Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

The end of slavery in the United States had many unforeseen consequences as doors that had been locked were now starting to open - albeit slowly in some States. Black music now grew in different directions and this excellent budget-priced CD follows the development of what became known as "Negro Spirituals" through both choirs and solos. We get to hear many of the finest exponents of this art form, ranging from the pioneering Fisk University Jubilee Singers through to the great soloists Roland Hayes, Paul Robeson and Marian Anderson. Some of the songs have entered the classical repertoire ("Steal Away", "Deep River"), some have made an impression on the general public ("Swing Low, Sweet Chariot", "Joshua Fit De Battle Of Jericho"), and one turned up on the recent Springsteen 'Seeger Sessions' release ("Mary, Don't You Weep" here sung by The Utica Jubilee Singers). The recordings are all in mono and some of the earliest are far from perfect but all are listenable and all are worth hearing. If you have any sort of collection of blues, folk or gospel music you will have some of these songs already and will appreciate the others that fill some gaps; if this genre is new to you then this is an excellent place to start.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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