Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The Bihari Brothers' Modern/RPM label had a rather haphazard approach to gospel compared with their definitive work in blues and R&B, but as this 28-song compilation demonstrates the Los Angeles company was still able to pick up plenty of gospel gems even if few enjoyed much commercial success. The cream of the crop on this set is Prof James Earle Hines And His Goodwill Singers (Hines once directed the St Paul's Church Choir which were, in 1947, the first large black choir to hit big), Atlanta's Echoes Of Zion who sported a soulful line in switched lead and whose acapella "A Charge To Keep I Have" here is a true gem; and Lillie Mae Littlejohn whose 1947 78 with its barrelhouse drive recalls the pre-war glories of Arizona Dranes. There are plenty of delights, two from one-record artists like the Four Star Quartet, the Harmonizers and the Rev CC Chapman And The Faith Temple Choir where a hyperactive drummer leads the choir into some of the most frantic polyrhythmic clapping likely to be heard this side of Heaven. A wide variety of styles - from smooth-as-silk jubilee to abandoned Pentecostal roar-down-the-church, make this a fascinating and stimulating celebration of gospel's past.

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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