“I Love to Praise Him”
Mississippi Mass Choir
From the CD, Then Sings My Soul (2011)
http://www.mississippimass.com
Mississippi Mass Choir and Mosie “Mama” Burks don’t believe in messing up a good thing. The choir’s popular silver-haired lead vocalist has become known for putting her spin on hit songs of yesteryear written by the likes of Dorothy Love Coates (“Holding On” and “They Got the Word [City Built Foursquare]”), Inez Andrews (“I’m Not Tired Yet”), and others. Rev. Milton Biggham’s arrangement of the late Rev. Jessy Dixon’s “I Love to Praise His Name” is about as appropriate as any to continue the trend.
This hand-clapper adheres to the pattern of Mama Burks’ other high-speed classics: a big brass section, a rocking choir, and a spirited frontwoman with vigor and vibrato.
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
Praises of Zion may not be on your personal playlist–yet. Put ’em there. The bouncy “I Believe” is one tune from their current project (by the same name) that is infectious.