Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Anyone who's been following gospel music for awhile will know that this octet were the first touring purveyors of genuine African American culture and helped spread the sound of spirituals around the globe. Although there are eight recordings here made in the 1920s (with unsurprisingly a decidedly primitive sound quality) many of these other recordings were made for radio station WSM in the 1940s. No one can doubt the quality of the songs here and whether sung by a classical tenor ("Oh Mary Don't You Weep"), a modern day gospel group ("Ezekiel Saw De Wheel") or even a stadium full of rugby supporters ("Swing Low Sweet Chariot") it was through the tireless touring of the Fisks which brought these timeless songs of faith to mass consciousness. Having acknowledged that the Fisk Jubilee Singers' performances sound polite and rather staid compared with the more wild and rhythmic forms of gospel emerging in the '30s and '40s. If you're keen on music history and/or enjoy the quainter end of jubilee singing harmony, this compilation may be for you.

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