The Blind Boys of Alabama Unleash A New Atom Bomb
Lee Zimmerman
Posted On November 7, 2016
An American institution, The Blind Boys of Alabama have always shown a flair for tapping traditional gospel music within a contemporary context. No longer confined to sacred circles, they continue to effectively narrow the divide between the spiritual and the secular, and in the case of their 2005 offering Atom Bomb, they all but eliminated it entirely. Indeed, it ranks as among their most obvious bids for crossover success yet, and by reworking certain standards (Blind Faith’s resonate “Presence of the Lord,” Bill Withers’ classic “Lean on Me”), they impart a reverential sound that can appeal to fervent believers and pop purists alike.
Naturally, they didn’t abandon their gospel roots entirely. Not by a long shot. Songs such as “I Know I’ve Been Converted,” “Talk Abut Suffering” and “Old Blind Barnabas” convey the essential credo and conviction that underscores each of their efforts, leaving no doubt as to where their spiritual fervor lies. And though they enlisted the support of several stellar musicians — the late Billy Preston, Charlie Musselwhite and David Hidalgo among them — and even allowed an occasional infusion of rap here and there, the essence of their signature style remains intact. Hewed with deep conviction, the music resonates from these grooves, and regardless of one’s religious sentiments, it’s hard not to be moved.
It ought to b e noted that Omnivore’s new expanded version of the album offers a number of instrumetnal versions of songs from the album. And while it seems strange to hear this material sans the Blind Boys’ voices, it does give a focus on the arrangements that may have escaped notice before. That’s especially cool of the cool groove that underscores such tracks as “New Born Soul” and “Old Blind Barnabus.”
Consequently, any attempt to expand their audience through recent releases and reissues isn’t as much a matter of cowing to commercial purposes as it is to simply assert their traditional tack. Indeed, their unshakeable sound may offer some solace in these troubled times. Ultimately it doesn’t matter whether it’s the music or the message that the listener latches on to. Atom Bomb makes an explosive impression regardless.
