Gonna Let It Shine

She's a folk legend and an American treasure. Odetta's phenomenal, five-decade-long career has inspired virtually every protest and spiritual singer out there, including a young Bob Dylan. This live recording catches the 74-year-old singer performing a combination of traditional yet obscure Christmas spirituals along with established fare, such as Leadbelly's "Midnight Special"-- all in her inspirational voice and with her solemn yet joyous approach. Accompanied only by piano--and, on three tracks, the gospel harmonies of the Holmes Brothers--Odetta weaves a rich and colorful sonic tapestry, explaining the meaning behind some of the songs, helping the audience more intimately connect with the material. The blend of holiday-themed material such as "Mary Had a Baby," "Poor Little Jesus," and "Ride Up Shepherd" with uplifting gospel classics like "This Little Light of Mine" and "Down by the Riverside" makes for a magnificent hour-long set that is poignant and emotionally stirring, no matter your religious affiliation. Odetta's multioctave range swoops and soars through this material, and her occasional a cappella pieces are tours de force that show the power of the human voice. An album meant not just for Christmas, Gonna Let It Shine is a rousing and moving performance, inspirational any month of the year. --Hal Horowitz