Rock My Soul's second album features 12 emotion-packed songs recorded during 3 live concerts. From the stirring gospel-blues of Ruthie Foster’s “Joy” and Rev. James Cleveland’s compelling “No Cross, No Crown” to sophisticated, a cappella reworkings of traditional gospel stalwarts such as “Oh Mary, Don’t You Weep” and the Harriet Tubman-inspired “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” the CD demonstrates the depth and range of what Rock My Soul brings to a stage. Special guests Rev. Jeffery McIllwain and the Seacoast-based Americana band Wooden Eye, both of whom deliver powerful readings of tunes by gospel great Blind Willie Johnson, are also featured.

With its unique brand of rousing, raise-the-rafters gospel music, Rock My Soul has garnered an ever-growing following and performed to packed houses. The group is as tight and polished as any fine choral ensemble, yet has the immediacy and soulfulness of the authentic gospel music it seeks to revive. In its five years, Rock My Soul has received critical acclaim and has been featured on WMUR-TV’s NH Chronicle.  The group has also been chosen to share the stage with national acts such as Sweet Honey in the Rock. “We wanted to capture the energy of our concerts in a recording. When we interact with our audiences and everyone feels the spirit behind the music, magic happens,” states Dawn Boyer, founder and lead soloist of the group. “We recorded three shows in three different locations, and used the best of the material from each for the album. We’re thrilled with the production and the way it came out. We think audiences will enjoy being able to take the experience home with them.”

Featured soloists on the recording are Dawn Boyer, Bob Halperin, Brett Hartenbach, Rev. Jeffrey McIlwain, Carolyn Morse-Finn, Mark Weaver, and Tina Weinberger. Featured musicians are Brett Hartenbach on guitar, Eric Donnelly on keyboards, Victor Love on bass, and Joe Rogers on drums.

 

© 2009. Produced by Brett Hartenbach.