Gold Star Quartette, Golden Echo Quartet, Golden Leaf Quartet - Vocal Quartets Complete Recorded Works Vol 3 G 1927-1936
STYLE: Gospel RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 21402-11955 LABEL: Document DOCD-5539 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RRP: £9.99
Reviewed by Tony Cummings
The sleevenote says it all really. "From the rough, earthy Limbres of Mississippi's Gold Star Quartette, through the flexibility and broad appeal of Tennessee's Golden Echo Quartet, to the arresting falsetto lead and occasional uncanny hillbilly impersonations of Alabama's Golden Leaf Quartet, Volume 3 of Document's Vocal Quartets continues to demonstrate the diversity and charm of black vocal groups of the pre-war period." Gold Star cut six rugged tracks in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 1936 and they sound pretty good today, particularly "John Wrote The Revelations". Golden Echo offer more white-orientated music and their corny rendition of "Golden Slippers" is a bit of an acquired taste. Golden Leaf cut 12 sides between 1928 and 1930 and with an appealing falsetto lead singer and songs like "Ding Dong Bell" and "Every Time I Feel The Spirit" show plenty of individuality while their ability to mimic hillbilly performers like Jimmie Rodgers gives them an unusual string to their bow. Yet another of those fascinating Document history lessons.
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