Various ArtistsBlack Gospel Rarities Vol. 4
By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog
In December, music historian, researcher, and dedicated crate digger Galen Gart released the fourth volume in his Black Gospel Rarities CD series.
Like its predecessors, Vol. 4 is a mixed assortment of sides plucked from minty gospel 45s and 78s recorded during gospel’s Golden Age. Some of the artists were well known in their day, others not, but all, save the Golden Gate Quartet, have sadly been forgotten today.
While other Black Gospel Rarities volumes focused on labels such as Revelation and J&S, the latest release includes discs produced by a young Atlantic Records. Included are selections from polymath Otis Jackson, notably “I’m Grateful to the NAACP” and “Korea (Fightin’ in a Foreign Land),” recorded with the Gospel Pilgrims; the Silver Leaf Quartet; and a selection from the influential Mary Johnson Davis Gospel Singers. The first commercial release by Norfolk’s Parker Brothers Quartet, known for their tight and highly-propulsive harmonies, was for Atlantic, though their King issues are better known. Both Parker Brothers Atlantic sides are included on Vol. 4 and they sound as good as the group’s King product.
Just as influential as the Mary Johnson Davis Singers were Chicago’s Willie Webb Singers, whose members at one time included Alex Bradford and Albertina Walker. Their “Climbing High Mountains” from 1953 demonstrates the churchy group sound for which Chicago is well known. It is doubtful Walker was part of this session; she was already part of the Caravans by then.
The Detroit Harmonettes’ “I Gave Up Everything” is so strikingly brash and in-your-face, one can only wonder why this female group did not make more records. “How Do Earthly Men Know” by the Gospel Consolators features a lovely exchange between the bass and high tenor singers. It and the Flying Clouds of Detroit’s “If I Get Inside the Gate” remind us that when music accompaniment was sparse or non-existent, there was nothing to hide behind. You had to know how to sing or go home.
Hard core gospel music collectors may already have many of these discs in their collection, but if not, or if the vinyl is well scratched, Black Gospel Rarities Vol. 4 is well worth it. It’s a meaty blend of well- and lesser-known artists, all of whom could get a Zion song over.
Four of Five Stars
Pick: “I Gave Up Everything,” “How Do Earthly Men Know.”
Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
Visit Today : 789
This Month : 8364