INCLUDES 2 BONUS TRACKS

4 STARS DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE

This special LP edition includes The Staple Singers’ magnificent debut album, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, which is widely regarded as one of their finest. It was recorded in Chicago, between the late Fifties and early Sixties. The long play was originally released by Vee Jay Records in 1961 and has been long unavailable on vinyl.

Swing Low Sweet Chariot presents The Staple Singers at their sanctified best. Venture into any African American church where the traditional gospel sound still dominates and you’re bound to hear many of the songs on this 1961 recording. But it’s highly unlikely that you’ll find anyone performing with the soul and dexterity of Pops Staples. The level of musicianship on these songs is first rate, and much of this can be attributed to him. Undoubtedly the skilled guitarist loved the Lord, but the Mississippi-born musician who had worked on the famed Dockery plantation adored the blues as well. The influence of Charlie Patton, Blind Lemon Jefferson and other great bluesmen from the Mississippi Delta can be heard throughout the album, from the opener “I’m So Glad,” passing through the gospel- R&B of “Good News,” to the stunning title track.

PERSONNEL:

ROEBUCK "POPS" STAPLES, electric guitar and vocals
MAVIS STAPLES, lead vocals
PURVIS STAPLES, tenor vocals
CLEOTHA STAPLES, alto vocals
JOE BOSTIC JR., master of ceremonies

Recorded in Chicago, Illinois, late 1950s-1961.

SIDE 1

01 I’M SO GLAD
02 SWING DOWN, CHARIOT
03 THE OLD LANDMARK
04 GOOD NEWS
05 EACH DAY
06 UNCLOUDY DAY
07 CALLING ME (*)

SIDE 2

01 LET’S GO HOME
02 PRAY ON
03 HELP ME JESUS
04 GOING AWAY
05 DON’T KNOCK
06 SWING LOW, SWEET CHARIOT
07 WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN (*)

(*) BONUS TRACKS