Choir Shout
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The fastest, most ecstatic choir setting: the 'shout,' a double-time praise break where the drummer drops into a hard 6/8 or driving 4/4 pocket, the organ wails and the choir chants short repeated phrases as the congregation dances. Built for the physical release of holy dancing, the shout stacks hand-claps, tambourine, pumping bass and shouted affirmations into a whirlwind of momentum. Arrangements often erupt out of a slower selection, exploding into the shout as the spiritual climax. The mood is uninhibited celebration rooted in Pentecostal and sanctified worship.
History
The choir shout descends directly from the sanctified 'shout' and the praise break of the Church of God in Christ and Holiness traditions, where up-tempo music accompanies holy dancing at the height of worship. Recorded choir shouts became a signature of high-energy directors: Ricky Dillard is renowned for shout selections that ignite live audiences, John P. Kee and Hezekiah Walker built careers on the celebratory break, and Charles Jenkins' 'Awesome' and Bishop Paul Morton's choirs feature the same explosive lift. The shout remains the emotional peak of gospel services and award-show performances, and its 6/8 'praise break' groove has become a recognizable staple of Black church culture.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- Deborah Smith Pollard, When the Church Becomes Your Party (2008)
- Robert Darden, People Get Ready! (2004)
- Anthony Heilbut, The Gospel Sound (1971)