Chicago pastor and activist T.L. Barrett’s gospel soul masterpiece Like A Ship… (Without A Sail) has finally gotten the reissue it deserves. A longtime favorite among record collectors, this 1971 self-released album is considered one of the crown jewels of gospel soul. Barrett, driven by his love of music and commitment to keeping kids off the streets, brought his charismatic sermons—which drew the likes of Earth, Wind & Fire and Donny Hathaway to Mount Zion Baptist Church—into the album's creation. The project was elevated by renowned saxophonist and arranger Gene Barge of Chess Records and featured an impressive lineup including Richard Evans, Phil Upchurch, and the powerful Youth For Christ Choir. Like A Ship delivers sanctified grooves and spiritual praise, anchored by an uplifting, infectious chorus.
