STYLE: Gospel RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 11563-CAS1577 LABEL: Specialty SPCD70132 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Tony Cummings
Some years back I was shelling out serious wedge to buy imported Specialty albums, such was my veneration for the classic sides Sam Cooke recorded when he fronted the Soul Stirrers way back when. Now all those classics have been CD'd. But hearteningly Fantasy Records, having bought out Specialty Records are doing some serious re-issuing of the other great Soul Stirrers lineup, the early 50s one fronted by R H Harris. Now we get the opportunity to hear the complete output from two 1950 sessions. It's a spine-tingling experience. For instance, there is the soulfully swooping "By And By" where we get not only the issued version but two alternative takes. Or the much-recorded gospel novelty "Jesus Hits Like The Atom Bomb" (no, the Woebegone Brothers didn't write it!) Maybe my favourite here is the gaspingly soulful "That Awful Hour". But wherever one track-hops the stark, acappella strains of REAL gospel make for compelling listening.
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.
Interested in reviewing music? Find out
more here.