STYLE: Gospel RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 9410-9116 LABEL: Topaz Jazz TPZ10 FORMAT: CD Album
Reviewed by Tony Cummings
Though this fascinating 23 track compilation of pre-war gospel has been out since 1995 it’s only now that a copy has found its way to Cross Rhythms. It offers a bit of most of the rural styles of the era and connoisseurs will soon find their feet pumping to the joyful piano-driven rhythms of Sister Cally Fancey’s Sanctified Singers, the gutsy congregational bonhomie of Missionary Josephine Miles And Sister Elizabeth Cooper, the bluesy evangelist of Rev Edward W Clayborn and a track from the man who kick started modern gospel, Thomas A Dorsey. Sometimes, tracks seem plucked from collections for their rarity rather than their quality – the dreadfully stilted Deacon Mose performing an ancient hymn for instance – while the sound, from hugely rare 78s, is somewhat variable. But if you’re keen on building a comprehensive collection of early gospel music this is a compilation worth considering ordering from your local record shop.
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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
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