Various Artists

• 2LP GATEFOLD EDITION

• PRESSED AT PALLAS

The first of three volumes surveying surely the mightiest Gospel label of them all. Stomping, rollicking gospel music, intermingling with raw soul, searing blues, hard-rocking doo-wop and jazz, and storming R&B. Infused and incandescent with the hurting, surging indignation of the Civil Rights movement, here are twenty-four precious scorchers by giants like the Staple Singers and Jimmy Scott, alongside devastating sides by less celebrated names like the Harmonizing Five of Burlington, North Carolina, and teen-group the North Philadelphia Juniors, culminating triumphantly with slamming, sanctified versions of "Hit The Road Jack" and "Wade In The Water".

Drawn from nigh-impossible-to-find 78s, sevens and LPs, hardly any of these recordings have been reissued since their first release. Presented in a gatefold sleeve, with full-size booklet; beautifully designed, with stunning, rare photographs and original Savoy artwork. Sound restoration and mastering at Abbey Road; pressed at Pallas.

ARTISTS & TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1. Famous Ward Singers ..... I'm Getting Richer
• A2. The Harmonizing Five ..... I Don't Need Nobody But The Lord
• A3. The Sensational Six ..... Let Freedom Ring
• A4. The Gospel Harmonettes Specials ..... How Much More
• A5. The Christones ..... Lord, It's Me
• A6. The Staple Singers ..... Low Is The Way

• SIDE B
• B1. Swindell Brothers ..... Trouble Of Mine
• B2. The Roberta Martin Singers ..... I'm Glad I'm A Witness For My Lord
• B3. Jimmy Scott ..... Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
• B4. Shirley Caesar & The Caravans ..... He First Loved Me
• B5. The Blind Boys Of Alabama ..... On Some Day
• B6. The Hightower Brothers ..... He That Believed

• SIDE C
• C1. North Philadelphia Juniors ..... There's Something Within Me
• C2. The Selah Singers ..... The Wicked Race
• C3. The Ward Singers ..... Let The Train Roll Easy
• C4. The Stars Of Faith ..... Mean Old World
• C5. Marion Williams ..... Get Your Business Right
• C6. The Gospel Cavaliers ..... Are You Listening

• SIDE D
• D1. The Caravans ..... Mercy
• D2. Eddie Williams & The Crusaders ..... They Won't Believe Me
• D3. The Davis Sisters ..... Earnestly Praying
• D4. The Gospel Chimes ..... My Jesus Love Just Bubbles Over
• D5. The Angelic Gospel Choir ..... It's The Holy Ghost
• D6. The Angelic Choir ..... Wade In The Water