This is Our Story, This is Our Song 1998
Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry, NH 03038-4812; 800-876-CHIP (2447)
Produced by Willis "Skip" Brown
Directed by Willis "Skip" Brown
VHS, color, 60 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Music, African American Studies, Multicultural Studies
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Robert Wick, Fine Arts Bibliographer, University of Colorado at DenverThis is Our Story; This is Our Song gives the viewer a glimpse into the workings of a gospel choir with all its trials, tribulations, and joys of performance. While the story of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir is obviously intended to provide a religious experience for the viewer, the tape also includes some interesting insights into not only gospel music, but also how such choirs are established and operate. For anyone who hasn't heard a real gospel choir this program is bound to be a delight. Songs performed by the choir are interlaced with interviews with choir members, glimpses of rehearsals, and wonderful eavesdropping into conversations between the director and his choir, as well as between individual choir members. Members recount how their lives have been changed in so many ways due to their participation in the group. Some of the hymns performed in their entirety include "Go Tell it on the Mountain," "Blessed Assurance," and "Already Been to the Water," with portions of many others heard throughout the tape.
The production values are acceptable, and the music recording is professional, but there are times when the sound quality could be better. Also, the editing is not always crisp, i.e., some portions of the tape tend to drag while others seem to be abruptly cut off. But the program is a success overall.
Viewing this tape allows us to understand how universal this music is, and how so many people are uplifted by gospel performances. The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir gives us and everyone connected with its performances a wonderful experience.
Recommended.