Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Continuum Books' 33 1/3 series is a pioneering series of mini volumes offering in depth analysis and history of what various authors consider to be seminal pop and rock albums. The series now turns its attention to Aretha Franklin's historic 1972 'Amazing Grace' album, the back-to-her-roots project which took the soul star to the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles where she was joined by pianist James Cleveland, the Southern California Community Choir and a stunningly tight rhythm section. Cohen is an associate editor for jazz and blues magazine Downbeat and writes with a passion about Aretha's classic double album with lots of interview snippets though strangely little from Aretha herself. The structure of the book also allows for a capsule history of black gospel music and although a couple of Cohen's generalisations about black church practice indicate that he is no believer himself, there is still much in this little volume which will inform and intrigue Aretha fans and those endeavouring to gain perspective on African American Church.

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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