Album Review: Jugend Ruft Jugend Mit Negro Spirituals by Various
Alright, let’s dive into this funky little gem from Germany—Jugend Ruft Jugend Mit Negro Spirituals. If you’re into gospel with a twist of soul and funk vibes, this one's gonna grab your attention. Released under the JFC label, it’s got that raw, heartfelt energy that makes you feel like you’re sitting in on an intimate jam session.
First off, shoutout to Joanie Yoder for absolutely owning the vocals. She’s not just singing; she’s living these songs. And can we talk about Barbara Foster on grand piano? Her playing is smooth as butter, while Jim Foster (apparently a multitasking wizard) brings some serious vibes on both saxophone and vibraphone. Oh, and Ernie Batten on organ? That man knows how to lay down a groove that sticks to your ribs.
Now, onto the tracks. I’ve gotta call out “He’s Got The Whole World” because… wow. It starts simple enough, but then Joanie’s voice soars, and suddenly you’re lifted up too. You don’t even realize it, but you’re humming along or maybe even swaying if no one’s watching. It’s one of those tunes where everything clicks—the piano chords are warm, the vibes add this dreamy texture, and the whole thing feels like a big ol’ hug. Honestly, it stuck with me all day after listening.
Another standout is “Swing Low.” This version has a bit more pep than the traditional take, thanks to Jim Foster’s sax sneaking in there like a sly cat. It’s soulful yet groovy, and Joanie delivers the lyrics with such conviction that you almost forget it’s a spiritual classic. By the end, you might find yourself clapping along—even if you didn’t mean to!
The album dips into German-language tracks too, like “Jesus Allein,” which adds a cool cultural layer. Hearing gospel sung in another language feels fresh and kinda eye-opening. It reminds you music really is universal, y’know?
So yeah, Jugend Ruft Jugend Mit Negro Spirituals isn’t perfect—it’s a bit rough around the edges at times—but that’s part of its charm. It feels real, unpolished, and full of heart. Listening to it made me think about how music connects people across borders and styles. Like, who woulda thought a gospel album outta Germany could hit so hard?
Oh, and here’s the kicker—I listened to this while cooking dinner last night, and somehow my scrambled eggs tasted better. Coincidence? Maybe. But hey, good music does weird things like that. Give it a spin and see what happens!
