Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Anyone who's read Cross Rhythms recent article on the Heavenly Gospel Singers will know that this particular jubilee ensemble of acappella harmonisers, who had quite a level of recording success in the 1930s, straddled several styles. They demonstrated a looser and less barber shop harmony approach than many of the jubilee quartets and with their emphasis on hypnotic chanted behind the lead vocals paved the way for the harder gospel quartets of the '50s. But also, their sound, particularly the extravagant bass singing of Jimmy Bryant was a precursor to the sound of streets secular doowop sound. This 24 song compilation includes some fresh takes on old spirituals like "Lead Me To The Rock" and "Dry Bones" while lead singer Roosevelt Fennoy, though not up there with the gospel giants, always demonstrated cool, flexible phrasing. If you're interested in the roots of gospel this selection of tracks recorded between 7th August 1935 and 22nd June 1936 is a fascinating listen.

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