Story by Anmarie Bailey
What many understand to be “gospel music” can trace its roots as far back as the 1700s. Negro spirituals, call and response, hand clapping and foot stomping harken back to the undeniable African origins of this genre. The late 1800s, early 1900s saw early gospel music take form, the civil rights anthem “We Shall Overcome” is reminiscent of this era. Then songs like “Precious Lord” and “Peace in the Valley” and singers/artists such as the incorruptible Mahalia Jackson and Andre Crouch were next in the gospel timeline before the urban era of gospel arrived.
Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, and Donnie McClurken have experienced popularity on the urban gospel scene and along with early gospel artists, have influenced Edmonton’s gospel landscape. Traditional choirs such as Shiloh Baptist Church’s and Bethel Mass choir were long-time staples on the local gospel scene before the 1990s when gospel ensembles performing praise and worship with an urban feel saw groups such as Essence of Praise and New Season of Praise taking center stage.
For years the National Black Coalition (NBCC) hosted the Black History Month gospel concert as the premier gospel event for church goers and non “church folk”. Choirs and artists; newer performers and up-and-comers all found a place to engage in that age-old traditional of gospel music at the gospel concert.
Today, the gospel music in Edmonton continues to evolve, mirroring changes seen in gospel music in general.
Colin Forde, Ensemble Director with New Season of Praise puts this change into context.
“I think there are several reasons we have seen a change in Edmonton. When New Season of Praise started, we were more focused on urban and some traditional, but we have made a shift to Praise and Worship. It (Praise and Worship) has a broader population. Kirk (Franklin) and Fred (Hammond) work for a certain population. Here in Edmonton we see Hillsong and Michael W. Smith having a broader appeal and that is what is played on gospel radio here.”
He continues, “The purpose of Praise and Worship is corporate, where everyone is involved, and we are seeing many, especially young people who are going to more Pentecostal churches preferring that style of music. This isn’t only true in Edmonton, but for gospel music in general and many Black artist are catching on and it is producing amazing music.”
Because of the evolution, Forde says he now incorporates less urban music into the song selections for New Season of Praise, “Fred, Andre, Kirk, they are still my favourites but I like the newer music as well.”
Forde believes the changing face of the Black community in Edmonton also plays a role in the change in the gospel scene.
“ We are seeing more diversity in Edmonton, for example increasing numbers of people from African countries and this diversity is presented in diverse states in music for example artists representing different genres within gospel music are emerging in Edmonton and this is shaping what we are seeing as popular. One name that comes to mind is Ron Conoley.”
