The city of New Orleans has always been considered the motherland of black gospel music, although the true richness of New Orleans’ rich spiritual tradition has actually remained largely unknown beyond the city itself. Every year, this “secret” is let loose to the outside world at outdoor concerts on the edge of New Orleans’ French Quarter, and at spirited performances in an outdoor tent that’s become one of the most celebrated and famous traditions of the New Orleans Jazz Fest. For the first time, there is now a single CD with national distribution that captures the spirit and excitement of New Orleans gospel music at its very best. This record is simply the only one of its kind, an unprecedented, definitive guide to the best of Louisiana gospel music, with virtually all the major performers represented.

In addition to traditional gospel audiences and the pent-up demand created by scores of Jazz Fest attendees, The New Orleans Gospel Tent also holds a crossover appeal to the awakened roots music market in America (Blind Boys Of Alabama, O Brother Where Art Thou?).