Reviewed by Jamie Hailstone

This CD is the fourth in a series of archive recordings put out by Document Records and contains no less than 24 tracks. It focuses on some of the early stars of the genre, including the Famous Jubilee Singers and the Five Soul Stirrers of Houston, who, decades later, would achieve success when a certain Sam Cooke joined their ranks. The recording quality is a bit patchy on the tracks featuring Ernia Mae Cunningham, but they do date from 1927. The Davis Bible Singers, from 1929, fare much better and you can really enjoy their two tracks - which still sound remarkably good, considering their age.

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.