The Keynotes – Get on That Gospel Train (1973/2016) [Official Digital Download 24bit/88,2kHz]

The Keynotes – Get on That Gospel Train (1973/2016)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/88,2 kHz | Time – 43:40 minutes | 799 MB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © MPS

This album is quite a surprise! The 25-strong mixed Afro-American gospel group from the San Francisco Bay area expands the traditional black gospel/spiritual lexicon with rich modern harmonies and sophisticated counterpoint. Every piece presents a unique, modern, multi-dimensional interpretation of the original gospel. For the most part the choir sings a cappella, but on four pieces a quartet of crack West Coast jazz musicians in varying groupings accompany The Keynotes. They include pianist George Cables, famous for his work with Frank Zappa as well as a myriad of successful fusion albums, and saxophonist/flutist Hadley Caliman, known for his work with Freddie Hubbard and Gerald Wilson, among others.

Lord I Want to Be Ready starts off with Duke’s vibrant piano before the choir takes over. Canaan’s Land is played with a Latin beat and solos by Caliman on flute and Duke on piano, segueing into a more traditional gospel. Wonderful Word of Love plays out in a gorgeous lilting ¾ with a jazz interlude featuring flute, and Dick Berk’s crisp drumming accompanies portions of Ring Dem Bells. Sung a cappella, the remaining eight pieces continue their mix of traditional gospel and modern arrangements, with vocal solos soaring over the resonant backgrounds – a special pleasure indeed!

Tracklist:
1. The Keynotes – Lord I Want to Be Ready (04:55)
2. The Keynotes – Canaan’s Land (05:47)
3. The Keynotes – Nobody Knows the Trouble (02:52)
4. The Keynotes – Wonderful Words of Life (03:08)
5. The Keynotes – Ringa Dem Bells (05:02)
6. The Keynotes – Ezekiel Saw De Wheel (02:36)
7. The Keynotes – More About Jesus (03:27)
8. The Keynotes – It’s a Blessing (02:28)
9. The Keynotes – Walk Together Children (03:31)
10. The Keynotes – Time Is Gonna Bring About a Change (03:11)
11. The Keynotes – Now I Belong to Jesus (02:06)
12. The Keynotes – Climbing up the Mountain (02:31)
13. The Keynotes – It’s About Time (02:00)

Personnel:
George Duke – keyboards
Hadley Caliman – flute
Colieen Pierre-Louie – vocals
Michael Chiles – vocals
Ernest Kinsey – vocals
Carma Lynn Griffin – vocals
Linda Dulan – vocals
Eddie Anderson – vocals
John Harris – vocals

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