Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Connoisseurs of early black gospel who read blues magazines collect compilations like this but would never think to pop into a church, will recognise this compilation as one compiled by Anthony Heilbut. author of the seminal The Gospel Sound a decade or so back and much sought after on vinyl. It contains classic jubilee dubbed from 78s by the Golden Gate Quartet, classic early quartet sounds from the Blue Jay Singers (their lead singer Silas Steele had one of the most stunning soulful voices ever committed to recording tape) and some original recordings (without accompaniment of course) cut in the homes of female gospel giants Marion Williams and Bessie Griffin. Sanctified dance devotees should note that the latter's "The Lord Will Make A Way" here is the source recording which provides that thrilling soulful vocal to Tabernacle's "I Know The Lord" underground club hit. Judging from the calibre of great gospel vocalists presented here, there could well be more dance producers attracted to this CD reissue. And those collectors whose vinyl is still crackle-free should still note that this CD reissue contains a batch of jubilee-influenced groups (the Golden Gate Quartet, the Charioteers and the Delta Rhythm Boys) taken from rare radio transcriptions issued for the first time. Collectors, dance producers or just lovers of great voices and thrilling harmonies, this album has real appeal for you all.

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.