By Rebecca Gordon
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND — It’s the foot-stomping, arm-raising, soul-lifting music nowadays associated with America’s Deep South. But could contemporary gospel have a place in a country known internationally for its bagpipes and lilting folk ballads?
One group of singers think so, and they’re scouring the nation for its answers to Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles. They might not be the first non-denominational choir of their type in Scotland, but The Gospel Truth Choir have fast become the leading purveyors of “tartan gospel” since being set up in 2007. Established by ex-K.T. Tunstall backing singer Tracey Braithwaite to perform at the wedding of composer Paul Leonard-Morgan, the 40-strong professional outfit has gone on to support the likes of The Skids, Sir Tom Jones and Deacon Blue’s Ricky Ross.
Now the founding members are looking to reach out to aspiring vocalists in a bid to create a network of amateur choirs around the country.
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