Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The French record label Fremeaux are to be congratulated for their daring endeavor to re-issue in a series of albums every recording made by the great gospel matriarch. If you've yet to catch up with Mahalia's genius I quote from this set's sleevenote which boldly states, "Mahalia Jackson's triumphal European tour in 1961 resulted in her being recognized universally as one of the greatest singers in the world in whatever musical genre." Most of these recordings were made live in Stockholm, Sweden, with two in Paris and in the main are glorious interpretations of old spirituals and gospel standards she had previously recorded for first Apollo Records and then Columbia. "There Is A Balm In Gilead", "Down By The Riverside" and the Rev Brewster's "How I Got Over" (the latter lasting a near seven and a half minutes) are all magnificent with Mahalia's rich contralto seemingly squeezing meaning out of every phrase and although Mildred Falls' piano accompaniment is sometimes a little sparse, such is the richness of Mahalia's voice that you hardly notice.

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