World Gospel Jam 2007

This is a reflection of the growth and popularity of Gospel. Says Gordon, “Today, all musical genres are represented in Gospel. The one unifying feature is that it is all inspirational and uplifting.”

So who is representing?

Well, hip-hop gets covered big-time by artists, Da’ T.R.U.T.H. and Richie Righteous who bring holy hip-hop to the stage. Da' T.R.U.T.H.’s most recent CD, The Faith was recently nominated for a 2007 Stellar Award for CD of the Year. He has shared the stage with biggies like Mary Mary, Tye Tribbett and Bishop T.D. Jakes. Kirk Franklin has referred to his music as “a perfect marriage between the streets and the soul”.

American and Guyanese artist Richie Righteous is described as a rapper who “spits for the great ‘I AM’ and is on a mission to flood the market with the Gospel.” One listen to his songs and you’ll see why.

The Caribbean Islands are also represented by Bajan Ryan Lewis performing Neo-Soul, Gospel (if you need that broken down, Gordon calls him “the Usher of Canadian Gospel music”), and the Haitian group the Choir of Prophecy, which sings contemporary Gospel in English, French and Haitian Creole. Soul Influence is the acappella septet which performs Gospel music with a West and South African flavour.

Then are four groups for those who like to keep it old school. Check out The Canton Spirituals, the American Gospel Quartet who are along the lines of the Mighty Clouds of Joy, and the Blind Boys of Alabama. Gordon swears that these old guys can “get down with the young and keep it real for the older generation. Mama would love to see Canton.”

Then there is soloist Patricia Shirley who is not to be missed. While you may not know the name, Gordon avers that this woman “can sing the big names back under their bedcovers”. Want proof? She has performed with people like Hezekiah Walker, BeBe and CeCe Winans, P. Diddy and Celine Dion.

Finally, no Gospel festival would be complete without a mass choir. When the Toronto Mass Choir takes the stage even the hardest of hearts is guaranteed to soar. Replete in their robes and singing gospel like we grew up hearing it, the power of this Juno Award winning choir will make your feet move and your spirit dance.