Various Artists: Gospel Superstars – SoulLink Live 2MCG Records2005MCG7037www.mcgrecords.com Based on the success of its first SoulLink Live CD, MCG Records (part of the Malaco Music Group) has released the second compilation of quartet cuts under the SoulLink moniker. Like its predecessor, this volume also comes from the marathon six-hour “keep the tape running” recording session that took place in Atlanta’s Earthlink Theater between December 4, 2003 and the early morning hours of December 5, 2004 (and they say rock bands have stamina!). According to MCG, this historic session has produced two more CDs of material to be released later. ...

When Gospel Was Gospel – Various Artists Shanachie SH 60642005www.shanachie.com I am often asked to recommend a CD that will introduce the uninitiated to the sound of black gospel music. It’s not as easy as it sounds; some compilations are too facile while others are too esoteric to recommend. Thanks to Anthony Heilbut and Shanachie Records, it’s now easy to recommend one gospel primer: When Gospel Was Gospel. What’s particularly great about When Gospel Was Gospel is that it doesn’t just focus on male quartets, or female groups, or mixed ensembles, or choruses and soloists: it gives the listener a ...

Remember Me – Marion WilliamsShanachie SH 60632005www.shanachie.com “I was born to sing the gospel and I sure do love my job.” So sings Marion Williams on “Born to Sing the Gospel,” a track from Remember Me, a selection of the former Ward Singer’s solo performances from 1968 to 1992. One listen to this CD will be sufficient to convince you of the above statement’s undeniable truth. The incomparable Marion, with her four-octave vocal range and multi-colored, multi-textured delivery, was matched only by Mahalia Jackson as the world’s greatest gospel singer. Indeed, Rolling Stone suggests she could be the greatest singer ...

The Summer 2005 issue of the Association for Recorded Sound Collections (ARSC) newsletter announced that the third annual induction of fifty sound recordings for the National Recording Registry included three gospel and spiritual selections: “Down by the Riverside,” Sister Rosetta Tharpe (Decca, 1944) Peace Be Still, James Cleveland and the Angelic Choir (Savoy, 1962) Tuskegee Institute Choir Sings Spirituals, Tuskegee Institute Choir under the direction of William Dawson (Westminster, 1955) The public nominates recordings for the Registry, and a group of advisors meet in Washington to make final recommendations to the Librarian of Congress on which recordings should be added ...

The Forgotten RecordingsMahalia JacksonAcrobat CD ADDCD 30062005www.acrobatmusic.net Unpack your bags. Cancel your reservation. You don’t need to travel to Paris and sort through boxes of dusty, used vinyl in record boutiques to own the music on Mahalia Jackson’s famous Vogue LPs. Acrobat Records of England has felt your pain and released a two-CD compilation of all her enigmatic and elusive Vogue recordings. For the uninitiated: in the 1960s or 1970s, the French Vogue label released three LPs of Mahalia Jackson recordings that seemingly hadn’t been heard before. They could not be found on any of her previous LPs or singles. ...

The Swan Silvertones 1946-1951Acrobat CD ADDCD 30042005www.acrobatmusic.net Fans of classic black gospel quartet singing will treasure this new, two-CD reissue by England’s Acrobat label. This chronologically-organized collection of every one of the Swan Silvertones’ first 45 recordings, released by Sydney Nathan’s Cincinnati-based King label between 1946 and 1951, paints an aural portrait of the Swans as an emerging force in post-war gospel music. The quartet’s personnel at the time of the first King session in July 1946 consisted of Claude Jeter, Albert Reed, Solomon Womack, John Myles, and William Johnson. In those days, they were known as Swan’s Silvertone Singers, ...

“Bridge Over Troubled Water”The ChristianairesMCG Records 2005 “Bridge Over Troubled Water” was destined to become a gospel song. In fact, one might argue that it has always had a gospel provenance. For example, the title of the Paul Simon-penned paean to the power of unconditional love was alleged to have been inspired by the Swan Silvertones’ “Mary Don’t You Weep,” during which Rev. Claude Jeter declares that Jesus is “a bridge over deep water.” Also, during the “Bridge” recording session, Simon asked the background musicians to infuse the song with a “gospel feel.” “Bridge Over Troubled Water” entered the Billboard ...

Hello, everyone! This is a monthly reminder that “Gospel Memories,” now in its fifth season, broadcasts again on Sunday, July 3 from 2:00 to 6:30 a.m. Central Time US on Chicago’s WLUW 88.7 FM. You can listen to the broadcast on the web at www.wluw.org. Just click “Listen Live,” and you’ll have the show coming out of your computer speakers. Highlights of the July 3 Broadcast: — Words and music with Gene Viale, former member of the (James) Cleveland Singers who also performed with the Caravans and recorded solo LPs in the 60s and 70s. Brother Gene has a new ...

Jackson, MS., June 30 2005 – Malaco Music Group and Selecto-Hits announce the acquisition of one of the largest and most successful independent traditional gospel labels in the market, Atlanta International Records (AIRGospel). AIR will find itself in good company as it takes its place in linewith the roster of Malaco’s internationally renowned and historic gospelimprints, Savoy Records, Malaco Records, Muscle Shoals Sound Gospel, and 601 Music. “This purchase is really a coup for Malaco,” states Tommy Couch, Sr.,president of Malaco Music Group. “We are very excited to add the AIR catalogto our own, which will make it the richest ...

Mediaguide provides a weekly listing of gospel tracks on the charts. Just go to Mediaguide Gospel and check out what’s #1, #2, #3….#50! TBGB is pleased that some of its recently featured selections are currently on the gospel chart, among them the Mississippi Mass Choir’s “I’m Not Tired Yet,” the fabulous remix of “Jesus Can Work it Out” by the Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Warriors, Rizen’s “View the City,” and “Take My Life” by Micah Stampley. Also featured are releases by Bridgette Campbell (“Happy”) and DeNetria “Aretha” Champ (“I Really Love You”), two lady vocalists who TBGB feels have a ...