player. This stark instrumentation lends the music a rather Caribbean flavor, and puts a lot of responsibility on the percussionists, who, fortunately, were immensely talented. Quite an exciting group.
Favor is a Memphis gospel group with an unusual line-up, consisting of voices, a saxophonist, a drummer and a conga player. This stark instrumentation lends the music a rather Caribbean flavor, and puts a lot of responsibility on the percussionists, who, fortunately, were immensely talented. Quite an exciting group.
The Memphis Music and Heritage Festival is held every year in downtown Memphis on the Main Street Mall on Labor Day Weekend. It is a celebration of Memphis music, culture, art and food, and thus amounts to Memphis’ version of the New Orleans JazzFest, with some elements of Ponderosa Stomp thrown in for good measure. Unfortunately, each year the event seems to become more precarious, for, unlike JazzFest, the event is free to the public, and organized by the Center for Southern Folklore, a worthwhile organization which has also struggled in recent years. Since other festivals like the Beale Street Music Festival have little to do with Memphis music or culture, it is important for our community that we find a way to keep the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival viable for many years to come.
The Memphis Music and Heritage Festival is held every year in downtown Memphis on the Main Street Mall on Labor Day Weekend. It is a celebration of Memphis music, culture, art and food, and thus amounts to Memphis’ version of the New Orleans JazzFest, with some elements of Ponderosa Stomp thrown in for good measure. Unfortunately, each year the event seems to become more precarious, for, unlike JazzFest, the event is free to the public, and organized by the Center for Southern Folklore, a worthwhile organization which has also struggled in recent years. Since other festivals like the Beale Street Music Festival have little to do with Memphis music or culture, it is important for our community that we find a way to keep the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival viable for many years to come.