I love gospel music. I don’t mean the overproduced crap they play at megachurches, I’m talking about a piano, bass, and a stomp/clap choir in a black southern community church led one or more strong, usually female, singers.
I’ve never heard this music that wasn’t about God and that kind of puts me off so I’m wondering…is there gospel MUSIC without the gospel LYRICS?
[Edit]I’m talking Blues Brother church scene music - thanks shittydwarf for the link
That’s what I’m struggling with, I don’t think any of the “root” genres bring the specific elements I’m searching for. Mainly the call-and-response with a small choir.
The closest I’ve found is like stomp clap indie folk but no bands really do the choir thing.
Speaking of indie, have you tried some of the newer Justin Vernon (edit: Bon Iver) singles? Prob not exactly what you’re looking for, but heavily influenced by gospel, particularly AUATC and PDLIF. I mean, he seems to be a god guy, but it’s subtle.
As for call and response, I’m a sucker for sea shanties. Singing them in groups is the best (everyone sings the “response”), but there are some good recordings too. Try the Longest Johns for some well-produced recordings. It’s a slippery slope to traditional music though… You’ve been warned.