Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens

Slow-paced southern gospel perfection. Shelton, a New York transplant from Alabama, is paired with bandleader Cliff Driver, whose honky tonk piano rhythms sound terrific accompanied by the twang guitar of the Dap-Kings’ Tommy Brenneck. And we can’t forget about the Queens, who shine particularly well in the spotlight on “He Knows My Heart.” The album concludes with three of the strongest tracks, “By Your Side,” “Lift My Burdens” and the Sam Cooke-penned “A Change Is Gonna Come,” not quite as good as Otis Redding’s version, but up in the neighborhood.

Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens
What Have You Done, My Brother?
Daptone Records
Out on May 22nd, 2009