Amazon.com This made-for-cable documentary smacks of both dilettantism and TV magazine superficiality. Reporter Chantal Westerman (and just who the heck is she?) goes from the gospel tent of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival to a Chicago church to a gathering of gospel artists who accompany themselves with pedal steel guitar, making a few shallow attempts at telling the history of contemporary gospel. But while the important names of gospel (Thomas Dorsey, "Mother" Willie Mae Ford, Mahalia Jackson) are mentioned, their voices are never heard. Instead, Westerman mouths inanities and tosses softball questions to mostly no-name gospel singers, all of whom offer the answer you'd expect: that the Lord flows through the spirit of their music. There aren't even any full-length performances that can be called uplifting; rather, song excerpts are tossed in as filler between Westerman's simple interviews and obvious observations. If you're looking for a film about gospel and gospel history, you're better off with Say Amen, Somebody. --Marshall Fine From the Back Cover With its soulful rhythms and powerful harmonies, gospel music is both emotionally moving and spiritually uplifting. Originating from African American religious hymns and performance traditions, gospel has continuously changed over the years. Modern gospel has moved beyond the church walls and into the popular mainstream, incorporating diverse musical styles into its identity. But while many of today's performers strive to reach wider audiences, others are apprehensive about gospels new secular congregation. Hosted by renowned entertainment reporter Chantal Westerman, Gospel: Rhythm of the Heart traces the history of this resilient genre form the "Father of Gospel" Thomas A. Dorsey and the legendary Mahalia Jackson to the stars of today. This in-depth look at the melodious world of gospel features inspiring performances by Albertina Walker, Jon Gibson, The Campbell Brothers, and others from such exciting venues as the New Orleans Jazz Fest Gospel Tent and Florida's Sacred Steel Convention.
© 1999 - 2005 IndiaCatalog.com All rights Reserved.India Catalog.com in association with www.amazon.com03102005-5753-04106
