Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

This three disc anthology hones in on the mid to latter '60s output of gospel family group the Staple Singers following their move from the Riverside label to Columbia Records subsidiary Epic. Containing the now trademark Staples sound of Pops' tremolo guitar, daughter Mavis' powerhouse vocals (remarkable given her tender age at the time) plus her siblings Pervis and Cleotha on backing vocals, this collection succeeds in providing a fascinating snapshot of the group's evolution throughout the six albums they recorded for Epic. For instance, the first two albums on this box set 'Amen' (1965) and 'Pray On' (1966) - actually albums one and three in relation to their time with Epic - continue where the group left off with their default approach of delivering everything at a mid-tempo pace with little instrumental variation meaning that spirituals like "Mary Don't You Weep" and "As An Eagle Stirreth Her Nest" plod along in unremarkable fashion despite producer Billy Sherrill's best efforts. By the time we get to the 'Freedom Highway' live album, both Sherrill, Pops and crew have got into their collective stride to offer up arguably the best release of their Epic tenure. Tracks like the Pops-penned civil rights anthem title track and a version of the Hank Williams song "The Funeral" with Pervis on lead vocals are amongst many highlights on an album that sees the Staples in their natural habitat - in church, praising the Lord with energy. 1966's 'Why' sees a further development in the Staples sound with the matchless "Why (Am I Treated So Bad)" and the traditional "Will The Circle Be Unbroken?" seeing all involved pull together to offer up a collection of songs that mix social comment with spiritual matters set to a musical backdrop that genuinely packs a punch. Rock 'n' roll star Larry Williams was the surprise replacement for Billy Sherrill as producer on the 1967 album 'For What It's Worth' but the partnership was generally seen as a success with the likes of the Stephen Stills-penned title track and versions of much-covered numbers like "Wade In The Water" and "Jacob's Ladder" being amongst the highlights of the Staples' 60s fare. Last but not least, 1968's 'What The World Needs Now Is Love' is essentially a covers album with songs by the likes of Burt Bacharach, Bob Dylan, Curtis Mayfield and Stevie Wonder all being bravely attempted by Pops and the gang with varying results. Six albums in, the Staple Singers' Epic time had come to an end but their sound had developed sufficiently to allow them to take their next creative step - a giant and career-defining one at that - by signing for Stax. A hugely informative essay on the Staples' time before and during their Epic spell by Bob Fisher rounds off this pleasing historical box set.

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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