Rock My Soul, a secular, 25-member gospel choir that specializes in lively, roots-based gospel and rich harmonies, has released its second CD, “Let Your Light Shine: Rock My Soul Live.” With its unique brand of rousing, raise-the-rafters gospel music, Rock My Soul has garnered an ever-growing following and performed to packed houses wherever the group performs. The group is as tight and polished as any fine choral ensemble, yet has the immediacy and soulfulness of the authentic gospel music it seeks to revive. In its five years, Rock My Soul has received critical acclaim and has been chosen to share the stage with national acts such as Sweet Honey in the Rock. “We wanted to capture the energy of our concerts in a recording. When we interact with our audiences and everyone feels the spirit behind the music, magic happens,” states Dawn Boyer, founder and lead soloist of the group. “We recorded three shows in three different locations, and used the best of the material from each for the album. We’re thrilled with the production and the way it came out. We think audiences will enjoy being able to take the experience home with them.” The recording is the group’s first since the release of its debut album three years ago. From the stirring gospel-blues of Ruthie Foster’s “Joy” and Rev. James Cleveland’s compelling “No Cross, No Crown” to sophisticated, a cappella reworkings of traditional gospel stalwarts such as “Oh Mary, Don’t You Weep” and the Harriet Tubman-inspired “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” the CD demonstrates the depth and range of what Rock My Soul brings to a stage. Special guests Rev. Jeffery McIllwain and the Americana band Wooden Eye, both of whom deliver powerful readings of tunes by gospel great Blind Willie Johnson, are also featured. “Every form of American popular music is based on gospel,” says Boyer. “And it has lasted through centuries, giving people sustenance and hope. Whether you go to church or have never been, gospel creates a sense of joy that reaches across divides and brings us together. That’s powerful stuff.”