Jasper Street Co. Presents ‘Rejoicing’
Nervous Records, a label synonymous with House Music, releases an album that truly respects the traditions of the genre’s gospel and soulful foundations and which captures the listener in a spiritual embrace whether they be in the club or listening at home in a moment of self-reflection. It is rare that artists ever achieve this feat of transitory genius but the guys at Jasper Street Co. have managed this and so much more.
Jasper Street Co. are a group of artists which have consistently produced tracks of infinite quality and which means that they can now rightly claim to belong in the pantheon of the gods. Consisting of vocalists Randy Roberts, Vonita White and Richard Burton, and driven by producers Teddy Douglas and DJ Spen, the Jasper Street Co. paint a picture of gospel and toe tapping soul that lifts every single part of your body in worship and praise.
Listening to the Jasper Street Co. is like going to church, finding it closed and then going to a club and being kidnapped by James Brown, Aretha Franklin and juke joint inspired tent revivalists. For 25 years they have captivated the dance world with a merry tune and their latest offering ‘Rejoicing’ bears witness to their indisputable talent.
Featuring guests Norma Jean and Byron Stingily, plus remixes from David Morales, Kenny Carpenter and Dimitri From Paris this album builds on the musical offerings of artists who similarly push the edges of dance music to a more challenging and hopeful place.
Both Teddy and Spen are products of Baltimore. Indeed, the Jasper Street moniker was truly the location of where they did their early work. A city not widely known for its influence on house music, but which if you know your groove, cannot be understated, their music crosses the social divide. Always embracing and celebrating the uplifting, spiritual aspect of music.
Much like Josh Milan, their journey fills those deep wells of emptiness that can form when modern life takes away the joy. Let there be no doubt ‘Rejoicing’ is an album full of songs, not an uninspired descent into endless beats of repetitive expressionism.
The album’s opening track ‘Paradise’ with vocals by Norma Jean and house giant Byron Stingily soars over a disco infused bass that sit in perfect harmony with each other. Byron’s voice is unmistakable and the keyboard stylings in the middle of the track are pure brilliance.
Each track on this album features something special. Vocals, beats, keyboards; all the usual suspects make an appearance. This is music the way it should be made. Messages of peace and love that make you clap and shake. Their inclusion of ‘My Soul is a Witness’ on this album is a master stroke in showing how things should be done. But this is not an isolated incident as the Hammond organ continually kisses so many of these songs and compliments all the vocalists. As one of the tracks states ‘You inspire me’… This release certainly does that.
And just when you thought things could not get any better David Morales, Kenny Carpenter and Dimitri From Paris pitch in with two final remixes that are out of this world. Truly outstanding renditions of tracks where the remixers have understood the Jasper Street Co.
If you love your soulful house don’t pick up the individual tracks. Buy the whole album. You will not be disappointed by the experience. Get your soul dipped in gospel gold and lift up your voices. Jasper Street Co. had me rejoicing all day long.
Five Stars — Brilliant!!!
Tracklist
- Paradise feat. Byron Stingily & Norma Jean
2. Happy Song
3. My Soul Is A Witness
4. Praying For You
5. I Wanna Be Happy
6. Anything
7. Oh Give Thanks
8. Rejoicing (I’ll Never Forget)
9. You’re My Latest, My Greatest Inspiration
10. Smile (David Morales Remix)
11. Reach (Kenny Carpenter & Dimitri From Paris Church Of Disco Mix
https://www.traxsource.com/title/1155342/rejoicing
*This is a completely independent review. No money was exchanged. These are my own thoughts based on listening to House Music for 35 years.
