This collection features new interpretations by several Gospel and R&B luminaries of songs from Bob Dylan's Gospel-themed albums, Slow Train Coming (1979) and Saved (1980). Shirley Caesar turns in a tent-shaking performance of Slow Train Coming's "Gotta Serve Somebody," fronting a soul band akin to Booker T. and the MG's. Gospel quartet The Fairfield Four visit Saved's pre-apocalyptic "Are You Ready" as a stirring a cappella. Organ luminary Billy Preston accompanies Helen Baylor's soulful turn on "What Can I Do For You?" The rousing jump of Mighty Clouds of Joy's "Saved" is perfect accompaniment for cartwheeling down the aisles.
Not all the tracks scale such peaks; Sounds of Blackness' choral rendition of "Solid Rock" is a bit slick and sugar-coated to appeal to most Dylan aficionados. The choral format isn't the problem as the Chicago Mass Choir and soloist Regina McCrary raise goosebumps with their take on "Pressing On." Dylan himself and his band join Mavis Staples for "Gonna Change My Way of Thinking," leading with some amusing and casual banter between the lauded songwriter and stellar Gospel singer.
