Colemine US Vinilo y CD

Review: Rhapsody, the Harlem Gospel Travelers' third studio album, was inspired by a request from the band's friend and mentor, Eli "Paperboy" Reed to record some covers of classic and lesser-known gospel-funk songs from the mid-to-late 1960s and early 1970s. Naturally, the New York based trio have put their own spin on the material, offering nods to hip-hop, stomping soul (see the genuinely terrific 'Somebody's Watching You'), doo-wop ('How Can I Lose', with its infectious vocal harmonies and irresistible hand-clap rhythm) and heady slow hams ('Have You Tried Jesus', the squelchy, hip-hop-soul flavoured 'Searching For The Truth'). It's a superb set all told, with the group's impeccable vocals rising high above brilliantly realised and expressively played instrumental backing tracks.