Reviewed by Tony Cummings

There have already been two Pilgrim Travellers albums on Specialty but such was the prolific popularity during the 50s of this fine quartet that Ace haven't yet exhausted the vault even after unearthing 28 tracks here. The group had in cousins Kylo Turner and Keith Barber two impassioned lead singers who, over the solid, rhythmic pulse set up by the rest of the guys, could upset any congregation. There is some great music here, try their soulful rendition of Thomas Dorsey's "Long Ago" and some novelties too - would you believe a song exhorting the importance of neighbourhood safety and careful driving? The fascinating "Troubled In Mind" and "Every Prayer Will Find Its Answer" caused huge controversy in black church circles in 1955 by featuring a saxophone forcing their group to release a press release where their manager J W Alexander argued that reed instruments were entirely biblical!

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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