Protest and Praise

<p>Here is a skillful tracing of two tracks in the evolution of musical genres that have evolved from black religion. Songs of <I>protest</I> developed from the spiritual through social-gospel hymnody to culminate in songs of the civil-rights movement and the blues. Born in rebellion they envision the Kingdom of God.</p><p>Songs of <I>praise</I> by contrast express adoration. Beginning with the ring-shout Spencer follows the history of intoned declamation through the tongue songHoliness-Pentecostal music and the chanted sermon of the black preacher. Spencer's approach termed theomusicology unlocks the wealth of African-American sacred music with a theological key. The result is a fascinating account of a people's struggle with God in history.</p>