I’m trying to find time to write about niche genres that don’t get much notice from the music media. Many of these are flourishing creatively, but without any attention from pop culture elites.
So if you’re waiting until you read about these artists in Rolling Stone or Billboard, you will be waiting a long, long time. But The Honest Broker goes where others fear to tread. In that spirit, let me share some of the best gospel music happening right now.
Happy (and sanctified) listening!
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Listening to this first track is like getting into a time machine and traveling back a hundred years. You arrive on the outskirts of town, circa 1926, where a revival meeting is in progress.
At least that’s what I felt hearing (and seeing) the Brandenberger Family. If you love those old records by the Carter Family, but feared that style of singing had disappeared, this is the band for you.
(Full disclosure: This family also plays killer bluegrass.)
Jelly Roll has covered a lot of ground in his career, both musically and psychically. He often gets labeled as a country or rap performer, but when he recently went to San Quentin Rehabilitation Center to perform for inmates, the proceedings felt more like a ministry than a concert.
The music is riveting—this is one of the most intense and rewarding videos you will see this year. I note that Jelly Roll spent time behind bars himself. That comes across in his powerful connection with the inmates.
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Next up is Pastor Brady L. Blade, Sr.. I didn’t know anything about him, until he released his debut album at the ripe age of 85. But I’ve long admired his son Brian, who is one of the greatest living jazz drummers. There’s deep musical talent encoded in that Blade DNA.