In 2005, the Swedish label Gospel Friend released Lord Let Me Be More Humble in This World, a 24-track sampling of records cut during the years 1930-1960 by the amazing Georgia Peach, a powerhouse Pentecostal singer whose career paralleled those of Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Mahalia Jackson. Although examples of her work have resurfaced on gospel collections originating from various countries, Lord Let Me Be More Humble in This World appears to have been the first digital-age album devoted exclusively to the works of Georgia Peach. It includes "Now Is the Needy Time" from her first recording session (which took place in December 1930), but somehow omits the most celebrated title from that date, "Stand by Me." Neither does it contain her 1932 rendition of "When the Saints Go Marching In," although the flipside of that popular Banner record, "Who Is That Knocking?" is on the track list. On later recordings she is backed by vocal groups like the Reliable Jubilee Singers, the Harmonaires, and the Sky Light Singers. The tune selection, photographs, and historical data make this an uncommonly fine tribute to a ridiculously underappreciated artist. AMG
