- Is it any wonder that house and disco draws so much from gospel music? Black baptist churches hold some of the greatest rhythm sections and singers you've never heard of, and, depending on who you ask, Jesus's love can be a great reason for ecstatic frenzy. Even within this storied tradition, Elbernita "Twinkie" Clark stands out. Known as the "Queen of the Hammond B-3," the Detroit singer has a knack for joyful tunes that double as secular party starters.
Her 1981 solo track "Awake O Zion," reissued on a new 7-inch by the UK label Athens Of The North, originally appeared on her Ye Shall Receive Power album. It's been causing a stir lately. Back in 2012, the cut appeared on a David Hill-curated compilation of gospel disco, Overdose Of The Holy Ghost: The Sound Of Gospel Through The Disco And Boogie Eras. There are two other Twinkie-related tracks on there, both edited by Joey Negro, but "Awake O Zion" is the highlight. Clark's powerful voice heads up a full disco orchestra, with sumptuous strings from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Motown alumnus Gordon Staples waving the conductor's baton. What sets this one apart is the massive, key-changing breakdown that follows the chorus. It's a jaw-dropping section that's been a pivotal moment in sets from the likes of Motor City Drum Ensemble, Sassy J and Horse Meat Disco.
It's followed by "Power," a half-time stepper off the same 1981 album. Clark demonstrates her Hammond B-3 virtuosity while rhapsodizing over a funky beat like a churchgoing Betty Davis. Tunes like this could make an atheist praise the Lord.
TracklistA Awake O Zion
B Power