Lift Up Your Voice!: Choral Octavo SoundTrax CD

Johnson writes gospel that actually grooves without pretense. The syncopated rhythms and sophisticated chord movements feel authentic to the style, and the short piano solo gives your accompanist a moment in the spotlight while your singers catch their breath before the final push. This is the kind of piece that shows your ensemble knows how to lock into pocket and commit to a sound.

Immediate, spirited, and deeply satisfying. The syncopations pull you forward while the chord changes keep your ear engaged, and everything builds toward that final vocal stack that feels like the whole choir is singing as one tight unit.

This octavo serves choirs ready to tackle contemporary gospel with style and substance. It works for high school and adult ensembles seeking repertoire that feels current and energetic without losing musical integrity.

• Nail the syncopation as an ensemble before worrying about polish; gospel authenticity depends on rhythmic cohesion and confidence in the pocket.
• Let the piano solo breathe and settle into its groove. Your singers should listen intently during this section so they can lock back in tightly when the vocal stack enters.
• Stack your voices carefully in the closing section. With intricate chord changes, precision in pitch and voice leading keeps the funky energy from muddying.

Program this as an opener or closer on a concert that needs energy and contemporary flavor. It pairs well on a sacred or festival program where you want to show your choir's range from traditional to modern gospel.

• Syncopation and rhythmic precision in a gospel context
• Singing and hearing complex chord progressions
• Ensemble cohesion and locking into pocket
• Sustained dynamic control through a funky vocal climax