The power and splendor that was gospel in the '50s radiates throughout the performances on The Great 1955 Shrine Concert. The Pilgrim Travelers, with twin powerhouse leads Kylo Turner and Keith Barber, get things started in fiery fashion, followed by the dynamic Caravans, whose roster at that time included Albertina Walker and Rev. James Cleveland, who doubled as a pianist. Also on the bill were Brother Joe May, justifying his "Thunderbolt of the Midwest" nickname; the Soul Stirrers, with Sam Cooke still in the fold; and the Original Gospel Harmonettes, concluding the proceedings with a flourish. Anyone who attended certainly felt the spirit, as will anyone who listens to this magnificent 14-song set.
Brother Joe May will rock your world, he just about steals he show, at least until Sam comes on and really does. Ethel Davenport just sends shivers up my spine, I wish they had included more of her. Dorothy Love Coats sings with with a conviction that she can wring the devil out of you with the power of her voice, she probably could!
10 comments:
Great choice, KC! This one can make a true believer out of almost anyone.
Holy Shit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, Dotty Coates - I wanna get saved (again)
Thanks KC
Sam Cooke (and Paul Foster) with The Soul Stirrers 'Nearer My God To Thee' is one of my all time favourite live recordings! Thanks.
@Kingcake : I was planning to post this album on Blue Dragon, but I checked your blog first and found it here. So I'm wondering, do you plan to re-up it or should I go ahead and post it at BD? Thanks.
Actually do have this one in the repost cue Lou - up to you but I do intend putting new links on it shortly
http://www.embedupload.com/?d=2RLQKHUXNS
You're a mind reader, KingCake! This was on my next whine list submitted to you. I'll keep sending the wishful thoughts. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Kingcake, I'm sorry I didn't reply sooner. Not that my feelings were hurt - LOL - as a matter of fact I'm glad you re-upped it so more people can find out about this true gem! It's just that sometimes life has a way to get in... well, in the way. ;)
And please allow me to take this opportunity to thank you again for this great blog of yours!
Great choice, and a seminal audio document from the golden age of gospel - I have this CD and treasure it. The highlight is undoubtedly Sam Cooke's eight and a half minutes of soulful testifying on "Nearer to Thee", building inexorably, never repeating, and capturing the essence of the man's appeal more than any other of his recordings - with the woefully underrated Dorothy Love Coates' dynamic and seamless nineteen-minute performance running it a close second. Thanks for the fine blog, KC!
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.