Reviewed by Tony Cummings

A fascinating cross section of differing gospel styles from rasping preachers to full black church congregation. The collection kicks off with two rare sides missed off the Rev A W Nix's albums with "How Will You Spend Christmas?" having the reverend chastising his congregation for frittering their money away. A particular curiosity is Mr & Mrs F H Lacy who, to my ears at least, sound like white hillbillies and were recorded in Glasgow, Scotland. Then there are five sides by the Original Kings Of Harmony not included on their Document album who demonstrate polished syncopated rhythm while the six tracks by Elder Lightfoot Solomon Michaux are equally worthwhile. Michaux was a pioneer of the "radio preachers" first broadcasting in 1933 and who once shipped 600 gallons of water taken from the River Jordan for the purpose of a mass baptism in Washington, DC! His rumbustious preaching style is a lot of fun. To complete this 30 odd year dip into African American gospel there are two lengthy field recordings, made in the '50s, "Christmas Day Service" and "Saint Sylvester's Day Service" (weighing in at over 14 and 16 minutes respectively) credited Harlem Congregations but actually from the Mount Bethel Baptist Church. And pretty joyful they sound too.

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