Reviewed by Martin Kendrick

The third instalment of the group's recordings. A fabulous compilation of 25 classic Negro spiritual gospel songs from the four piece American vocal group. The importance of this music in both a spiritual and musical sense cannot be underestimated. It's music like this that paved the way for blues and jazz. That in turn for rock and roll and even dance (remember, they were once sampled by Moby). Their songs are beautifully simple and honest. Personal renditions of Bible stories and prayers from the plantations. It was songs like these that educated the slaves and their families in the teachings of the Bible and kept their faith strong even in the hardest and darkest of times. There are no instruments and no percussion, just extraordinarily rhythmic acappella. Such is the perfection of their harmonies, the smooth fluidity of their voices and the incredible natural rhythm and melody they effortlessly create. This is an essential piece of social, spiritual and musical history. You really can't help but benefit from listening to this set.

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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