Essential Gospel – Classic Recordings: No. 132

“I’ve Tried”
Mighty Pilgrims
Finch 110236
1971

This record is about as close to perfect as any gospel quartet record I’ve ever heard. Each vocal stanza, each achingly beautiful and tight harmony run, each fervent foray into the vocal stratosphere by the lead vocalist are performed with precision while maintaining a mood of easy, lazy informality.

Although it was recorded in 1971, “I’ve Tried” by the Mighty Pilgrims sounds as if it was waxed ten years earlier. It’s a variation on the lyrics of the classic “When I’ve Done the Best I Can,” but without the original melody and performed in early 1960s soul ballad style. The Mighty Pilgrims alternate between contemplative and passionate in their approach, with the lead vocalist carrying the recording’s most dramatic and breathtaking moments. While the quartet is accompanied gently by electric guitar and bass, they could easily have done this a cappella.

“I’ve Tried” evokes the ambience of a quartet singing softly outside the beloved’s window on a cloudless, moonlit night. In the Mighty Pilgrims’ case, their beloved is Jesus and their love song is part reflection, part confession. One only wishes the Pilgrims had recorded more often.

[Special thanks to Jason Rosenberg for introducing TBGB to this recording]