CD Review: Songs Mama Used to Sing – 3

Blackberry Records Presents Songs Mama Used to Sing 3
Blackberry CD BBD 1646
Produced by Melvin Williams and Doug Williams for Turn-Table Productions
2004
www.blackberryrecords.com

Former Caravan Dorothy Norwood says that when troubles get you down and you need some real soul salvation, you turn to the old-time gospel songs. Apparently, the staff and musicians of Blackberry Records are in agreement, as they have released the third installment of Songs Mama Used to Sing.

This compilation from some of Blackberry’s top gospel stars is all about “havin’ church.” The quartets vamp like the good old days, singers render the gospel blues like Dorsey and his contemporaries fashioned them, the sanctified rhythm is ever present — this CD is quite frankly the next best thing to attending the American Quartet Convention.

Outstanding tracks include the Williams’ Brothers’ “Big Mama’s Medley,” which contains a sampling of classic quartet arrangements; and Neal Roberson’s high-octane rendition of “Get Right Church,” which alone is worth the price of the CD. The veteran Texas Boyz and the venerable Rev. Clay Evans are also in fine form on this compilation.

Blackberry as a brand represents an updated version of the same saucy, down-home, good-time gospel music that dominated America’s airwaves and turntables from 1945 – 1965. If this is the gospel music for you (as it is for me), then Songs Mama Used to Sing 3 will leave you feeling good all over.