Galt MacDermot - Nell Carter Sings the Gospel (2015)

This rare musical release from the early 1970s is a unique collaborative project between the renowned composer and arranger Galt MacDermot and singer Nell Carter. Contrary to potential expectations, the album is not a standard collection of religious gospel hymns, but rather offers the listener complex, conceptual music at the intersection of soul, funk, and cinematic instrumental forms. The record's sonic palette is largely defined by MacDermot's signature touch, reminiscent of his finest soundtrack work. A stellar lineup of session musicians, including drummer Bernard Purdie, saxophonist Seldon Powell, and bassist Bad Bascomb, provides a high level of dynamics and rhythmic tightness. On the vocal side, the project is powerfully enhanced not only by Nell Carter but also by the iconic singer Salome Bey and the Howard Roberts Chorale. The album consists mostly of concise tracks that flow seamlessly into one another, turning the recording into a monumental, indivisible musical canvas with a strong spiritual and emotional message.

Tracklist:
1-1 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - In the Name of the Father [5:15]
1-2 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - Up to the Altar [3:37]
1-3 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - Keep Me Going Sweet Lord [0:53]
1-4 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - Self from Self [2:20]
1-5 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - Believe in Me [1:37]
1-6 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - Stand Beside Me [1:56]
1-7 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - I Confess [2:53]
1-8 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - Strange Gods [2:02]
1-9 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - May God Care [1:00]
1-10 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - Kyrie [1:05]
1-11 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - Gloria [1:41]
1-12 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - Cleaning Me With Fire [3:21]
1-13 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - I Believe [3:06]
1-14 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - Welcome [1:47]
1-15 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - Epistle [0:37]
1-16 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - Gospel [3:07]
1-17 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - First Born Son [2:02]
1-18 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - Sanctus [1:05]
1-19 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - Agnus Dei [1:45]
1-20 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - My Body [2:40]
1-21 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - Lord Above [2:30]
1-22 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - Symphony [2:00]
1-23 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - Out of the Depths [0:58]
1-24 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - Take This Bread [2:30]
1-25 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - May He Be With You [1:09]
1-26 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - Go the Mass Is Ended [1:04]
1-27 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - In the Beginning [1:25]
1-28 Galt MacDermot;Galt Macdermot - In the Name of the Father (Reprise) [1:58]