Northwest music scene MUSIC TO MOVE BODY AND SPIRIT –Music is power, and gospel music from the Southern black church has been one of the most potent and influential of American styles.
Just listen to how it works on the new CD, “The Blessing Box,” by Apostle E.D. Mondaine of Portland’s Celebration Tabernacle.
His supple tenor rises above a choir of layered voices in a mounting call and response. “All you need is grace,” the leader sings, and nine voices affirm, “All you need is grace.” They carry the soloist, offering encouragement and reassurance. “All you need is grace,” they repeat, and the sound of a trumpet weaves through the choir like a thread of hope.