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| Blessed | 
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| Artist: Soweto Gospel Choir
Label: Shanachie
Category: Music
List Price: $17.98
Buy New: $9.99
You Save: $7.99 (44%)
Buy New/Used from $4.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  (16 reviews)
Sales Rank: 38540
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5 x 0.5
MPN: 66038
UPC: 163516638256
EAN: 0163516638256
ASIN: B000C17RH6
Release Date: January 10, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Tracks:
| • | Shewane - The Soweto Gospel Choir, Mulovhedzi, David | | • | Asimbonanga/Biko - The Soweto Gospel Choir, Clegg, J. | | • | Joko Yahao - The Soweto Gospel Choir, Traditional | | • | A Place in Heaven - The Soweto Gospel Choir, Mulovhedzi, David | | • | Njalo - The Soweto Gospel Choir, Traditional | | • | I Bid You Goodnight - The Soweto Gospel Choir, Traditional | | • | Lelilungelo Ngelakho - The Soweto Gospel Choir, Shabala, J. | | • | Oh Happy Day - The Soweto Gospel Choir, Hawkins, E.R. | | • | Noyana - The Soweto Gospel Choir, Traditional | | • | Masigiye'bo - The Soweto Gospel Choir, Mulovhedzi, David | | • | Swing Down - The Soweto Gospel Choir, Traditional | | • | Weeping - The Soweto Gospel Choir, Heymann, D. | | • | Thapelo - The Soweto Gospel Choir, Traditional | | • | Woza Meli Wami - The Soweto Gospel Choir, Traditional | | • | Mbube - The Soweto Gospel Choir, Linda, Solomon | | • | Tshepa Thapelo - The Soweto Gospel Choir, Mojapelo, J. | | • | Khumbaya - The Soweto Gospel Choir, Traditional | | • | Nkosi Sikele'l Afrika (South African National Anthem) - The Soweto Gospel Choir, Sontonga, E. |
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| Editorial Reviews:
About the Artist
The Soweto Gospel Choir is an all-star aggregation in the vein of Grammy-winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo of top singers from South Africa's famous township--Soweto. They've achieved breakthrough success in Europe (two sold-out shows at London's Royal Festival Hall!), Africa, and Australia as their exhilarating voices create a blend of extraordinary beauty that thrills audiences everywhere.
Amazon.com
As on their now-celebrated debut album, Voices From Heaven, this miraculous ensemble from Johannesburg's notorious/iconic Soweto township moves between Anglican-inspired and gospel-tinged hymns plus assorted home-wrought styles. The selections, performed in four languages including English, are either presented in a cappella arrangements, backed by a guitar band with percussion or wreathed in clapping, stomping and whistles. Soloists Sipokazi Luzipo and Vincent Jiyane are especial stand-outs; the latter's performance on "Weeping" could wring tears from a stone. Other unforgettable moments include "Noyana" and "Thapelo" but it is the more well-known tunes that fully reveal the ensemble?s power to transform. "Oh Happy Day," "Swing Down, Sweet Chariot," "Khumbaya" and Solomon Linda's deathless "Mbube (aka "Wimoweh" and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight") are resuscitated and refreshed, as is "Nkosi Sikele'iAfrika," South Africa's soaring national anthem. The atmosphere, while moving, is in no way sad or depressing. In fact, other than the awe-inspiring beauty of the singing, which seems to build a rainbow bridge between this world and the next, the overwhelming impression is of upbeat courage, dignity, grace and hope. --Christina Roden
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| Customer Reviews: Read 11 more reviews...
Swaying to the music July 5, 2007
I read a review about the Soweto Gospel Choir's local performance in the New York Times. The NYT review of the concert was so positive, so effusive that I took note. Toward the end of the review, the article describes how enthusiastically the New York audience responded to the Soweto Gospel Choir, I thought, wow, I have to get this album. I do not usually listen to Christian or gospel music, but I really like this album. It is the perfect Sunday morning treat, along with a cup of good coffee and the newspapers. If you haven't heard the album, I recommend sampling some of the songs. Don't be surprised if you find yourself swaying to the music.
Blessed is Blessed May 21, 2007
Excellent, voices, arrangements, musicians, songs and production. Also, fantantically, inspirational and moving.
My heart is overwhelmed May 21, 2007
Absolutely fabulous. All of the songs on this album will touch your heart and soul. I play some of the music for my students to calm them during the afternoon, and they all enjoy Mbube and Kumbaya. This arrangement of Kumbaya is the most original and harmony laden I've heard, and it's my favorite song on the CD. A must have for anyone that enjoys listening to perfect harmonies.
Outstanding quality & power May 13, 2007
I am not a professional musician, but I have a life-long love of gospel choir music. SGC are as good as it gets. They not only sing with personal spiritual passion (using several of the 11 official languages of the new South Africa, including several songs in English), but they also lift the corner of a veil that has hidden the real pain of living under Apartheid by including songs like "Weeping", and their now-famous national anthem, "Nkosi Sikelel'iAfrika".
Soul refreshing February 12, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Very refreshing to hear voices in music and not the modern music full of studio sound effects. These guys can sing. Even though they sing mostly in their traditional African language, you can't help but be moved by the harmony of the voices. Wish i could have been on stage to dance with them, their voices certainly make you want to dance. Wonderful and refreshing.
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