Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

A collection of sides from three minor Chicago labels bringing together little known performances from obscure blues and gospel performers. It's the last four artists on this CD that interest us as there are 10 gospel tracks to enjoy that were recorded back in the '60s for the Jericho Road label. I guess for every Soul Stirrers and Five Blind Boys there are numerous gospel acts that barely managed to get famous beyond their own church or neighbourhood. That's not to say the quality isn't there, just that they never broke out wider. So if you're into old fashioned gospel you'll enjoy the variety here. The Norfleet Brothers recorded in 1967 and of their two tracks "Standing On The Highways" is the best, hitting a guitar-driven gospel groove while the Brothers harmonise in fine fashion. The Space Spiritual Singers (great name eh?) seem to have only ever cut the two tracks compiled here. Recorded in 1962, musically the passionate performance here predates secular soul music but contains many of the elements that would become popular including a superb lead vocal. The Faithful Wanderers occupy a similar musical territory to The Soul Stirrers and the three excellent songs collected here were recorded back in 1963. However it's the performance of Elder Samuel Patterson which really sets this collection on fire! Recorded in the early '60s, his testifying style over his own extraordinary driving, rhythmic, electric guitar playing makes for some pretty splendid old fashioned gospel.

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