THE DIXIE HUMMINGBIRDS
Diamond Jubilation (Rounder)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the original founding of the Dixie Hummingbirds, producer/guitarist Larry Campbell assembled an all-star band of the legendary gospel quintet's admirers, including Garth Hudson, Levon Helm and Dr. John, for a set that includes some originals, some traditional songs and an inspired cover of Bob Dylan's "City Of Gold."

Most every kind of music to which the label 'soulful' can be attached - blues, jazz, R&B or whatever - traces itself back to the African American church. The Dixie Hummingbirds have never left the building, always basing their sound in their shared faith.

Lineups shift, songs change, and styles adapt to the times, but the ground on which the sound is built is always solid. The real root of their gospel soul, though, lies in the manner in which they plainly testify to that faith without falling into the kind of preachiness that would put the secular world beyond their reach. They may never convert me, but they'll always get me to listen, and at least to admire.

So this is it. 11 tracks of real soul music, that's good for the soul of believer and doubter alike. Nobody does it better.

Track List:

God's Radar * He Watches Out For You And Me * Too Many Troubles * Someday * When I Found Jesus Christ * When I Go Away * I've Been Born Again * City Of Gold * Nobody's Fault * I Bid You Goodnight * Rasslin' Jacob

© 2003 - Shaun Dale