Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Following in the footsteps of musicologist and field recorder Alan Lomax, producer Michael Reilly set out in 2007 to record a virtually unknown family of singers whom he had heard about through word of mouth whilst recording other groups in the Mississippi region of Panola County. The resultant Daptones Records release is nothing short of stunning and proof if proof were needed that the lengthy tradition of unaccompanied spiritual singing still continues in the Deep South to this very day. Headed up by Brother Raymond Walker - who back in the day turned down an offer to tour with the likes of Mississippi Fred McDowell and Sam Cooke in order to follow the Lord - and joined by his wife Joella and five of their children, the Walker Family Singers perform exquisitely unadorned versions of standards like "Jesus Gave Me Water", "Chilly Jordan" and "Old Ship Of Zion" in the comfort of their own living room as if they were their own songs. As with many family vocal groups, the Walkers' handle on timing and harmony is innate and, coupled with a sense that they wholeheartedly believe and are steeped in the Gospel message that their chosen material proclaims, this makes for a release that never fails to captivate despite an understandably similar style of delivery on each song. An incredible solo performance from daughter Patricia on "Make Me Real" is arguably the icing on the cake of a release that portrays black gospel music as nature intended it and hats off to Michael Reilly for capturing it perfectly.

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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