Gospel Groups A Cappella Recordings

Committed : Committed

Review: Alabama's own all male sextet Committed, winners of the second year of NBC's hit show 'The Sing-Off,' based on Primarily A Cappella's own Harmony Sweepstakes; are lovers of a cappella who happen to be Christians. Their self-titled debut album is a savory, 13 song mix of sacred and secular music that includes covers of Michael Jackson, Al Green, Maxwell, Earth, Wind & Fire and Lynyrd Skynyrd; as well as several nice spiritual tunes, including an original by group member Therry Thomas, the beautiful 'Break Free.' Jackson's 'Hold My Hand' is a live cut of their Sing-Off performance, Maxwell's 'Pretty Wings,' EWF's 'September,' and Green's 'Let's Stay Together' are very fine; and a 'new spin' on the iconic rocker 'Sweet Home Alabama' pays homage to Huntsville, the group's home base. A member of one of our favorite Contemporary Christian groups, Take 6's Cedric Dent arranged this version of the traditional 'Soon Ah Will Be Done' with a guest vocal by T6's Joey Kibble. Take 6's Dave Thomas wrote the lovely 'Do Anything' and former group member Mervyn Warren composed 'That's When I'll Get Over You.' If you watched season 2 of 'The Sing-Off,' you know how good Committed is, with their powerful, sweet, soulful sound. If not, treat yourself to this wonderful debut collection by this fast-rising, very special a cappella sextet

Songlist: Forever, Unstoppable, Break Free, Nothing Without You, Pretty Wings, Let's Stay Together, Soon Ah Will Be Done, Do Anything, Sweet Home Alabama, That's When I'll Get Over You, It Is Well, As, Break Free (radio mix)

Emmanuel Quartet : Hymns by the Book Vol 2

Review: The Emmanuel Quartet is an a cappella Gospel group that began in 1989 at the Highland Academy in Portland, TN as the Highland Academy Men's Quartet. They changed the name in 1993 and The Emmanuel Quartet was born. The quartet has toured extensively and released six excellent albums, their latest is 'Hymns by the Book II,' the second volume in their Hymns by the Book series, the book being the 11th printing of the Seventh Day Adventist Hymnal. There are 18 songs here, which include some standard favorites like 'Come Christians Join to Sing,' 'Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus' and 'O Sacred Head Now Wounded;' others are new to us, like 'God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens,' 'My Hope is Built on Nothing Less,' 'Lord Who Dost Give to Thy Church,' 'Have Thine Own Way, Lord,' 'We Have This Hope' and 'Sevenfold Amen.' Beautiful harmonies and inspirational lyrics are here on every cut of 'Hymns by the Book.'

Songlist: Come Christians Join To Sing, I Sing the Mighty Power of God, Take My Life and Let It Be, The Lord in Zion, To God Be The Glory, He Hideth My Soul, Jesus Saves, Day By Day, My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less, What Heavenly Music, Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus, Have Thine Own Way, Lord, Worthy, Worthy Is the Lamb, Sevenfold Amen, O Sacred Head Now Wounded

Review: Handpick singers from a number of South African choirs, put the excellent Mara Louw out in front as the lead, take a number of hymns they all know from church, as well as the South African national anthem, and you have the ingredients for this excellent disc. Unlike so many hymns, these are performed with great, roaring joy (arranged for the most part by Louw) and recorded--as it should be--in a church. But unlike, say, American or Jamaican gospel, there`s a sense of unity, rather than testifying; the voices embrace this music, but they sing it as it is, rather than using it as a lift-off point to testify. The harmonies might have their written roots in Europe, but the voices singing them are ineffably African, bringing something different to the sound. There`s a sense of control about it all, even when a speaking voice breaks in on `Jerusalem Ikhaya Lam,` for instance, or on the rare occasions when some very spare percussion accompanies the a cappella voices. It`s majestic, but that`s the intent, a nexus between Europe and Africa, meeting in Christianity. That`s even there on the by-now famous `Nkosi Sikelel`i Afrika,` the country`s very hymn-like national anthem, performed here as the closer, full-voiced and glorious, sung with unconcealed pride and joy.

Songlist: Hee! Ba Nyoriloeng, Siya Kudumisa Thixo, Ha Kelestshe - Kele Mobe, Kenang Bohle, Kese Ke Utloile, Imfazwe Imfazwe, Amahlathi Aphelile, Mphe Maleme Ase Kete / Vuthelani Ixilongo, Jerusalem Ikhaya Lam, Masibulele Ku Jesu, Bawo Ndingu Mntwana Wakho, Seteng Sediba Samadi, Rea Oboka Morena, Wakrazulwa Ngenxa Yami, Noyana, Ingoma Ka Ntsikana, Nkosi Sikelel'i Afrika

Review: The 21 mixed-voice singers of Director Albert McNeil sing the powerful, emotion-packed spirituals that have been sung, recorded, rearranged and interpreted, and re-recorded for over 150 years. In these14 songs we have a mixture of the simplicity and complexity of arrangements by Moses Hogan, Jester Hairston, Lena McLinn and Albert McNeil, to the unique settings of young composers and arrangers like Stacey Gibbs, Richard Jackson and Augustus O. Hill. Undine Smith Moore's 'Lord We Give Thanks to Thee' was written as a tribute to the 100th Anniversary of the founding of Fisk University's original Jubilee Singers. Hogan's 'Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit,' Hill's 'Fix Me Jesus,' McLinn's 'Lit'le Lamb, Lit'le Lamb,' Gibbs' 'Somebody's Knockin' At Yo' Do'' and 'See Dat Babe,' McNeil's dynamic 'John the Revelator' and Hairston's joyous 'Wonderful Counselor' are particularly fine. Authentic, timeless music sung with passion and fire by one of the great Gospel ensembles!

Songlist: Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit, Fix Me Jesus, The Word Was God, I Will Arise And Go To Jesus , Lit'le Lamb, Lit'le Lamb, I Know I've Been Changed, Lord, We Give Thanks To Thee, Somebody's Knockin' On Yo' Do', This Little Light Of Mine, John, The Revelator, My Long White Robe, See Datee Babe, Lit'l Boy, Wonderful Counselor

Review: An LA-born native Californian, Albert McNeil earned Bachelors and Masters degrees at UCLA and did his doctorate studies at USC, the Westminster Choir College of Princeton and the Univ. of Lausanne, Switzerland. He has been conducting groups and church choirs for most of his adult life, and has dedicated himself to upholding a tradition of choral excellence as Founder/Director of the McNeil Jubilee Singers in 1968. Since then the Singers have earned international acclaim for their vast repertoire of African-American folk music, focusing on the rich genre known as Negro Spirituals as well as gospel, secular folk songs, calypsos and other African-Caribbean and African vocal forms. Their repertory also consists of concert works by distinguished African-American composers and arrangers along with Classical Opera, Sacred Music and Musical Theater. The 15 selections in 'Best of Jubilee' draw on the best performances of one of the most honored choral ensembles. It's understandably hard to pick favorites, but the South African freedom song 'Siyahamba'ekukhanuen'kwenkhos' (We are marching in the light of God), 'Glory, Glory Hallelujah,' 'Open the Window, Noah,' 'Hallelujah! (Been Down Into The Sea),' 'Oh, Mary Don't You Weep,' 'Oh Make Me Holy,' 'All My Trials,' 'Walk Together Children' and 'Rocka My Soul' are particularly fine. Inspirational and moving songs, every one the best of the best!

Songlist: Siyahamba'ekukhanyet'kwenkhos, Dry Bones, Glory, Glory Hallelujah, Open The Window Noah, He's Got The Whole World In His Hands, Hallelujah! (Been Down Into The Sea), Sometimes I feel Like A Motherless Child, Oh Mary Don't You Weep, Jesus Lay Your Head in da Winder, The Word Was God, Oh Make Me Holy, All My Trials, Walk Together Children, John the Revelator, Rocka My Soul

Review: The 1927-1928 recordings by J.T. Allison's ensemble are rare instances of the convergence of two important cultural movements of the southeastern U.S.-the emerging country music recording industry and the tradition of singing religious folk music from shape-note tunebooks. The Allisons recorded music directly from 'The Sacred Harp,' compiled in Georgia in 1844, which used musical notes in 4 shapes, representing degrees of the musical scale, to aid in learning and reading religious music. The emphasis of this music is large public gatherings, where throngs of singers gather for an intense musical and spiritual experience-everyone comes to sing and there is no discernable audience. 21 songs, lightly accompanied, richly harmonic and sincerely sung by non-professional, but certainly competent, singers: 'The Heavenly Port,' 'The Old Ship of Zion,' 'Sweet Rivers,' 'The Golden Harp,' 'Jewett,' 'Pisgah,' 'Sweet Prospect,' 'The Morning Trumpet,' 'Ester,' 'I'm A Long Time Traveling Away From Home,' 'I Belong to this Band,' 'Sweet Morning' and 'Heaven's My Home.' Although its use declined over the 19th century, we love 'Home' and the other shape-note recordings we've heard. Rich history and photos in the extensive liner notes booklet.

Songlist: The Heavenly Port, Bound for Canaan, The Old Ship of Zion, Exhilaration, Antioch, Sweet Rivers, Hallelujah, The Golden Harp, Traveling Pilgrim, Jewett, Pisgan, Sweet Prospect, Weeping Pilgrim, Sweet Canaan, Penick, The Morning Trumpet, Ester, I'm a Long Time Traveling Away from Home, I Belong to This Band, Sweet Morning, Heaven's My Home

Review: Director McCorvey has assembled a stellar group of 22 mixed voices, all soloists in their own right, to create his all-star touring ensemble. Favorites among these 15 live cuts, recorded on the group's 1998-2000 tours of Kentucky and Spain, include the live cut 'Walk Together Children,' the most dynamic arrangement of 'The Battle of Jericho' we have heard, 'Rock-A-My Soul,' 'Free At Last (From Big River),' 'Amen,' 'Lord, How Come Me Here,' 'I Don't Feel No Ways Tired,' 'You Can Tell The World' and 'Come Sunday.' There is some piano and drum accompaniment, but mostly rich, powerful harmonies, soaring leads and great arrangements. Some of the best spirituals we have heard in a long time, from national musical treasure ASE!

Songlist: Walk Together Children, I've Been Buked, The Battle of Jericho, Hail Mary, Rock A My Soul, I'm Gonna Sing 'Till The Spirit Moves In My Heart, Old Time Religion/When The Saints, Free At Last (from Big River), Amen, Here's One, Lord, How Come Me Here, Lord I Have Seen, I Don't Feel No Ways Tired, You Can Tell The World, Come Sunday

Review: Founded by Everett McCorvey in 1995, the 32-strong, mixed-voice American Spiritual Ensemble has toured Italy, Germany, Britain, Scotland, Spain and Japan, and has sung in the Metropolitan Opera, NYC Opera and Houston Grand Opera, among many other venues. All the members are soloists in their own right, and the ensemble thrills audiences with their dynamic renditions of classic spirituals, jazz and Broadway selections. 'Lily of the Valley' is a dynamic, generous collection of 19 spirituals, some favorites are 'You Must Have That True Religion' (which segues into 'Gimme That Old Time Religion'), 'Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel,' the title tune, 'I Want To Be Ready,' 'Fix Me Jesus,' 'My Lord, What A Mourning,' 'Ride Up In The Chariot,' 'Scandalize My Name,' 'Done Found My Lost Sheep,' 'Watch and Pray' and 'Come Down Angels.' Some of these songs are new to us, others are old favorites, but all of them are stunningly powerful and lovely. There is some piano and light drum percussion. Don't miss this wonderful CD by one of the finest spiritual ensembles in the world!

Songlist: You Must Have That True Religion, Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel, The Lily of the Valley, I Want To Be Ready, Fix Me, Jesus, Elijah Rock, Daniel, Daniel, the Servant of the Lord, My Lord, What a Mourning, I Thank You Jesus, Is There Anybody Here?, Ride Up In the Chariot, Ride On King Jesus, Done Found My Lost Sheep, My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord, Scandalize My Name, Watch and Pray, 'Roun' About de Mountain, Ride up in the Chariot, Come Down Angels

Review: The American Spiritual Ensemble has grown to 42 members for this memorable recording 'The Spirituals.' Two powerful pictures in the liner notes, depicting a slave couple at a mean cabin, dreaming of escaping their bondage, and then on the cover, striking out across a fog-shrouded field in the early morning, tell us the story of these 15 authentic songs. 'Crossin' Ovah,' 'Follow The Drinking Gourd,' 'There Is A Balm in Gilead,' 'It's Me Oh Lord,' 'Guide My Feet,' 'Here's One,' 'Give Me Jesus,' 'I Want Jesus to Walk With Me' and 'We Shall Overcome' speak of the tremendous struggle of African-Americans to gain their freedom and equality. The soulful leads and harmonies of these powerful coded songs actually helped some of the singers find their way out of bondage. Powerful, wonderful stuff from the American Spiritual Ensemble! Some piano accompaniment.

Songlist: Plenty Good Room, Crossin' Ovah, Follow The Drinking Gourd, Steal Away, There is a Balm in Gilead, Follow The Drinking Gourd, It's Me Oh Lord, Guide My Feet, Every Time I Feel the Spirit, Follow The Drinking Gourd, Here's One, Give Me Jesus, Follow The Drinking Gourd, I Want Jesus to Walk with Me, We Shall Overcome

Review: In Harlem, New York City, exists a wonder of Christian redemption. Over forty years ago James Allen, an ex-addict himself, began the Addicts Rehabilitation Center. Their success with hard-core addicts, using tough love built on the rock of unshakeable faith, has turned around the lives of thousands. The ARC Choir is the sung testament of that work. Each of the singers is not expressing merely an idea but bearing witness to his and her own personal salvation. The result is music so profoundly moving that one is inevitably moved to tears. On the cover of the CD is this simple description. 'The great Harlem a cappella choir that reduced the Bill Cosby Show audience to tears. 32 burning-with-faith voices sending a message of hope 'cause they've been pulled from the abyss.' It doesn't get more real.

Songlist: Shady Green Pastures, Walk With Me, Guide My Feet, Hallelujah, Jesus On The Main Line, I'll Go, I'm Working On A Building, Almost Home, Wade In The Water, What Love, Sit Down, Servant

Review: The Belleville A Cappella Choir of the Church of God and Saints of Christ, a Virginia-based church that traces its lineage back to the lost tribes of Israel, is carrying on a dynamic living folk tradition of African-American spirituals. The BACC performs richly-textured and tightly harmonized Biblical texts in gospel, jubilee and choral styles. They are featured in Alan Lomax's Southern Journey, a 13-volume series of original recordings evoking the musical world of the rural South in an era before radio, movies and television. There are 13 authentic songs here, songs like 'The Gospel Train,''Keep Me As The Apple Of Thine Eye,''David Was A Shepherd Boy,''What A Time,'a Medley of Spirituals including eight classics, 'The House of the Lord,''On the Battlefield for My Lord,'and finishing with the title tune. 'Honor The Lamb'is one of the most powerful Gospel/Spiritual CDs we've ever heardÐit's the real thing!

Songlist: The Gospel Train, Keep Me As the Apple of Thine Eye, David Was A Shepherd Boy, What A Time, The Lord Is My Strength and Song, None But the Righteous, Come On, Israel, Medley of Spirituals:, -Great Camp Meeting in the Wilderness, -Swing Low Sweet Chariot, -Steal Away, -What Kind of Shoes You Gonna Wear, -Oh Them Golden Slippers, -I'm A Soldier in the Heavenly Choir, -Down by the Riverside, -Swing Low Sweet Chariot, The House of the Lord, Honor, Honor, On the Battlefield for my Lord, The Creation, Honor the Lamb

Review: For three-quarters of a century the tradition of black a cappella quartet singing has been associated with Jefferson County, Alabama which many view as America's capital of gospel singing. Between university musical education and the tutelage of groups such as the Sterling Jubilees, Shelby County Big Four and the Four Eagles, the Sunlights have become the inheritors of this tradition. With that unusual background however, as you might suspect, they do not limit themselves to just traditional songs but compose new material to expand the field of gospel music. You'll also notice that there are five members in this quartet. The Soul Stirrers are credited with that innovation in order to have a lead 'step out front' without losing the quartet harmonic complexity. The Birmingham Sunlights are one of this reviewers favorites.

Songlist: Hallelujah, If You Miss Me, Gospel Train, Somewhere To Lay My Head, Jesus Gave Me Water, The Last Mile Of The Way, Southland Singing, Dig A Little Deeper, Roll, Jordan, Today, In The Garden, Take It To The Lord, Gotta Find My Way, It's Gonna Rain

Review: Three man, one woman a cappella Bluegrass a cappella quartet Blue Cheese was formed in the Fall of 2003 when two choir conductors from Brigham Young University got together to perform 'Some Day' by Blue Highway. They searched among their musically talented friends until they had the perfect quartet, and the group continues to perform their foot-stomping', soul-stirring music in the semiannual BYU A Cappella Jam and in local venues, looking for crowds who know how to shout 'Hallelujah!' There are 17 down-home Bluegrass Gospel cuts here:'Gospel Train,' 'John,' 'Fishers of Men,' 'Rise Up Lazarus,' the lovely hymn 'Amazing Grace,' 'Traveling Shoes,' 'Higher Power,' 'Go Rest High,' 'Some Day,' 'Hallelujah' and 'Christmas in Dixie' are favorites, but every song here is a heartfelt winner. Sweet country harmonies, lyrics that alternately inspire and make us laugh-Blue Cheese has a powerful simplicity that we never tire of hearing. Great stuff!

Songlist: Gospel Train, John, Down in the River, Fishers of Men, Rise up Lazarus, Daniel Prayed, Wondrous Love, Amazing Grace, Traveling Shoes, Higher Power, Go Rest High, Some Day, What a Time, Hallelijah, Christmas in Dixie, Away in a Manger

Review: The Brooklyn Tabernacle draws thousands of people from around the world, who come to worship and be inspired by the Grammy award-winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. These 11 accompanied, high-energy, revival-style gospel tunes will get your foot tapping, and very possibly up and dancing! There are several nice originals here, several of them written and composed by Carol Cymbala, wife of Pastor Jim Cymbala: the title tune, 'Nothing is Impossible,' 'Keep Me True,' and 'Holy Like You.' Other favorites are 'Church Medley,' Robert Gay's 'More Than Enough,' the traditional hymn 'All The Way To Calvary, ' 'It's Amazing' by Oliver Wells, 'I Found The Answer' by Johnny Lang, 'Lift Your Voice' by Cindy and Becky Cruse, and 'For Every Mountain' by Kurt Carr. 'God Is Working' is a powerful, inspirational collection that will touch and move you!

Songlist: All The Way To Calvary, God Is Working, It's Amazing, Church Medley, More Than Enough, Lift Your Voice, I Found The Answer, For Every Mountain, Nothing Is Impossible, Keep Me True, Holy Like You

Review: One of Christian music's best-selling and most recognized choirs continue to impact the world while maintaining its roots in its Brooklyn neighborhood. With over 20 recordings to its credit this great selection includes some of the very best songs they have recorded over this period.

Songlist: How Great Thou Art, The Hallelujah Chorus, Favorite Song Of All, It's Not in Vain, Almighty, Lead Me Lord, Soon And Very Soon, My Help (Cometh From The Lord), Happy Birthday, Jesus, I Can Be Glad, He's Been Faithful, Testimony: Calvin Hunt, I'm Clean, I am Not Ashamed, Reprise: The Hallelujah Chorus

Review: Higher & Lifted Up is an uplifting and celebratory album from the famed Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Renowned for their remarkable performance skills and brilliant handling of both traditional favorites and more contemporary selections, the choir has recorded what is sure to be one of the most talked-about gospel albums. Drawn from favorite selections previously performed at Sunday morning worship service, High and Lifted Up is the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir's first studio album in more than a decade. Akin to the Brooklyn Tabernacle singers' Songs from the Altar, this is an elegantly scored collection that remains firmly focused on the choir's trademark praise and worship bent. However, while it begins with the relatively uncomplicated 'Total Praise,' High and Lifted Up, unlike Songs, is lyrically complex, including the words of Psalm 150 and 'Battle Hymn of the Republic.' Skillfully executed multipart harmonies and swelling strains of strings make the title cut, the Celtic-tinged 'Father We Adore Thee,' and closer 'God of All Gods' crowning achievements.

Songlist: Total Praise, Psalm 150 (Praise Ye The Lord), My Help (Cometh From The Lord), We Are United, Battle Hymn Of The Republic, Father We Adore Thee, High And Lifted Up, Blessed Be The Lord, So You Would Know, God Of All Gods

Review: The legendary Cathedrals have long set the standard by which other Gospel quartets are measured. Fans of the group will delight at hearing some of the voices that have helped establish the Cathedrals as a premier Southern Gospel Quartet over the years, including George Younce, Glen Payne, Kirk Talley, Danny Funderburk and Gerald Wolfe. There are 10 tunes here, every one with the spirited, trademark sound, rich, deep bass and baritone combined with soaring tenor leads that can barely contain their joyousness! 'Heavenly Parade,' 'Wonderful Grace of Jesus,' 'O Little Town of Bethlehem,' 'Children's Medley' (contains 'Brighten the Corner,' 'Open Up Your Heart' and 'This Little Light of Mine'), 'Brethren, We Have Met to Worship,' 'Tell It to Jesus,' 'Abide With Me,' 'My Jesus I Love Thee,' 'Dig a Little Deeper' and 'All Hail the Power.' 'Precious Memories' is beautiful, inspirational stuff that made our day, and we'll bet it will make yours!

Songlist: Heavenly Parade, Wonderful Grace of Jesus, O Little Town of Bethelehem, Children's Medley, Brethren, We Have Met to Worship, Tell it to Jesus, Abide With Me, My Jesus I Love Thee, Dig A Little Deeper, All Hail the Power

Review: Many guest artists plus a full orchestra join The CenturyMen, formed of professional musicians who are directors of music at Baptist churches all over the country on this magnificent (all accompanied) album. The Broadway Inspirational Voices, conducted by Michael McElroy, tenor Darius de Haas, Renay Peters Joubert, soprano, the Nashville Children's Choir and Walt Whitman's Soul Children of Chicago join TCM on these 16, well, anthems is a good word! Favorites are inspirational songs like 'The Impossible Dream,' 'Climb Every Mountain,' 'When You Wish Upon a Star,' 'Not While I'm Around,' and spiritually uplifting tunes like 'Total Praise' 'As the Deer,' 'Holy, Holy, Holy,' 'For Every Mountain,' 'Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross,' 'Free at Last,' 'Just a Little Talk,' 'My Tribute,' and 'Holy Ground.' Then there's the quintessential upbeat, optimistic anthem from 'Oklahoma,' 'Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'.' This is a feel good collection from one of the best men's choruses we've heard, and a stellar group of guest artists.

Songlist: Total Praise, The Impossible Dream, As the Deer, Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin', Holy, Holy, Holy, Not While I'm Around, Climb Every Mountain, For Every Mountain, Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross, When You Wish Upon a Star, Free at Last, Just a Little Talk, My Tribute, Who Can I Turn To?, Morning Glow, Holy Ground

Review: 'Offerings of Peace' is an epic collection of 16 Hymns, Spirituals and Gospel Songs from the 100 Baptist Music Directors who comprise The CenturyMen, a full Symphony Orchestra, and a Gospel choir of Broadway performers. It's hard to pick favorites, but 'Be Still, My Soul,' the a cappella 'Peace! Be Still!,' 'Peace Like a River,' 'It Is Well with My Soul,' 'Oh, How I Love Jesus,' 'Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling,' 'When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,' 'All Creatures of Our God and King' and 'Close to Thee' are all powerful and excellent. A beautiful, moving album by The CenturyMen and guests!

Songlist: Be Still, My Soul, Peace Like A River, My Father's House, Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing, It Is Well with My Soul, Oh, How I Love Jesus, Peace! Be Still!, A Passion Mosaic, O Sacred Head, Now Wounded, Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling, Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, All Creatures of Our God and King, Close to Thee, God Be With You Till We Meet Again, Encore: Give the World a Smile

Review: Led by the awesomely talented tenor Billy Williams, the Charioteers were the most gospel-sounding of the great black pop vocal groups of the '40s, a sound that did not translate into the record sales that Columbia record execs-eager for an answer to Decca's Ink Spots-were hoping for. But to ears educated by the doo wop and soul groups to come, this group's stuff is mighty fine, definitely vocal pop but hinting of the left turn towards R&B that vocal music was soon to take in the '50s. We are proud to present the *first-ever* compilation on CD of their work, with notes setting the scene for these 24 great sides.

Songlist: Way Down Yonder in New Orleans, I'm Getting Sentimental Over You, Why Should I Complain?, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, So Long, Calliope Jane, We'll Meet Again, I Understand, Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams (And Dream Your Troubles Away), Yes, Indeed!, Elmer's Tune, I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good), On the Boardwalk (In Atlantic City), You Can't See the Sun When You're Cryin', Open the Door, Richard!, Ride, Ride, Ride, Chi-Baba, Chi-Baba (My Bambino Go To Sleep), On the Sunny Side of the Street, Sleepy Time Gal, Oooh! Look-a-There, Ain't She Pretty?, What Did He Say? (The Mumble Song), The Last Thing I Want Is Your Pity, A Kiss and A Rose, Until

Review: More people have heard about the Chestnut Grove Quartet than have actually heard them, for they influenced the world of a cappella music tremendously. The quartet was created by friends who had sung together in childhood in Washington County, Virginia where they learned shape note singing from itinerant instructors. After returning from WW II, they started singing together once again but just didn't feel the need for instruments and became one of those rare mountain groups who sang their hymnody a cappella. In the mid '50s they started singing on newly opened WBBI in Abington. From 2:00 to 2:30 each Sunday, for thirty years, they had a show, paid for by the sale of songbooks and LP's.(Their first album was recorded in less than an hour!!!) After the death of his brother and singing partner, Carter Stanley, Ralph moved back home and became a great fan of the quartet. He was so influenced that, in 1971, he began singing quartet style a cappella in his shows. It was a hit. Now most bluegrass groups put down their instruments for a moment of gospel harmonizing. This music is major part of the reason why that happens.

Songlist: Children's Medley, That's All Right Julie, Tosie Darling Rosie, Spirituals Medley - Way Over in Beaulahland, Wade in the Water, Run Mary Run, Job, Job, Down the Line, Arwhoolie, God's Gonna Set This World on Fire, Lord, Don't Leave Me Here, Better Farther On, Where No Cabins Fall, The Light On The River, That's The Reason, Who'll Sing For Me, I've A Mansion Over In Glory, Where The Roses Never Fade, The Great Beyond

Review: 'Just Having Church', is an unforgettable experience that raises the roof on Gospel Choir Music. This project from the Grammy, Dove and Stellar Award nominated group is their most impressive to date. Recorded live in front of a packed house at St. Stephen Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, Just Having Church is suitably titled. From songs like Spirit of the Living God to Let's Praise Jesus to He's Alright, the Chicago Mass Choir uses their unique gift to give listeners an incredible blend of traditional gospel and modern worship. The 80-member Chicago Mass Choir is hitting the road like never before, with feature appearances at the Inspirational Network's Camp Meeting, the Gospel Music Channel's 'Hometown Gospel Special, and the 23rd Annual Chicago Gospelfest. Since their first recording 17 years ago, the Chicago Mass Choir has grown into one of the strongest and most exciting choirs on the Gospel scene and is now considered one of the top traditional choirs in the country. 'Just Having Church' continues the tradition of excellence and will be a must-have CD for any Gospel collection.

Songlist: We Can Do All Things, God Is My Everything, He's Alright, Wash Me, Lord, Hold On, Every Chance I Get, I Will Praise Him, I Believe in the Power of God, I'm Gonna Praise the Lord, Spirit of the Living God, Sending Up Our Praises, Let's Praise Jesus, I Heard

Review: One of the great a cappella quartets of Gospel music's Golden Age, The Chosen Gospel Singers has been among the most mysterious. 11 singles by the Chosen were released from 1952 to 1963, four on Specialty Records and seven on Nashboro. Several, including 'One-Two-Three' and 'Prayer for the Doomed,' became hits, making the Chosen one of the busiest touring groups of the period. Every recording was of high quality, but from release to release, new members would appear, and then disappear. It is not even widely known that Lou Rawls was a member, as his official bio doesn't mention the Chosen, implying that he began his career with the more famous Pilgrim Travelers. But Rawls' one-of-a-kind baritone is featured on 8 of the 22 selections in this collection, the first ever to compile every song the group recorded for Specialty between 1952 and 1955. There are 22 wonderful cuts here, most of which we are hearing for the first time. 'Before This Time Another Year,' 'Don't You Know The Man,' the passionate 'Leaning On The Lord,' 'It's Getting Late in the Evening,' 'No Room in the Hotel,' 'I'm Going Back with Him,' the hand-clapping gem 'Ananais,' 'Don't You Know The Man,' 'The Lifeboat is Coming,' 'Don't Worry About Me,' 'On The Main Line' and 'Stay With Me Jesus.' Every cut here is foot-tapping, joyous revelation, the authentic good old wailing, crying, Gospel stuff. Don't miss this one!

Songlist: Before This Time Another Year, Ananais, Don't You Know The Man?, Come By Here, Family Prayer, Leaning on the Lord, One-Two-Three, The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow, It's Getting Late in the Evening, No Room in the Hotel, Watche Ye Therefore, I'm Going Back With Him, I've Tried, Ananais, Don't You Know the Man?, The Lifeboat is Coming, What A Wonderful Sight, Don't Worry About Me, When I Get Home, On the Main Line, Stay With Me Jesus, Prayer for the Doomed

Review: The Coats Singers originated in San Francisco, CA, in the backyard of their parents' (Curtis and Gradie Coats Sr.) home. They raised a Christian family of 17 children, all of whom have beautiful, refined voices. The group now consists of 3 generations of the Coats family, who spread the gospel through a cappella music. 9 traditional spirituals: 'When Jesus Comes,' 'Home of the Soul,' 'That Rock Still Stands,' 'Oh Mary Don't You Weep,' 'Jesus Is A Balm,' 'Lonesome Valley,' 'On The Wings of A Dove,' 'Where Could I Go' and 'Acappella.' This deeply spiritual family sings together with soul and a joyful spirit!

Songlist: When Jesus Comes, Home of the Soul, That Rock Still Stands, Oh Mary Don't You Weep, Jesus Is A Balm, Lonesome Valley, On the Wings of a Dove, Where Could I Go, A cappella

Review: The Deep River Boys were an American vocal group active from the mid 1930s to the mid 1950s, singing spirituals, gospel, and R&B. The group consisted of Harry Douglas (baritone), Vernon Gardner (first tenor), George Lawson (second tenor), Jimmy Lundy and Edward Ware (bass). The group began at Hampton Institute now known as Hampton University - Hampton, VA. Their 1948 song Recess in Heaven became their first hit. They appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, held command performances before the Queen of England (in the 1960's), and US President Dwight D Eisenhower. They also performed with Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson, Count Basie, Fats Waller, Charlie Christian and Thelma Carpenter.

Songlist: Carmena Waltz Song, Who'll Jine De Union, I Am Seeking for a City, I Am Bound for Sweet Canaan Land, I Got a Home in Dat Rock, In Dat Great Getting' Up Morning, You Talk Too Much, A Zoot Suit, Castle on the River Nile, Cousin Jedidiah, A Little Jive is Good For You, Get on Board Little Children, We Are Walking in the Light, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Oh Freedom, I'm Trampin', What Did He Say, Get up Them Stairs Mademoiselle, That's What You Need to Suceed, Purgatory, Wrapped up in a Dream, Ain't Misbehavin', By the Light of the Silvery Moon, Two Blocks Down Turn to the Left, Charge it to Daddy, Tuxedo Junction, My Guys Come Back, Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child

Review: The rise of groups like the Golden Gate Quartet took gospel music out of the conservative confines of the Black church, and opened the door for other groups who wanted to sing spirituals in a different way. One of the groups to achieve success in the more liberated climate was the Hampton Institute Quartet, who changed their name to the Delta Rhythm Boys, and were equally at home delivering a pop song as a gospel item. They teamed up with Ella Fitzgerald during the 1940s recording ban in America, when her career might have been put on hold. However much the gospel group might have been threatened with eternal damnation to even think about 'La Cucaracha,' their fearlessness, both musically and politically, is what made them one of the greats. 20 winners, and we can't decide which we like the best, pop tunes like 'Little Lize,' the sweet 'It Was Wonderful Then,' a swinging 'La Cucaracha,' the silly minstrel-show tune 'Watermelon On The Vine,' the hip 'Gimme Some Skin' and 'Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gave To Me,' or gospel hits like 'Wait Till I Put On My Crown,' a rocking 'Ezekiel Saw De Wheel,' 'Certainly Lord,' 'Mighty Day,' and 'Scandalize My Name' (which is actually more of a commentary on religious bigotry). There's a particularly fine, laid-back early version of 'Georgia On My Mind,' and the swinging title tune, the final cut, is a joy. All songs at least piano accompanied, recorded in NY in 1941.

Songlist: LIttle Lize (I Love You), Keep On To Galilee, Wait Till I Put On My Crown, The Railroad Song, Ezekiel Saw De Wheel, Bugle Woogie, Do You Care, Conversation At Midnight, It Was Wonderful Then, La Cucaracha, Dry Bones, Certainly Lord, Mighty Day, Scandalize My Name, Watermelon On the Vine, Gimme Some Skin, It's So Peaceful in the Country, Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me, Georgia On My Mind, I Dreamt I Dwelt in Harlem

Review: 'Old Time Religion' collects the complete recordings, including several alternate takes, of two of the hottest Gospel quartets of the lat 40s, the Detroiters and the Golden Echoes. These are all from the archives of Specialty Records, who were best known for numerous records by their four most famous groups, the Pilgrim Travelers, The Swan Silvertones, the Soul Stirrers and the Five Blind Boys of Alabama. With the focus on these four, some wonderful groups that weren't as well recorded have sadly been overlooked, an oversight that Legends of Gospel aims to correct. Although these great black Gospel groups formed in big cities, the Golden Echoes in Los Angeles and the Detroiters, of course, in the Motor City; they had their roots in Texas, the hotbed of great quartet singing. While the Echoes remained a quartet, the Detroiters added two more singers and a pianist, rare for Gospel groups at the time. They were also noted for their unusual focus on 'Mother' songs, recording a trilogy of them, 'Mother on the Train,' 'Mother, Don't Cry About Your Son' and 'Mother, I Need Your Prayer.' There are 15 spirited cuts by the Detroiters here, including 3 alternate versions, a few other favorites are 'Ride On King Jesus,' 'Let Jesus Lead You,' and the previously unissued 'He Walks With Me,' 'Body and Soul' and 'Shady Green Pastures.' The Golden Echoes have 11 cuts, three of them alternates; some favorites are the previously unissued 'Where Shall I Be (When The First Trumpet Sounds),' 'Down on My Knees,' 'I'm So Happy (In the Service of the Lord),' 'Waiting and Watching,' and 'Yield Not to Temptation.' This is wonderful, joyous revival-meeting stuff from two of Gospel's best!

Songlist: He Walks With Me, Mother on the Train, Mother on the Train, Angels Watching Over Me, I Trust In Jesus, Ride on King Jesus, Ride on King Jesus, Mother Don't Cry About Your Child, Let Jesus Lead You, Mother, I Need Your Prayer, Old Time Religion, Old Time Religion, Sometimes, Body and Soul, Shady Green Pastures, Where Shall I Be (When the First Trumpet Sounds), Down on My Knees, My Life is in His Hands, When the Saints go Marching In, When the Saints go Marching In, When I Lay My Burden Down, I'm So Happy (In the Service of the Lord), Waiting and Watching, Yield Not to Temptation, Yield Not to Temptation, Yield Not to Temptation

Review: The mid-40s through the 1950s has come to be regarded as the Golden Age of African-American Gospel music. Specialty Records, founded by Art Rupe in 1946 was one of the first companies to nurture this creative flowering, and it remained at the forefront of the genre. The Pilgrim Travelers, the Soul Stirrers, Sister Wynona Carr, Brother Joe May, Dorothy Love Coates and the Original Gospel Harmonettes, the Original Blind Boys of Alabama, and the Swan Silvertones are a few of the giants of the Golden Age discovered and featured by Art Rupe on Specialty. 'Get On Board' has 24 Gospel hits, all accompanied, most of which highlight Dorothy's Rockin' Soul, foot-tapping Revival-style leads, and her Harmonettes sing sweet and solid background harmonies. On stage Dorothy would leap and lunge, a ferociously animated performer and an astonishing lyricist who composed a dozen Gospel standards. A few favorites are 'Get Away Jordan,' 'Rest for the Weary,' 'Deliver Me,' 'No Hiding Place' (which was featured in the movie 'Ghost''), 'Old Gospel Train,' 'Plenty Good Room,' 'Waiting for Me,' 'I Wouldn't Mind Dying,' the title tune and the final cut 'That's Enough,' but every cut here is an inspiration and a revelation. We look upon Dorothy Love Coates as an early Aretha, who also began her career singing Gospel, and if you love authentic Gospel, Get On Board this one!

Songlist: Peace Be Still, Glory to His Name, I'm Sealed, Get Away Jordan, Rest for the Weary, Deliver Me, Oh My Lord, Lead Me, Heavenly Father, Old Gospel Train (The Next Stop Is Mine), Get on Board, The Railroad, Plenty Good Room, Sometime, No Hiding Place, Waiting For Me, Wade in the Water, I Wouldn't Mind Dying, I'll Be With Thee, He's Calling Me, Untitled Instrumental, Thank You Lord For Using Me, These Are They, 99 1/2, That's Enough

Review: Doyle Lawson was born in Tennessee. His dad sang in a gospel quartet so he grew up surrounded by music. In his teens he was already a skilled guitar, mandolin and banjo player, but focused on the mandolin. During the early years of his professional career he played with Jimmy Martin's Sunny Mountain Boys, J.D. Crowe's Kentucky Mountain Boys and recorded with Red Allen. From 1971 until 1979 he was a member of the Country Gentlemen and recorded ten albums with them. In l979 he formed Quicksilver with whom he has recorded ever since. On each of their albums they would sing one or two a cappella quartet gospel songs and were such fine harmony singers that, in 1988, they recorded one whole album of them. This CD exemplifies the tradition which passed from shape note singing through country quartets such as the Chestnut Grove Quartet to the Bluegrass bands via Ralph Stanley. Oh, they're great harmony singers, too!

Songlist: Lord I've Been A Hard Working Pilgrim, I Know I'll Feel At Home, Climbing Up The Mountain, Heaven's Joy Awaits, Will Someone Be Waiting, Must Jesus Bear The Cross Alone, Help Me Lord To Stand, Ezekiel Saw The Wheel, Beyond The Sunset For Me, Won't It Be A Happy Meeting, Let Me Go Home, How Long

Review: The Du Droppers were formed in 1952 from members of various Gospel groups, and the talented, veteran quartet are an important link between Gospel groups, Harmony groups and the rise of Doo Wop and Rock 'n Roll. 23 wonderfully rich (all accompanied) tunes, from the funny 'Can't Do Sixty No More' (an answer to the Dominoes' hit 'Sixty Minute Man' to the title tune, this CD is a get-down, adult-themed, boogying treat that makes us imagine just how powerful (and dangerous) this music must have sounded to people used to listening to Perry Como and Pat Boone. 'Chain Me Baby,' 'Go Back,' 'I Wanna Know,' 'Get Lost,' the racy 'Little Girl, Little Girl (You Better Stop Talking in Your Sleep)' 'Bambalam' and 'I Found Out,' 'Ten Past Midnight,' 'Honey Bunch,' 'I Only Had A Little,' 'Drink Up,' 'Speed King' 'Dead Broke' and 'Let Nature Take Its Course.' Surprisingly, as good as these songs are, this is the first time we've heard most of them. Great rockin' Doo Wop boogie from the early 1950s by a pioneering group that obviously should be much better-known!

Songlist: Can't Do Sixty More, Chain Me Baby, Come On And Love Me, Go Back, I Wanna Know, Laughing Blues, Get Lost, Little Girl Little Girl, You Better, Stop Talking In Your Sleep, I Found Out, My Thrill Girl, Ten Past Midnight, Bambalam, Don't Pass Me By, Drink Up, Speed King, Dead Broke, I Only Had A Little, How Much Longer, If You Just Don't Leave, Honey Bunch, Let Nature Take Its Course, Boot Em' Up

Review: Edwin Hawkins (born 18 August 1943, Oakland, California) is a Grammy Award-winning American gospel and R&B musician, pianist, choir leader, composer and arranger. He is one of the originators of the urban contemporary gospel sound. He (and the Edwin Hawkins Singers) are best known for his arrangement of 'Oh Happy Day' (1968-69), which was included on the Songs of the Century list. When radio stations of the San Francisco Bay area started playing 'Oh Happy Day', it became very popular. Featuring the lead vocal of Dorothy Combs Morrison, the subsequently released single rocketed to sales of over a million copies within two months. It crossed over to the pop charts making U.S. #4 and UK #2 in 1969. It then became an international success, selling more than 7 million copies worldwide, and Hawkins was awarded his first Grammy for it.

Songlist: Let Us Go Into The House Of The Lord, Pray For Peace, Oh Happy Day, Joy, Joy, Give Me A Star, I Shall Be Free, To My Father's House, Someday, Jesus, Lover Of My Soul, Ooh Child, Precious Memories, Late In The Evening, A Long Way To Go, Blowin' In The Wind, I'm Going Through

Review: For Phillip, Ryan, Tim and Joey, sweet-singing members of Deer Lodge, TN's Emmanuel Quartet, their ministry is simpleÐits all right there in 1 Chronicles: 'Sing to the Lord, aall the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.' The 11-title songlist on 'Feeling Good' speaks (or in fact sings) for itself: 'Children's Medley, 'Mighty is the Word,' 'If We Miss Heaven,' 'What More Could He Do?,' 'Give In To the Lord,' 'The Ballad of Elisha's Bones,' 'My Savior First of All,' 'Peaceful Side of Jordan,' 'A New Day,' 'We Shall Wear A Crown' and 'Twenty Three.' Ryan's rich deep bass, Tim's solid baritone, Phillip's fine tenor and Joey's soaring leads make each of these songs a joyous, inspirational winner. Don't miss 'Feeling Good!'

Songlist: Children's Medley, Mighty is the Word, If We Miss Heaven, What More Could He Do?, Give In To The Lord, The Ballad of Elisha's Bones, My Savior First Of All, Peaceful Side of Jordan, A New Day, We Shall Wear a Crown, Twenty-Three

Review: Review pending

Songlist: Marching to Zion, Joy By and By, Face to Face, Now Thank We All Our God, Live Out Thy Life Within Me, Nearer My God to Thee, All Hail The Power of Jesus's Name, Softly and Tenderly, Sweet By and By, Rock of Ages, The Old Rugged Cross, Redeemed, Best Be the Tie That Binds

Review: The musical ministry of Philip, Joey, Tim and Danny, Deer Lodge, TN's all male Emmanuel Quartet, is to sing the praises of God and His son, Jesus. The liner notes say, 'His hand is the hand that lay calmly on the cross as it was being nailed there for our salvation. Through the power of His Father, Jesus is offering us The Hand of Mercy.' 'The Hand of Mercy' is a collection of 13 group-arranged Contemporary Christian hymns of praise, such as 'I'll Fly Away,' 'I Want to Be Like My Lord,' 'He Was There All the Time,' 'Worthy is the Lamb,' 'Jesus Never Fails,' 'Can He Could He Would He,' the powerful 'Job,' an original written by group member Joey Davis, 'Can Jesus Be Seen in Me?,' 'One Day' and 'Immanuel.' These are joyous, feel-good, inspirational tunes that will touch and move you!

Songlist: I'll Fly Away, I Want To Be Like My Lord, He Was There All The Time, This Old House / Your First Day in Heaven, Worthy is the Lamb, Three Times a day, Jesus Never Fails, Can He Would He Would He, Job, Can Jesus Be Seen In Me?, One Day, Immanuel

Review: The Fairfield Four were known as 'house wreckers' because they always brought down the house. Their rhythmic, emotional style has influenced generations of performers both inside and outside of the gospel genre, including Sam Cooke, Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello, John Fogerty, and Steve Earle. This is the first time that this rare gospel material has ever been released on CD making it an essential part of any gospel fan's collection.

Songlist: Better Leave That Liar Alone, Who Stole My Old Shoes, Don't You Want to Join That Number, Where Shall I Go, Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around, Standing in the Saftey Zone, Amazing Grace, When I Get up in Heaven, Canaan Land, I'm Going to Live the Life I Sing About, Just One Moment in God's Kingdom, You've Got to Move, Dig a Little Deeper in God's Love, Saviour Don't Pass Me By, Just a Little Talk With Jesus, Lift Him Up, Jesus Met the Woman at the Well, Tree of Level, Ezekiel, Roll All Burdens Away, In the Wilderness, Let Me Tell You About Jesus, I'll Tell the World, In the Upper Room, Don't Drive Her Away, Angels Watching , Waiting for Me, I'm in Your Care, All the Way, I'll Be Satisfied

Review: Listen to Elvis Costello (from the CD notes) who invited the Fairfield Four to perform in an unlikely venue, The Meltdown Festival in London. 'There was an apparent tension between the deep conviction on stage and a distinctly secular curiosity in the house. In truth I would have been among those who had never done more than utter 'Amen' in their life. However, as I stood by the side of the stage to listen, it became apparent that something extraordinary was taking place. A 'reprise chorus' became longer than the previous song, and so on, until the place was almost in an uproar, swept along by this wonderful sound and feeling. If few souls were saved that night, then quite a few were obviously swayed' Can we get a witness? If you consider yourself secular or not, this recording will move you just the same.

Songlist: Noah, These Bones, Come On In This House, There Must Be A City, Get Away Jordan, I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray, That Day Is Done, Help For The Needy (Today), Shadrack, Four and Twenty Elders , Amazing Grace / The Prodigal Son

Review: Founded in Nashville in the 1940s as a young, black gospel group, the Fairfield Four toured extensively and performed live on the radio. With the dropping-off of live radio programs in 1950, several group members went on to form the Skylarks, and then finally disbanded. Through the efforts of Doug Seroff, specialist in black gospel music, the group reunited in a moving performance in Birmingham, AL in 1980. Since then the National Endowment for the Arts named them National Heritage Fellows. 11 gospel songs: 'Tree of Level,' 'My God Called Me this Morning,' 'Children Go Where I Send Thee,' 'Born Again,' 'Keep Me Near The Cross,' 'Roll Jordan Roll,' the title tune, 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,' 'Last Month of the Year,' 'How I Got Over' and 'Dig A Little Deeper.' This is rich, authentic stuff, and a gift to us from an incredible, deeply spiritual group of men.

Songlist: Tree of Level, My God Called Me This Morning, Children Go Where I Send Thee, Born Again, Keep Me Near The Cross (Servant's Prayer), Roll Jordan Roll, Standing In The Safety Zone, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Last Month Of The Year, How I Got Over, Dig A Little Deeper

Review: The Four are probably Nashville's best-known, most influential and certainly longest-performing African-American a cappella gospel quartet. 'Bells' is a rare album actually recorded 40 years ago at the Fairfield Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and it represents post-war gospel music at its best. Included are: 'The Bells Are Tolling,' 'What Are They Doing In Heaven Today,' 'Memories of My Mother,' 'Every Knee Has Got To Bow,' 'Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around,' 'Wait On The Lord' (aka 'He's My Rock, My Sword, My Shield'), 'I John Saw The Number,' 'In The Old Time Way,' 'At The Gates Of The City,' 'My Work On Earth Will Soon Be Done,' 'I'll Be So Happy' (aka 'If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again') and 'Hide Me In Thy Bosom.' Powerful, spirited and moving, 'Bells' is African-American gospel at its authentic best!

Songlist: The Bells Are Tolling, What Are They Doing In Heaven Today?, Memories Of My Mother, Every Knee Has Got To Bow, Don't Let Nobody Turn You Around, Wait On The Lord, I John Saw The Number, In The Old Time Way, At The Gates Of The City, My Work On Earth Will Soon Be Done, I'll Be So Happy, Hide Me In Thy Bosom

Review: 37-strong, mixed-voice a cappella ensemble Faith Builders Chorale is a ministry of Faith Builders Educational Programs, located in Guys Mills, Pennsylvania. Developing God's gift of Choral singing is a powerful expression of beauty and worship to them, and wishing to share that experience, they planned a tour of Europe in 2005, and this collection of 20 songs was recorded live at the Evangelical Reformed Church in Thayngen, Switzerland. Felix Mendelssohn's 'Heilig' and 'Richte mich, Gott,' Rachmaninoff's 'To Thee, O Lord,' Stralsund Gesangbuch's 'Lobe den Herren,' the old French carol 'Beyond All Comparing,' Johann Pachelbel's 'Singet dem Herr ein neues Lied,' Friedrich Silcher's 'Take My Hand,' William Billings' 'Is Any Afflicted,' the traditional spirituals 'Do, Lord, Remember Me,' 'Deep River' and 'I Got A Key,' and J.E. Trowbridge's 'Friede Sei mit Euch' are some favorites. Joyous, heartfelt, inspirational music from this excellent ensemble!

Songlist: Heilig, Cantate Domino, To Thee, O Lord, Richte mich, Gott, Lobe den Herren, Ubi Caritas, Kommet her, Beyond All Comparing, The Lord is King, Abendlied, Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied, He Who Would Follow Christ, True Evanglical Faith, Take My Hand, Is Any Afflicted?, Healing River, Do, Lord, Remember me, Deep River, I Got a Key, Freide Sei mit Euch

Review: Recordings from 1924 thru 1940

Songlist: You Better Get Somebody On Your Bond , Keep A Inchin' Along , Shout All Over God's Heaven , Steal Away To Jesus , Every Time I Feel The Spirit , Ezekiel Saw De Wheel , Little David , Dry Bones; The Old Ark's A' Movering , Nobody Knows The Trouble I See, Show Me The Way, There Is A Light Shining, Everybody Ought To Pray Sometime; Ev'ry Time I Feel The Spirit, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, On My Journey Now, Blow, Gabriel, Blow, We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder, Lord I Done Done, Oh Mary Don't You Weep, In The Morning, I Been 'Buked , Shine On Me, Sweet Turtledove, Hear The Lambs A Cryin' , Deep River, Hope I'll Join The Band , My Lord's Writing All The Time, On My Journey Now, Golden Slippers , I Wanna Die Easy

Review: Fisk University, originally the Fisk Free Colored School, was founded in Nashville, TN right after the Civil War, by northern missionaries. The school treasurer, a Gettysburg veteran named George White, loved music, and was moved by the slave hymns he would sometimes overhear in the refugee camps, but it was difficult to get his young students to sing them, as they were associated with slavery and things best forgotten. George began collecting and arranging these 'secret songs,' with the help of his secretary, Ella Sheppard, who brought him 'O Freedom' and 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,' lullabies her mother had taught her. In time, White and Sheppard collected over a hundred songs. In 1871, Fisk was on the brink of financial collapse, and George White took a group of young singers on the route of the Underground Railroad, hoping to 'sing into the hearts' of the people and raise money to save the school. At first enduring racism and indifference, the group finally found some success in Ohio, and then made it to New York, where Henry Ward Beecher, in his Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, was so moved by their singing he commanded his wealthy parishioners to give generously to the Jubilee's cause. Suddenly the churches of metropolitan New York opened their doors to them, and people rushed to hear 'the genuine soul music of the slave cabins, before the Lord led his people out of the house of bondage.' This began a series of successful tours, to Britain, Europe and all over the United States that finally exhausted the young singers, yet raised enough to erase Fisk's debt and build beautiful new campus buildings. 18 authentic songs, some of our favorites: 'Down By The Riverside,' 'De Gospel Train,' 'Were You There,' 'Rockin' Jerusalem,' 'Nobody Knows the Trouble I See,' 'He's Got the Whole World In His Hands,' 'I'm Got A Home In-A Dat Rock,' and the title tune. The CD cover and liner notes are actually a small book, with great old photos and the amazing story of the Fisk Singers. And, this is an 'Enhanced' CD--if you load it into your computer's CD player, you can see a nicely-done visual presentation of the group's history with many photos, as well as photos and info from the recording session--very cool. Recommended.

Songlist: I'm Gonna Sing Till the Spirit Moves, Poor Man Lazrus, Down By the Riverside, Lord, I'm Out Here On Your Word, De Gospel Train, Were You There, Rockin' Jerusalem, Nobody Knows the Trouble I See, I Been in the Storm, Soon-Ah Will Be Done, He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, Hold On, There Is A Balm in Gilead, Daniel, Daniel, Servant of the Lord, Wade in the Water, Ride On, Jesus, I'm Got A Home In-A Dat Rock, In Bright Mansions

Review: Nashville, TN's Fisk University's legendary Jubilee Singers, founded by school treasurer and music lover George White, led his group of former slaves on a tour that followed the Civil War's Underground Railroad in an effort to save the school, originally called the Fisk Free Colored School, from financial ruin. The group finally found some success in Ohio, then created a sensation with their spiritual 'secret slave songs' in New York City, beginning a tour of Britain and Europe that saved the school and built beautiful new campus buildings. 'Sacred Journey' is a 2-disk live CD recorded on the group's 2006-7 trip to Ghana, Africa, where they sang in the courtyard of notorious Elmina Castle, a key link in the slave trade. Robert Swope said of the concert, 'This ensemble, through the sheer love of its' performance, brought the glory of His forgiveness to the walls of Elmina Castle and allowed His grace to forgive what, for hundreds of years, was a place torn by human degradation.' Twelve powerful songs, recorded live and without overdub or re-record in any way: 'I Thank You, Jesus,' 'Our Father,' 'Didn't My Lord,' 'Kekeli Tso Kekili Me,' 'We Shall Walk Through the Valley in Peace,' 'Here is On,' 'My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord,' 'An' I Cry,' 'Mister Banjo,' 'Sweet Home,' 'Mawu nye lolo' and 'Ride the Chariot.' Don't miss this remarkable, profound concert, that brought joy and healing light to the heart of darkness!

Songlist: I Thank You Jesus, Our Father, Didn't My Lord, Kekeli Tso Kekeli Me, We Shall Walk Through The Valley In Peace, Here Is On, My Souls Been Anchored in the Lord, An' I Cry, Mister Banjo, Sweet Home, Mawu Nye Lolo, Ride the Chariot

Review: One of the most influential gospel acts of all time, The Fiveblind Boys Of Alabama, have been performing and recording now for almost 60 years. Today they are at the height of their fame with world tours and best selling CDs as well as the support of rock stars such as Peter Gabriel. This collection gathers together 28 tracks recorded from 1948-51, many of which were hits in the gospel market at the time, 'Honetin The Rock' and 'Come Over Here' being the most notable. This is the perfect introduction to the early days of one of gospel's most important groups. The package comes with a 12 page booklet including notes by the renowned gospel expert 'Opal Louis Nations.'

Songlist: Jesus Love Devine, See Everybody's Mother but Mine, What Manner of Man is this, What More Can Jesus do, Don't Wonder About Him, I Want My Crown, By and By, I've an Intrest Over There, Living on Mother's Prayer, Right to the Tree of Life, Anyhow, When the Roll is Called Up Yonder, Death Has Taken Mother Home, Honey in the Rock, In the Vinyard, Power of the Lord, Jesus Won't Deny Me, Mother's Song, All the Days of my Life, Blessed be the Name, All I Have is Gone, Gonna Have A Good Time, Good Religion, No More Tears No More Dying, Come Over Here, Since Mother's Been Gone, Canaan Land, Leave Your Burdens There

Review: God and Country is the Florida Boys' first all a cappella project from this popular Southern Gospel group. The recording features classic gospel songs, arranged by Otis Forrest, like 'Gettin' Ready to Leave this World' and 'I'm Gonna Take a Ride,' as well as a unique twist on some our country's most beloved anthems like 'The Star Spangled Banner' and 'God Bless America.' The recording also contains four special a cappella Christmas songs from previous recordings. This departure from the group's usual accompanied style is beautifully blended with a great bass anchor and well sung leads.

Songlist: God Bless America, Hand In Hand With Jesus, The Lord's Prayer, Star Spangled Banner, Stand By Me, Leave It Alone, It Is Well With My Soul, I'm Getting Ready To Leave This World, America The Beautiful, I'm Gonna Take A Ride, O, Come All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, Away In A Manger, O, Little Town Of Bethlehem

Review: All-male quartet the Gaither Vocal Band, winners of 4 Grammys and many other awards, give us only pictures of themselves in the liner notes of 'A Cappella,' the fact that this is part of the 'Gaither Gospel Series' and the lyrics to these beautiful, inspirational songs. Several of these 12 songs are originals, 'I Then Shall Live' with words by Gloria Gaither, and 'Center of My Joy' and 'Gentle Shepherd' with words by Gloria and music by William Gaither. Other favorites are 'Delivered From the Hands of Pharoah,' 'Low Down the Chariot,' 'When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,' 'Jesus! What A Friend for Sinners,' 'He Will Carry You' and Irving Berlin's 'God Bless America.' Simple, powerful harmonies, heartfelt faith, beautiful words, arrangements and music-this is some of the best Contemporary Christian/Gospel we have heard! Companion Songbook.

Songlist: Low Down the Chariot, Leave It There / What A Friend We Have In Jesus, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Delivered from the Hands of Pharoah, He Will Carry You, Jesus! What A Friend for Sinners, Sing A Song / I'd Like To Teach the World to Sing, Center of My Joy, Heaven's Joy Awaits, God Bless America, I Then Shall Live, Gentle Shepherd

Review: When the GGQ burst onto the gospel music scene in the 1930's out of the Tidewater region of Virginia, black churches were quite musically conservative and not given to rhythmic experimentation or nods toward popular music. Thus there was a fair amount of head-shaking when the GGQ emerged as the leader of a very fine pack of Gospel groups during a very difficult and trying time in American history. Appearing on a North Carolina radio station led to a move north, then to a Bluebird recording contract. The strong beat and counterpoint in those first recordings are looked upon as a turning point in Gospel music, a rebirth of the spiritual. 'Rock My Soul' has 20 marvelous tunes, recorded from 1937 to 1943, all of them upbeat, rhythmic, harmonic hits. Listen to 'Golden Gate Gospel Train,' 'Jonah In The Whale,' 'Go Where I Send Thee' and the vocal 'horns' on 'Massa's In The Cold Cold Ground,' the title tune-this is amazing stuff. Humorous songs like 'Preacher and the Bear' and 'Jonah In the Whale' have as much novelty pop in them as Gospel. 'Stalin Wasn't Stallin' (about the defeat of Hitler by the Russians) and 'Comin' In On A Wing and a Prayer' feed nicely on the 'God is on our side' sentiment of WWII. Not at all maudlin or dire like some Gospel groups, the GGQ are cheerful, joyous and celebratory in their music, and we think they are one of the best, and most interesting, of all time!

Songlist: Golden Gate Gospel Train, Jonah in the Whale, Go Where I Send Thee, Sampson, Massas In the Cold Cold Ground, Preacher and the Bear, Noah, Our Father, Job, Rock My Soul, Stalin Wasn't Stalin, Jezebel, Dip Your Fingers in the Water, He Never Said A Mumblin Word, Didn't it Rain, The Sun Didn't Shine, Anyhow, Blind Barnabas, Comin In On A Wing and A Prayer, Times Windin Up

Review: Here, the Golden Gate Quartet provides the listener with a wonderful selection of tracks from pure jubilee performances to popular songs of the day.

Songlist: My Prayer , What Did Jesus Say?, The Valley Of Time , Daniel Saw The Stone , Jezebel , Time's Winding Up, God Told Nicodemus , The Sun Didn't Shine, Blind Barnabas, Anyhow, Didn't It Rain, Toll The Bell Easy, He Never Said A Mumblin' Word , Moses Smote The Waters , Handwriting On The The Wall , Run On , Dip Your Fingers In The Water , My Time Done Come, Stalin Wasn't Stallin' , Comin' In On A Wing And A Prayer , Julius Ceasar , Summer Rain , The Gospel Train, The Preacher And The Bear

Review: The Golden Gospel Singers were founded by Bob Singleton in 1991 in a small country church in Northern Germany. Bob had been hoping for an opportunity to take some of his most talented gospel singer friends to Europe. Early on, all members came from Harlem, USA, today, however, touring artists come from all over the USA, auditioning formally or even over the telephone, trying to win the European tour opportunity. The artists on 'A Cappella Praise' are Ernest 'Von' Vaughan, keyboards/vocals, James Penn, guitar/bass/vocals, Praylonn Prince, drums/vocals, Lauren Moss, Veronica Dawkins, Owen Nixon and Deirdre Valentine, vocals. There are 17 wonderful, authentic Spirituals and Gospel songs here: 'Ain't Got Time to Die,' 'Oh, Freedom!,' 'I've Been Buked,' 'Goin' Up Yonder,' 'Old Time Religion,' 'I Need A Church,' 'Calling You Lord,' 'Upper Room,' 'It's Gonna Rain,' 'Up to Glory' and many others. Rich, deep harmonies, soaring leads, heartfelt words-this is inspirational, feel-good stuff from one of the best, The Golden Gospel Singers!

Songlist: Ain't Got Time To Die, Go Tell It On The Mountain, Oh Freedom!, Never Turn Back, I've Been Buked , Goin' Up Yonder, Hush! , Old Time Religion, On My Way Home, I Need A Church , Amazing Grace, It's All About You, Lord, Calling You Lord, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Upper Room, It's Gonna Rain, Up To Glory

Review: Experience, faith and steadfastness all come to mind when one tries to describe Good News! Tenor Jerry Fairchild, a member of the Sidewinders who won the Gold in 1964, has been barbershopping for 42 years and lives in Redlands, CA. Lead Joe Mazzone sang with The Regents who won in 1974, has been b-shopping for 29 years, and lives in Punta Gorda, Florida. baritone Dale Deiser has been quartetting for 47 years and sang with Mark IV, 1969 champs; he lives in San Antonio, TX. Bass Mo rector has 2 Gold Medals, 1958 with the Gay Notes and 1969 with Mark IV. How do they rehearse and record with so much distance between them? Love of the Lord and barbershop harmony, and a desire to give back gets them to travel nearly 10,000 miles for each rehearsal and recording session. No surprises in their song selection, 'I Will Sing The Wondrous Story,' the first song on Vol. I & II, sums up what Good News! is all about, sweet, deep harmony and feeling, and singing the Lord's praises. Some of our favorites: 'Amazing Grace,' 'In The Garden,' 'Precious Lord,' and 'Ain't-A-That Good News.' It surely is!

Songlist: I Will Sing the Wondrous Story, Wonderful Words of Life, He Keeps Me Singing, There's Something About that Name, In the Garden , Near to the Heart of God, Amazing Grace, Something Beautiful, It Is Well With My Soul, Jesus, Lover of My Soul, Abide With Me, Why WIll You Do Without Him, The Lord's Covenant, When We All Get to Heaven, The Gloryland Way, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, Wispering Hope, Just Over in the Gloryland, Standing on the Promises, To God Be the Glory, Were You There, Christ Arose, Softly and Tenderly, Just As I Am, Without One Plea, Just a Closer Walk With Thee, Beneath the Cross of Jesus, Rock of Ages, God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again

Review: This second CD comprises of the original Vols 3 and 4 recordings. There is also a matching songbook with these arrangements plus parts tapes are also available.

Songlist: Good News, Tell Me The Story Of Jesus, If That Isn't Love, Precious Love, My Hope Is In The Lord, Nothing But The Blood, O Love That Will Not Let Me Go, Victory In Jesus, He Looked Beyond My Fault, God Is So Good, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, Give Us This Day, The Old Account Was Settled, God's Singers, The Lords Prayer, Ain't-A-That Good News, It Is No Secret, I Asked The Lord, The Old Rugged Cross, I Wouldn't Take Nothin' For My Journey Now, What A Friend We Have In Jesus, Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross, The Longer I Serve Him, I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked, Onward Christian Soldiers