The Return of Robert Dixon and the Original Salem Travelers

Robert Dixon and the Original Salem Travelers
The Return of Robert Dixon and the Original Salem Travelers
True 2 U Corporation 2004
www.cdbaby.com/cd/robertdixon

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Salem Travelers of Chicago were known for soulful harmonies, glass-shattering lead singing and a repertory of songs that provided social commentary on the troubles of the world. The quartet tackled topics such as the war in Vietnam, drugs, violence, prejudice, civil rights and child delinquency. “The Children Goin’ Astray,” one of the first songs in which the Salem Travelers addressed a modern socioeconomic issue, became a big hit. It set the group on a path to become the gospel community’s version of the Greek chorus.

Most of the original members – Chester Feemster, Arthur Davis, Jessie McDaniels and Sam Hanchett – have gone to their eternal reward, but Robert Dixon, who joined the group during its Checker Records era, has reconstituted the quartet with Rev. Harris and ordained members of the Skinner Family: Revs. Robert, Jr.; Larry, Sr. and Floyd.

The production on The Return of Robert Dixon and the Original Salem Travelers is crystal clear, and a studio echo gives the lead vocals more depth. Harmonies are crisp. The musicians, featuring legendary quartet accompanist Criss Johnson on guitar, get as close to the grooviness of the 70s as possible without alienating modern quartet fans. On “Tapping into God’s Holy Spirit,” Rev. Robert Skinner performs in old-school falsetto. “There’s Not a Friend” finds Dixon preaching in song about the story of the blind man meeting Jesus. Songs such as “If It Was Not for You” and “Just for His Love Remix” are particularly tuneful and bouncy.

Lyrically, the Salem Travelers do not cover any social issues on this CD but instead traverse the well-trodden quartet themes of thanksgiving, soul satisfaction in salvation, and the importance of being a good Christian.

From the opening to the closing notes of The Return of Robert Dixon and the Original Salem Travelers, the group sounds fresh, vibrant and reinvigorated.

Four of Five Stars