Reviewed by Tony Cummings

When I reviewed another recently released Charioteers compilation ('Swing Low Sweet Charioteers') I emphasised the major strengths (a fine lead tenor in Billy Williams and dazzling technique from his accompanying harmonisers) but also their major musical weakness as they gradually abandoned the gospel songs and spirituals of their roots in favour of pop and jazz tunes of the day. The smattering of gospel songs here like "In My Saviour's Care" are when the group really excel and even when offering over familiar spirituals like "Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho" and "When The Saints Go Marching In" their renditions still sparkle. And to be fair, they make a reasonable fist of the songs of Tin Pan Alley though no one would suggest that The Charioteers' versions of "Sweet Lorraine" or "I Can't Get Started" are in the same class as the Nat King Cole and Bunny Berigan originals. And though on this set we are spared their rather embarrassing duets with Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, even the cleverest harmonisers can't do much with such dross as "Madame Will Drop Her Shawls" and "We'll Meet Again" (yep, the Vera Lynn song). One final warning: if you have the earlier Charioteers compilation 'Ooh Look A There Ain't She Pretty' you'll already have 17 of the 56 tracks on this collection.

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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