Various Artists

The importance of gospel music as an influence on soul can hardly be overstated. That influence is most obvious in southern soul music, with its deeply emotional vocal style and horn arrangements and backup vocals mimicking the call and response of the church. Like other forms of music the creation, performance, significance, and even the definition of urban contemporary gospel varies according to culture and social context. It is composed and performed for many purposes, ranging from aesthetic pleasure, religious or ceremonial purposes, or as an entertainment product for the marketplace. However, a common theme as with most Christian music is praise, worship or thanks to God and/or Christ. The gospel scene continues to flourish throughout in churches and programs throughout the south and northern industrial cities. Gospel Choirs continue to dominate the Black gospel scene and this compact disc is dedicated to the best performances of those choirs.