Sojourners Sing And Never Get Tired

Fans of gospel music with a bluesy twist may find a new album by the Canadian gospel trio, The Sojourners, Sing And Never Get Tired (Little Pig Records) to their liking. Comprised of Marcus Mosely, Will Sanders and Khari McClelland, The Sojourners are backed by a small group that includes producer Paul Pigat on guitar and Steve b on harmonica for the Vancouver recording. 

Sing and Never Get Tired explores the roots of the connection between gospel and social action by dipping into the deep well of American roots music to revisit classic songs associated with The Staples Singers, The Dixie Hummingbirds, Rosetta Tharpe and Nina Simone, along with songs from Stephen Stills and Bob Dylan. The songs speak of faith, struggle and the promise of redemption. Of this Mosely commented, "This album is grittier and has more of an edge than anything we've done before. These new songs have a groove to them. We're doing dance music, and if you come to see us, you should come ready to have a good time.”

Pigat’s trebly guitar evokes Pops Staples perhaps on the opening Don’t Knock the first of the truth and gospel songs that the trio deliver the message that one does not knock heaven’s door, simply walk right in. Its the first of an album full of wonderful singer and tight rootsy backing that enhances their fervent vocals. Marriner adds some strong harmonica for the driving parable, Christian’s Automobile where faith is one’s steering wheel. Like the Staples might adapt a Bob Dylan song, the three provide a fresh setting and take of Stephen Stills’ mid-sixties message song For What It's Worth. Ezekial is a jubilant telling of the Jewish Scriptures story while Milky White Way, with piano, recalls some of the classic gospel recordings of the fifties. 

Other selections include a terrific rendition of The Staples Why Am I Treated So Bad, a rocking rendition of This Train, with some fine harmonica in a backing that has some rockabilly tinges and Dylan’s “ Shall Be Released, with Pigat being very effective in his guitar backing. The unaccompanied I Ain’t Got No Home, another number with a social message, ends this recording with more strong, committed vocals that make Sing And Never Get Tired such a fine recording. Fans of Mavis Staples most recent recordings along with those who loved The Staple Singers will have plenty to enjoy.

I believe I got this from Little Pig Records.  Here is their rendition of For What It's Worth.