Get sounds of Sunday morning every day of the week with these two anthologies of black gospel music. Did I hear an “Amen”?
Founded in 1933, The Roberta Martin Singers was one of the most important traditional gospel groups, having joined forces with such luminaries as Lucy Smith, James Cleveland, Romance Watson, Myrtle Scott and Myrtle Jackson during the halcyon years. This four disc, 97 song collection brings togterh most of the A and B sides fromtheir days on Fidelity, Savoy and Religious Records, with a sumptuous serving from classic albums Try Jesus, Twelve Inspirational Songs, God Is Still On The Throne, Since I Met Him, Grace and It Was The Blood” The post War choir has a traditional church feel, like you’re taking in a Sunday service, so you feel like you’re taking in a bit of testimony before passing the plate when you hear “Old Ship Of Zion”, “Yield Not To Temptation”, “He Knows How Much You Can Bear” Only A Look” and “The Lord Will Make A Way”. During the fifties, with Gloria Griffin and Archie Dennis, you get some gems like “God Specializes” while “Hold The Light” and “ Grace” are truly filled with inspiration. This is music not for rolling down the aisles, but for satisfying the soul.
Formed in Philadelphia, the Imperial Gospel Singers featured singer, pastor and evangelist Rosie Wallace along with songwriter Anna Smallwood, creating a unique and energy-filled gospel quartet during the 1950s and 60s. This two disc, 31 song collection include songs from their spirit-filled albums, Swing Low, Gospel Songs, Fountains Of Blood, The Sower and a handful of their singles. Wallace herself is a soul on fire, belting out “Reach Out and Touch Him” and “Show Me The Way” on the early albums. They didn’t get as much popularity as similar bands like The Davis Sisters or The Ward Sisters, but pieces like “I’ll S hout When I Get Home” and “The Sower” are as fervent as any Sunday morning message from the pulpit. Pass the plate!