Search - Sounds of Blackness :: Africa to America-the Journey of the Drum

Awesome! Powerfully inspiring,,,

nancy_allen@ce.xerox.com | Chicago, IL | 10/01/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I know every song by heart...no other music has ever affected me quite like this tape. I buy it for everyone I know who may need a little help.It shares pain, sorrow, forgiveness, love, challenge to succeed in spite of any odds, a mantra... never quit, change, redemption, heartache, and celebration of life. It gets and gives all inspiration from the most powerful source of all. I will leave one C/D for each of my children (a powerful mother's song). I want them to play it and be consoled when they experience heartache after I am long gone. I want them to have a rich taste of America's ugly past so that they like their mother will feel passionate about doing whatever they can to support the healing process between people of color and the rest of society.The C/D made me cry with just a glimmer of the horrors of slavery. It helped me to visualize and imagine the pain while hanging my head in shame for what we as Americans let happen to Africans.Often said, "that which doesn't kill us only makes us stronger". This album is a tribute to a people who's horrific struggle to survive slavery in the ugliest chapter of American history, is exceeded only by it's strength in overcoming the incredible odds to take back freedom. The African American culture with its unwavering faith in God, commitment to family and to one another has created a legacy of power and richness no other ethnic group will ever know. I am caucasian and I burst with pride when I hear this music. I can only imagine the exhileration one must feel having this legacy to claim within his/her own heritage.Powerful...a must listen to for all !!!"

Better Than Their Debut Album of Three Years Earlier

Reginald D. Garrard | Camilla, GA USA | 08/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Usually, the sophomore effort of a group pales somewhat in comparison to the first; but Sounds of Blackness scored a coup by releasing one that is definitely an improvement over "The Evolution of Gospel." And that is a monumental achievement. The release, like its predecessor, mixes the old with the new. The selection of traditional spirituals ("Hold On," "Sun Up to Sundown") and a Billie Holiday classic ("Strange Fruit") complement the contemporary tracks. The latter are outstanding with great production and vocals from the talented singers. The Al Green-sounding "The Lord Will Make a Way" and the Curtis Mayfield-like "He Took Away All My Pain" are excellent testaments of faith. Poignancy reigns in the beautiful "A Place in My Heart, a mother's testimony with a passion-filled performance from Ann Nesby, and "A Very Special Love" with Billy Steele and Carrie Harrington sharing the lead. "The Harder They Are The Bigger They Fall" is a funk-driven selection featuring lead vocalist Jimmy Wright. "Black Butterfly," though not as memorable as the Deniece Williams' classic of the same name, is still a wonder to behold. All should hear the "sounds" of this underrated ensemble!"

Probably the Most Inspiring Album of All Times!!!

Reginald D. Garrard | 06/04/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was feeling so down on my luck and just at a loss as to how I would deal with the various challenges I was facing. A university lecturer of mine invited a group of us to her home to hear this CD. I heard the first song and I was totally inspired then I heard the next two and I was literally ready to get up and start figuring out a way to face my problems head on. Five years later, no matter where I go, my copy of Africa to America goes with me. It's the single most inspiring Album I have ever heard. It helps me with my relationship with God, my attitude towards obstacles in my life and gives me the get up and go to just do it. If music is food for the soul, then Africa to America is a seven course meal! 10 out of 10!"