The Keynotes - Get On That Gospel Train (2016) [Hi-Res]

This album is quite a surprise! The 25-strong mixed Afro-American gospel group from the San Francisco Bay area expands the traditional black gospel/spiritual lexicon with rich modern harmonies and sophisticated counterpoint. Every piece presents a unique, modern, multi-dimensional interpretation of the original gospel. For the most part the choir sings a cappella, but on four pieces a quartet of crack West Coast jazz musicians in varying groupings accompany The Keynotes. They include pianist George Cables, famous for his work with Frank Zappa as well as a myriad of successful fusion albums, and saxophonist/flutist Hadley Caliman, known for his work with Freddie Hubbard and Gerald Wilson, among others. Lord I Want to Be Ready starts off with Duke’s vibrant piano before the choir takes over. Canaan’s Land is played with a Latin beat and solos by Caliman on flute and Duke on piano, segueing into a more traditional gospel. Wonderful Word of Love plays out in a gorgeous lilting ¾ with a jazz interlude featuring flute, and Dick Berk’s crisp drumming accompanies portions of Ring Dem Bells. Sung a cappella, the remaining eight pieces continue their mix of traditional gospel and modern arrangements, with vocal solos soaring over the resonant backgrounds – a special pleasure indeed!

George Duke, keyboards
Hadley Caliman, flute
Colieen Pierre-Louie, vocals
Michael Chiles, vocals
Ernest Kinsey, vocals
Carma Lynn Griffin, vocals
Linda Dulan, vocals
Eddie Anderson, vocals
John Harris, vocals

Recorded at Pacific Recording Studios, November 27, 1971 and Wally Heider Recording, San Francisco, December 21, 1971
Engineered by Jim Gaines
Produced by Baldhard G. Falk

Digitally remastered