Blind Boys of Alabama

The Blind Boys of Alabama have been making music together for over 60 years, but it’s only been in the past few that this venerable gospel vocal group has come to the attention of a younger, more mainstream audience than they group had been used to. Recording with the likes of Ben Harper Robert Randolph and releasing albums that mixed contemporary music with the traditional gospel they are know for is bound to get you noticed.

In 2003 the group released the guest-laden holiday CD entitled Go Tell It On The Mountain. To promote the CD the Blind Boys performed a special show at New York’s Beacon Theater that December which was documented for their new DVD – Go Tell It On The Mountain: Live In New York.

Guests are a plenty during the course of the concert – Mavis Staples, Aaron Neville, Chrissy Hyndes, Charlie Musselwhite rotate in and out. It’s the appearance though of John Medeski Robert Randolph and Michael Franti that contribute to the high points of the show – especially on the rousing rendition of the Pete Seeger classic "If I Has a Hammer." While their isn’t a whole lot of jamming going on Medeski does lay down some great grooves when he’s on stage and Randolph gets a chance to shine on "Higher Ground."

At times the show drags on, but maybe it has to do with the fact that I’m watching a Christmas concert in May, not December and the straightforwardness of the way it was shot - I’m sure this show will wind up on PBS during their holiday fund drive. Still, I was drawn into the music and the way the Blind Boys can command an audience – they are truly amazing to watch perform. Their take on gospel music makes it hard for you not to tap your feet, clap your hands or join in on the singing.

This would make a perfect stocking stuffer for the jamband fan in your family come holiday time.