Sunday, October 26, 2014

Mahalia Jackson - Bless This House

I am really excited to be sharing this classic Mahalia album this morning.  This is one of her earlier releases and is closer in result to her Apollo sides.  Of course, we all know what that means!!

Miss Jackson is belting it out on blues and jazz inflected tunes.  Like all of her best Columbia albums, she is backed by the Falls - Jones Ensemble who give her that real church vibe.  This record is not to be missed... not just by fans but by anybody with a stake in soulful music.

This vinyl wasn't in the greatest shape but it cleaned up nicely.  There's no mistaking that you're listening to a record.  That said, the fidelity really trumps any analog noise and that big, soaring voice shadows all.  Ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC... enjoy!!!

Bless This House was released in 1956 and features Mahalia Jackson and the Falls-Jones Ensemble. This LP is a favorite of the gospel purists who feel alienated by Jackson's collaborations with pop artists like Percy Faith and Harpo Marx. The songs on Bless This House feature great supporting performances by pianist Mildred Falls and organist Ralph Jones. Highlights include a jazzy, swinging "Let the Church Roll On," a dark, bluesy "Trouble With the Word," and energetic versions of "Down By the Riverside" and "It Don't Cost Very Much." Bless This House includes some of Jackson's most serious offerings and reflects the influence of blues singers Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey on her vocal style. A great introduction to Jackson's joyous, religious music and a good beginning for new listeners. - J.T. Griffith / AMG

Columbia Records, 1956
CL 899

Mahalia Jackson - vocals;  Mildred Falls - piano;  Ralph Jones - organ

A1 Let The Church Roll On
A2 God Knows The Reason Why
A3 Standing Here Wondering Which Way To Go
A4 By His Word
A5 Trouble With The World
A6 Bless This House
B1 It Don't Cost Very Much
B2 Summertime And Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
B3 Just A Little While To Stay Here
B4 Precious Lord
B5 Down By The Riverside
B6 The Lord's Prayer

12 comments:

poppachubby said...

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pmac said...

Many thanks, Poppa. I love Mahalia, especially the early years (and, despite the fact that I'm not the biggest gospel fan).

rickb said...

oh yes! many thanks......amen Mahalia!

Preslives said...

Wow, I've never seen that cover before. Nice one, Poppa

Preslives said...

Wow, I've never seen that cover before. Nice one, Poppa

flatspin said...

Mahalia sounds just as great here as on any other of her early recordings! Thanks.

Pippo said...

Many many thanks Poppa, Mahalia is one of the fundamental forces of the universe.

Christophe said...

Thanks a lot.

The Jackal said...

what a classic thanks for everything Poppa and KC

Prof. Yaffle said...

Many thanks

Prof. Yaffle said...

Many thanks

boppinbob said...

Whilst researching Mahalia on her birthday (October 26, 1911) although other sources give 16th October and 1912! I came across your wonderful blog. Thanks for this great album. Regards, Bob

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