Over 2,000 congregants and 500 gospel singers, musicians, and composers packed the New Psalmist Baptist Church for The Sound of Baltimore live recording, according to organizers. 

“The project is designed to preserve the sound and stories of a musical tradition that has been carried for generations through Baltimore’s churches, choirs, musicians, and communities,”  wrote organizer Rodney Whitley in an email.

The recording is the first part of a two-segment series about the historic group. Part two will be a documentary about the choir and the history of gospel in Baltimore, according to Whitley. 

Audience member standing with eyes closed and one hand raised, visibly moved during a live performance while other attendees watch from nearby seats.
Audience member in the moment at The Sound of Baltimore live performance. Credit: Nikiyah Edwards
Joyful worshipper with braided hair raises an arm and waves a pink cloth while smiling during a live choir recording, a camera and crowd visible nearby.
A worshipper listens to The Sound of Baltimore choir during the live recording event. Credit: Nikiyah Edwards
Choir conductor passionately sings and gestures toward a microphone with arms wide, wearing a suit, bow tie and large gray afro, while people in the background stand and applaud.
Marco K. Merrick, founder of the Community Concert Choir of Baltimore, conducts the song “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” at The Sound of Baltimore recording. Credit: Nikiyah Edwards
Organist's hands and forearms poised across multiple organ manuals and preset buttons, actively playing to accompany a choir.
An organist accompanies The Sound of Baltimore choir. Credit: Nikiyah Edwards
Getting into the music at The Sound of Baltimore live recording. Credit: Nikiyah Edwards
A person praying at the Sound of Baltimore concert. Credit: Nikiyah Edwards
A vocalist in a dim auditorium, eyes raised and hands clasped near her face, watching intently and expressing emotion during a live music recording.
Vocalist Avery Lawrence at the The Sound of Baltimore live recording. Credit: Nikiyah Edwards
Vocalist Courtney Dyson performs with The Sound of Baltimore choir. Credit: Nikiyah Edwards