The accent is on harmony in this collection of 26 tracks from the gospel side of the Specialty Records vaults. The bulk of the selections here are previously unissued and in the main feature a cappella performances. Besides worthy entries from the Pilgrim Travelers ("The Old Rugged Cross"), the Soul Stirrers ("By and By"), the Swan Silvertones ("I'm Coming Home") and the Five Blind Boys of Alabama ("Marching Up to Zion"), this disc also boasts equally fine performances from lesser-known groups like the Paramount Singers ( ...
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The accent is on harmony in this collection of 26 tracks from the gospel side of the Specialty Records vaults. The bulk of the selections here are previously unissued and in the main feature a cappella performances. Besides worthy entries from the Pilgrim Travelers ("The Old Rugged Cross"), the Soul Stirrers ("By and By"), the Swan Silvertones ("I'm Coming Home") and the Five Blind Boys of Alabama ("Marching Up to Zion"), this disc also boasts equally fine performances from lesser-known groups like the Paramount Singers ("He Means So Much to Me"), the Southern Harmonizers ("What Are They Doing In Heaven Today?"), Golden Echoes ("Since I Laid My Burden Down"), Detroiters ("Let Jesus Lead You"), Chosen Gospel Singers ("Leaning on the Lord") and the West Coast Jubilees ("Since Jesus Came Into My Heart"). Recorded between 1947 and 1954, the set runs in roughly chronological to better spotlight the change in gospel singing from a cappella to full rhythm section backing during this time period. A remarkable set of recordings. ~ Cub Koda, Rovi
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