The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

As it continues to minister in song, the Contemporary Gospel Chorale of Christ the King Church will also explore the roots and evolution of the gospel genre during its upcoming concert this Sunday.

The event, which is considered a 'grand concert' by organisers, will be held at the church, starting at 7pm.

Under the theme 'The Journey - The Evolution of Gospel Music', chorale members, guest artists and musicians will lead the audience across a musical landscape, beginning with what was originally known as Negro spirituals.

They will feature legends like Thomas Dorsey, known as the 'Father of Gospel Music', and show how that genre grew and wad made famous by names like the great James Cleveland and Andre Crouch.

The concert journey will culminate with an explosion of contemporary gospel featuring works by Hezekiah Walker and JJ Hairston. "We want to do a bit more than simply entertain our audience," said chorale member Odia Richardson.

"We want to create in them a deeper appreciation about how this wonderful musical genre came about. We want to showcase some of the names and songs which paved the way towards today's manifestation of the music," she said.

Special guest artists for the evening will include Shaback, Pastor Necole Watson, Anna Calixte, Minister John Darville and Psalmist Shenecia Swan among others.

One of the main goals of the Chorale is to bring honour and glory to God through worship, said Simone Thompson, who is also a member of the choir.

"We have been successful at getting our church community to embrace and appreciate this genre of music. We have had numerous opportunities to take our ministry outside of the Anglican communion," she said.

"We have been blessed to have leaders who welcomed the idea even though it was something we all weren't sure people would receive well, especially in the Anglican faith where traditional hymns are the order of the day. We are under the direction of Minister Claytino Delaney of Mount Pleasant Green Baptist Church and Ricardo Knowles of Zion Baptist, East and Shirley Street."

Rehearsals are held every Tuesday at 5.30pm.