Annie Caldwell runs a fashion store in New Orleans, specializing in colorful clothing for adherents of the Church Of God In Christ. She has also been singing in church for 40 years with Annie and The Caldwells, the band she forms with her husband and guitarist Willie Joe and their three daughters and two sons. One day Annie got "one David" on the line. That was
David Byrne (
Talking Heads) asking
… about the rights to a song Annie wrote in 1974 for the Staples Jr Singers. It would appear on a compilation album by his label Luaka Bop. One thing led to another and now the family band debuts on the same label. On Can't Lose My (Soul) you can hear that the Caldwells have never cared about success. Their gospel is pure and addressed to the Savior alone. They easily take seven to 10 minutes to get completely loose in songs with infectiously propulsive funk and soul rhythms. Especially the interaction between lead singer Annie and the chorus of her daughters drives spirits high. The result is an imploring, elemental and swinging gospel album that celebrates gospel exuberantly and deeply. (MR)more
