The debut recording for the Soweto Gospel Choir, Voices From Heaven, sets a very high bar for rich, melodious, vocals and spirit-lifting musical power. The 32-odd members of the Soweto Gospel Choir deliver enough gospel/soul to make listeners forget about their old choir standbys. This 16-track CD offers a wide variety of gospel music, from traditional Zulu hymns, African-American spirituals, to modern takes on classics such as Jimmy Cliff's "Many Rivers to Cross." Every tune packs an awe-inspiring punch but standouts are a soaring interpretation of "Paradise Road," the contagious township jive of "Ahuna Ya Tswang Le Jesu/Kammatia" and the upbeat joy of "Sikulandie." ~ Rosalind Cummings-Yeates