Over the last few years, the HARLEM GOSPEL TRAVELERS have established themselves as a Premier League contemporary gospel ensemble whose music is also revered by non-believers for its uplifting passion and real soul. Fans will know that the Travelers aren’t precisely from Harlem! But the Native New Yorkers did first come together in Harlem to work under the auspices of blue-eyed soul star Eli “Paperboy” Reed. Originally a quartet, they debuted on Colemine Records in 2019 with the LP ‘He’s On Time’ but by the time of their breakthrough seconds album, HGT were trimmed to a trio (Ifedayo Gatling, George Marage and Dennis Bailey). That sophomore set, ‘Look Up’ was acclaimed as one of THE best soul LPs of 2022.
Now two years down the line, the trio have just released this, their third full album and ‘Rhapsody’ is just a little bit different to the first two albums – different in its inception that is; definitely not different in its soulful impact.
Here’s the story. In 2006 Chicago-based reissue label Numero Group released ‘Good God! A Gospel Funk Hymnal’. The album was a collection of 60s and 70s gospel music from lesser known artists who were beginning to incorporate elements of popular soul and funk styles into their praising and testifying. Re-enter the HGT’s mentor and producer Eli “Paperboy” Reed who suggested that the group dig into that album and re-record some of the songs in their own special way – and that’s exactly what happened.
In the thoroughly modern way of music marketing, the ‘Rhapsody’ album has been prefaced by the release of a slew of singles. We’ve counted five. In no particular order they were a cover of a ‘God’s Been Good To Me’ originally recorded by the Mighty Walker Brothers, ‘Gods’ Love’ (a magnificent showcase for George Marage’s stunning true falsetto), a take on the Truimphs’ ‘We Don’t Love Enough’, ‘Jesus Rhapsody, PT.1’ (originally recorded by Preacher and the Saints) and a new reading of Dwain Vinyard’s ‘Searching For The Truth’.
On the album all five still sound vital and blend perfectly with the fresh material like the hip-hop-inflected “Get Involved (originally written and performed by Jonah Thompson), the old school take on ‘How Can I Loose’ (almost acapella – just vocals, drums and handclaps) and the searing slowie ‘Have You Tried Jesus’.
It’s obvious, of course, ‘Rhapsody’ is a gospel album. Believers will find comfort, solace, confirmation and a lot more across the ten tracks. Non-believers? Well, if they profess to love real soul music, then they too will be moved the energy, commitment, passion and the album’s pure, soulful sonics.
(BB) 4/5
