Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Another compilation of a fascinating musical era when through the huge popularity of the Rev J M Gates, preachers, some singing, some sticking to sermons, became recording stars for the race record labels. Here Rev H B Jackson offers six solo vocals, three with harmonium and three with piano accompaniment. Pretty good they are too. Even more fascinating is Rev R M Massey's "Old Time Baptism" which blues expert Paul Oliver cites as the most authentic of the handful of recorded re-enactments of African American baptisms. Elsewhere we have six sermonettes by Rev J M Milton with his "The Black Camel Of Death" addressing the ultimate fate of a modern society distracted by its desire for instant gratification (lots of images of speeding cars and planes). Just as interesting are the four recordings by Philip Moore who offers "burlesque sermons" with more humour than serious spiritual content while more authentic fair is the intense straining preacher Rev Perkins whose "The Day Of His Wrath" is fire and brimstone preaching personified. Finally, the four recordings by Rev William Ransom are reminiscent of the great sides made by Rev Gates. More fascinating stuff from Document Records.

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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