Edwin Baker answers your questions on Gospel Music:
Q. Where did gospel music start?
Sam, Bradford
A: Gospel music is considered to have begun in the deep south of the United States some time in the 19th century, first appearing in print in 1874 with the publication of Gospel Songs by Philip Bliss. Gospel music shares its roots in other African American music styles like blues, jazz and its cousin rock and roll. For a really good brief history of Gospel music visit the following website www.agen.com/aboutgos.htm
Q: So are there different types of "gospel" music
Paul, Huddersfield
A: Yes, since its inception, various types of gospel music have arisen e.g. traditional, Southern gospel, Negro spirituals, urban gospel, bluegrass gospel, contemporary gospel just to name a few. Also gospel spawned music for various vocal combinations from soloists to choirs
Q: If there are so many types of gospel music what is gospel music or how would you define it?
James Bryant
A: The word "gospel" is an elision of "God" and "spel" (the old English for story). Today it is better known as "good news" and as it finds its roots in the Christian faith it refers to the good news or the story of Jesus Christ. The genre is distinguished primarily by spontaneity and informality.
Q: If I wanted to get into gospel music where would be the best place start?
A. This would depend on what type of gospel you are interested in. If it's black gospel then most black churches I would suggest would be your first port of call. You can also check out what community gospel choirs operate if any in your particular town. In Huddersfield where I am based there is a young people's community gospel choir called True Colours who meet every Monday at the Hudawi Cultural Centre. There is also a community Gospel choir in Wakefield. Check with your local council. But as I mentioned earlier most black churches will have some form of group or choir that you could join if you are really interested. Some Adult education provision also offer gospel music singing classes. One thing I would say though is that if you want to play or sing gospel you have to be willing to express yourself it is not for the self conscious.
Q: Where can a novice like me who is interested in listening to gospel music or purchasing CDs do so?
A. As gospel music has grown more and more popular and gained more mainstream exposure outlets for gospel music have also become more mainstream so retailers such as HMV, MVC, etc now stock limited supplies of the major gospel artists like Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond etc. However, the Christian Bookshops are still the best place to purchase CDs or better still use the web as they prices tend to be a lot cheaper and give you better choice. If you would like a list of sites to visit or if you are in the Huddersfield area and would like to get involved, feel free to e-mail me at edwin@cida.org and I'll send one to you. For general up to date info on the gospel scene visit www.gospelflave.com or www.gospelcity.com
Q. I'm a musician and I have observed that there is a definite style to playing gospel especially on piano and organ. Is there anywhere I can learn the style?
Christopher, Shelley
A: As you suggest there is a different style to playing gospel and it is on the whole something that isn't taught but "felt" you pick it up from practising and being exposed to the sound. I would suggest that you visit any black church and just ask if you can sit in on band practices to pick up the style. Most bands would only be too happy for you to "jam" with them.
Q. Where can I listen to gospel music?
Michael Smith, Leeds
A. Christian radio stations such as Premier and Choice FM are a good place to start to get the best quality gospel available. For live gospel just pop into most black churches or visit the following sites for information on upcoming concerts and other related events www.gospelmusiconline.co.uk or www.unitedbyone.co.uk
Ask the Expert: Gospel Music