Like that other great male vocal group, South Africa's Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the Blind Boys of Alabama have a problem. They have built up a worldwide following for their rousing live shows, but when it comes to recording new albums, they have had trouble finding a new approach. The solution this time has been to give the veteran gospel team a syncopated beat, by matching them against some of the finest players in New Orleans, where this set was recorded. A reliable trio of local jazz and soul sidemen provide most of the backing, but the finest moments are those when the vocal work of Jimmy Carter and his team is driven on by New Orleans' own great veterans. So the gospel oldie Uncloudy Day is revitalised by the joyful brassy stomp of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, while Make a Better World, a song by the city's blues and guitar star Earl King, features the Hot 8 Brass Band. Best of all, there's a slow, bluesy tribute to another New Orleans celebrity, gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, with a treatment of If I Could Help Somebody, dressed up with glorious piano work from Allen Toussaint. This is a Blind Boys album with an intriguing new twist.