Norfolk Jubilee Quartet - Norfolk Jazz And Jubilee Quartets Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order Vol 2 1923-1925
STYLE: Gospel RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 21338-12062 LABEL: Document DOCD5382 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RRP: £9.99
Reviewed by Tony Cummings
During this era (1923-1925), the Norfolk, Virginia-based group were amongst the nation's most popular black quartets appearing on the vaudeville stage as well as in churches. They brought to the close harmony, jubilee sound a syncopated enthusiasm which was to be a big influence on later groups like the Golden Gate Quartet. The 23 sides here recorded for Paramount are obviously pretty primitive in terms of audio quality while, as often happens when Document Records pursue their admirable policy of re-issuing every available side of pre-war blues and gospel artists, one or two of the tracks here have a lot of crackle and hiss to ignore. But there are some great spirituals here with "Roll Jordan Roll", "Get On Board, Little Children" and "Every Time I Feel The Spirit" still sounding good today. Another slice of fascinating musical history.
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