Heavenly Gospel Singers - Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order Vol 3 1938-1939
STYLE: Gospel RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 21309-12072 LABEL: Document DOCD5454 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RRP: £9.99
Reviewed by Andy Cooper
This is volume three out of four and contains 23 tracks from three recording sessions in North/South Carolina. It charts the change of bass singer, as William Bobo replaces Jimmy Bryant. The thing is that Jimmy had such a deep and distinct quality to his voice that Bobo didn't quite live up to, though he did bring a smoother, more refined touch to the quartet. "Oh! Jonah" is a fine start to Bobo's career, where he makes didgeridoo type sounds underneath lead singer Roosevelt Fennoy's story telling (honest!). Jimmy was better at the doo-wop type of marching bass lines, as shown in the opening "I Want To Be More Like Jesus". Many of the songs from the first two sessions have Jimmy, the tenor and the baritone making rhythmic sounds imitating brass instruments during the verses, and joining Roosevelt with close harmony in the choruses. For anyone interested in unaccompanied vocal music, this collection will be of interest, as it highlights some fine examples of a significant style seldom heard these days.
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.
Interested in reviewing music? Find out
more here.