The Great 1955 Shrine Concert

This Sunday  we have a real Gospel show not just a simulation, and what a show it is.

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.

ENJOY YOUR SUNDAY MORNING, REMEMBER TO TURN IT UP!

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! 

The Pilgrim Travelers - Better Than That

Good Morning, time for Sunday morning service.

"The Pilgrim Travelers were Specialty's most prolific group, recording more than any other ensemble in any style. They were versatile enough to be sensational as an a cappella unit, and almost as magnificent with instrumental accompaniment. The 28 cuts from this most recent anthology shows them adjusting to instrumental support, as lead vocalists Kylo Turner and Keith Barber effectively duel and contrast against organs, keyboards, bass and drums. The collection also contains 13 previously unissued songs, most of them incredible unaccompamied performances. They may not have been Specialty's greatest gospel group, but The Pilgrim Travelers weren't far behind The Soul Stirrers."

The Pilgrim Travelers - Walking Rhythm

This is the first of two CD collections of prime a cappella close harmony gospel in walking rhythm by The Pilgrim Travelers. Contained are unissued, alternate, and previously issued-on-wax sides from the stunnning lead chops of Kylo Turner and Keith Barber, who fronted L.A.'s Travelers during the 1947-1956 Specialty sojourn. The quintet cut over 100 sides during this time. The selection here is drawn from the 1947 through 1951 time frame. They're taken from original 16-inch metal masters and filtered through a non-noise system to produce fine presence and sound clarity.  Opal Nations