This is a very special compilation.

Chased away by Katrina’s floodwaters, Sound of New Orleans owner and producer Gary Edwards quickly sought refuge in Houston.

Before long, however, he began missing his hometown. At the same time, he came to realize that many of the churches where Sound of New Orleans gospel groups performed had sustained significant damage.

So, he took it upon himself to create this compilation of his own favorite tracks taken from the dozen or so gospel CDs he’d recorded over the years, partly to provide himself with solace and partly to help fund church rebuilding.

From the opening deep rumble of The Zion Harmonizers’ a cappella harmony on “Ezekiel” to the closing track, a rousing version of “This Little Light of Mine” by New Orleans street performers David & Roselyn, this compilation surveys the breadth of New Orleans gospel music in all its glorious diversity and singular excellence.

While the contemporary gospel sound is well-represented, this collection’s emphasis is mainly on traditional favorites (“Old Rugged Cross,” “Amazing Grace,” Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” “Wade in the Water’), with performances equally divided between a cappella harmonies and rousing full-instrumental arrangements.

Every number is a standout, and with each new track comes the realization of yet another perspective capable of illuminating the life of the spirit as only music can.