Liz Mc Comb, accompanied by Harold C. Johnson
(Organ),
|
 The ARC Gospel Choir |
Spiritual and Gospel songs figure amongst the most important musical and vocal phenomena of the rich culture of the Afro-American people.
These vocal forms first appeared amongst the black population of the United States in the 18th century.
The tradition of Spirituals and of Gospel music has continued to develop and be enriched through the religious services in the Methodist and Baptist churches, in the militant churches of the Sanctified Church, and in Meeting Camps which sometimes bring together thousands of black participants as well as people of other origins, and closer to home, in the Revival movement which has enjoyed a larger and larger following in the US in recent times.
The Gospel tradition has been the cradle of a large number of blues, jazz and soul music singers; even great divas such as Jessy Norman and Barbara Hendricks also had their beginnings in the Church.
The rhythmic and captivating music of this "preacher" tradition has also inspired the current Rap movement.
ARC: The Addict Rehabilitation Centre is a centre for drug rehabilitation, the headquarters of which is located in Harlem - New York City.
This centre is renowned for the effectiveness of its work with drug-addicted youth and its activities for the Afro-American community of Harlem.
It is also famous for its top quality choir - "The ARC Gospel Choir", created by Joe Allen, founder and director of the centre, who had the intuition that Gospel singing could have a decisive influence on the destiny of men and women who are tormented by drugs and dependence.
This choir sings the most authentic Gospel music, a capella, and touches everyone who has the opportunity to attend their concerts. Their performances started in New York, then spread along the American east coast, naturally in churches, but also in hospitals, schools and prisons, wherever the Evangelical message is able to bring relief and hope.
The choir music is directed by Pastor Reginold Williams, an extraordinarily charismatic person. For him, every concert is a unique occasion to sing the glory of the Lord and to advance his crusade against drug addiction.
A varied group of people, ranging between 20 and 30 singers, the group now gives concerts all over the world, but continues to put on performances in New York whenever possible.
The ARC Gospel Choir, sometimes also called "Allen's Arch", has been recognised by the White House, as well as numerous government agencies.
After a concert still in the memories of the Fes Festival of 1997, the ARC Gospel Choir returns again, this time accompanied by another great voice of this type, Liz McComb, for an encounter that promises to be very intense.
Liz McComb
Liz McComb grew up in the "harem" of Gospel music.
In fact her mother is one of the rare female pastors. She heads and organises, in a simple ghetto warehouse, a small Pentacostal community in the city of Cleveland, in Ohio.
Liz McComb began to sing and play the piano and organ for this community in her native city when she was still very young, showing talent and a voice of surprising energy.
She became one of the stars of the Jean Austin Singers and participated in the famous Blues and Gospel music tours: "The Roots of Rock and Roll" which contributed to the popularity of Gospel music in Europe. At the end of these tours, she decided to settle in France.
Since 1981 Liz McComb has performed in the International Jazz Festival of Montreaux alongside Bessie Griffin, Taj Mahal and the Mighty Clouds of Joy, Luther Johnson Jr. and Koko Taylor. In 1983, Liz performed again in Montreux where her name figured beside the Barret Sisters, the Stars of Faith and the Sensational Nightingales.
Her formidable stage presence, her mellow deep mezzo voice with its moving tone, her talent as a pianist, at once intimate and torrid, put her on par with Ray Charles and James Brown.
In a few years, Liz Mccomb had conquered Europe thanks to the splendour of these recitals. Her studio album "Time is Now" was awarded the Mahalia Jackson prize by the French Jazz Academy.
A worthy heir to the great voices of Bessie Smith, Marion Williams or the great Mahalia Jackson herself, Liz McComb is enjoys well deserved recognition in the USA.
After her performance in 1999, she is returning to the Fes Festival this year with the ARC Gospel group for whom she has a great respect on the musical as well as human level.
This closing concert should be exceptional.
Website :www.lizmccomb.com