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“Amazing Grace.” Aretha Franklin with James Cleveland & the Southern California Community Choir. Atlantic. At least until Arista releases a new gospel album by Franklin next month, the 1972 Atlantic recording digitally remastered on this double-CD stands as Lady Soul’s supreme reentry into the religious-music realm. A real sense of occasion is felt in these 88 minutes of incredible performances, superbly recorded (marred only by original-analog-tape hiss) in a Los Angeles Baptist church on two nights and attended by such gospel luminaries as Aretha’s father (who offers a few heartfelt comments) and Clara Ward. The 13 epic songs--five last more than 8 minutes--combine brilliant arrangements and inspired singing, backed by a small instrumental combo. ****
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