Naomi Shelton And The Gospel Queens – What Have You Done, My Brother? (Daptone) It’s strange how gospel music raises the spirits, yet Christian rock is so relentlessly depressing. The ideology is the same, so it must be down to the presentation and the tunes. When it comes to the latter, covering Sam Cooke’s proto-soul classic “A Change Is Gonna Come” isn’t a bad idea, that and tapping into the legacy of Stax, Southern soul and Northern blues. As you’ve probably guessed, Naomi Shelton isn’t a conventional gospel singer. She was raised singing in an Alabama church, but has spent just as much time in New York soul clubs. On her first official album release she’s ably supported by musical director, pianist Cliff Driver, her wonderfully tight / loose band, and The Gospel Queens; Bobby Gant, Cynthia Langston and Edna Johnson. Sharon Jones contributes additional vocals. As for presentation, see below, and you might just see the light. www.daptonerecords.com Rob F. Naomi Shelton And The Gospel Queens – What Have You Done? Next