THE resemblance is undeniable. The lead singer of The Blind Boys of Alabama looks and sounds exactly like Bleedin' Gums Murphy - the cartoon music man from The Simpsons. His motto is: ''The blues isn't about making yourself feel better, it's about making other people feel worse.'' There's no such cynical slant to the Blind Boys' message. They're on a mission from God. ''We didn't come to Glasgow looking for Jesus,'' they announced, ''we brought him along with us.'' Then, with the good Lord watching, these Southern showmen launched into You'll Never Walk Alone, which, given the full Alabama treatment, sounds more like ''You'll never, never-ever, never - never - never, ever! ever! ever - walk aloooone''.
Earlier, the Glasgow Gospel Choir had warmed the crowd with their soaring spirituals, measured choreography, and colourful shirts: the perfect aperitif before the Blind Boys brought their huge gospel sound to this Big Big Country Festival. A variety of funk, R&B, and cappella numbers showcased some accomplished vocal acrobatics, then the singalong started when the singers announced they'd be laying their heavy burden Down By The Riverside. The free-form gospel material which followed allowed both act and audience to really loosen up. ''Do you feel like jumping?'' asked the Blind Boy stage left, before leading the leaping himself. ''If you feel this beat, shake my hand!'' he continued, then went walkabout in the Old Fruitmarket. There were some incredible high notes, a few neat pirouettes, and an encore of Danny Boy before the Blind Boys finally left us clapping, whooping, and a-hollering.
All bounced-out but a few inches closer to the promised land.
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