Reviewed by Tony May

Subtitled 'A Stunning Collection Of Acapella Gospel Music From Memphis', and brethren, should you be a-gaspin' fo' the real, vintage stuff, get yo' self down to the neighbourhood music shack and imbibe, friend, imbibe! This here's the deep South, frying in Gospel heat; this here's what catapulted such as Presley and spawned a whole universe of raw, explosive music. The album title refers to President Kennedy's demise, sung by The Dixie Nightingales in classic style. The set also includes The Revelators, the Harps Of Melody and a more recent group The Gospel Writers. As usual, the older stuff wins hands down, probably the cream of the cream are the Harps, females of advanced age who sing in the traditional style of early spiritual, cotton field slave music, full of raw aching. The full force of acapella is unleashed here in such power and inspiration that contemporary acapella gospel groups can only admire open-mouthed. Make sure you are sitting down when you hear this - it could throw you into a dangerous wobble.

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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