Reviewed by Tony May

The Duke of Welly reportedly said of his troops before the Battle of Waterloo, "I don't know if they frighten the enemy, but they frighten me." I know how he felt. The assembled troops here launch probably the rawest, roughest, most intimidating live gospel concert ever recorded, pinning you to the wall of your listening room. Five gospel superstars, The Caravans, The Soul Stirrers, The Pilgrim Travellers, Bro Joe May (no relation) and Dorothy Love Coates, and lesser lights Annette May and Ethel Davenport are to the songs what a steamed-up Jack Russell is to a rat. Talk about religious fervour! The proceedings reach fever pitch at regular intervals, Bro Joe is at his mightiest, Ethel's a powerful unknown whose single track whets the appetite. The Love Coates' 18:43 medley is causing me a major reassessment of her prestige, never was too impressed before, but this is stunning. Don't expect authentic spiritual nourishment from this, but for excitement and for vocal fireworks this is the tops. Not sure the Holy Spirit would agree with all the carry-on that's ascribed to him here, though.

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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