Gold Star Quartette, Golden Echo Quartet, Golden Leaf Quartet - Vocal Quartets Complete Recorded Works Vol 3 G 1927-1936

Published Saturday 19th April 2008
Gold Star Quartette, Golden Echo Quartet, Golden Leaf Quartet - Vocal Quartets Complete Recorded Works Vol 3 G 1927-1936
Gold Star Quartette, Golden Echo Quartet, Golden Leaf Quartet - Vocal Quartets Complete Recorded Works Vol 3 G 1927-1936

STYLE: Gospel
RATING 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 21402-11955
LABEL: Document DOCD-5539
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RRP: £9.99

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The sleevenote says it all really. "From the rough, earthy Limbres of Mississippi's Gold Star Quartette, through the flexibility and broad appeal of Tennessee's Golden Echo Quartet, to the arresting falsetto lead and occasional uncanny hillbilly impersonations of Alabama's Golden Leaf Quartet, Volume 3 of Document's Vocal Quartets continues to demonstrate the diversity and charm of black vocal groups of the pre-war period." Gold Star cut six rugged tracks in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 1936 and they sound pretty good today, particularly "John Wrote The Revelations". Golden Echo offer more white-orientated music and their corny rendition of "Golden Slippers" is a bit of an acquired taste. Golden Leaf cut 12 sides between 1928 and 1930 and with an appealing falsetto lead singer and songs like "Ding Dong Bell" and "Every Time I Feel The Spirit" show plenty of individuality while their ability to mimic hillbilly performers like Jimmie Rodgers gives them an unusual string to their bow. Yet another of those fascinating Document history lessons.

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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