Mahalia Jackson - How I Got Over, Vol 3

Of course this is reposted as well.

The final volume of the pre-Columbia recordings of the great Mahalia Jackson. Thanks to our brother Elder Clifford for providing this lovely set.


The divine Mother Mahalia rules this Sunday!

Mahalia Jackson - How I Got Over, Vol 2

Once again a repost - more of the magical early recording of the great Mahalia Jackson.

Mahalia Jackson - How I Got Over, Vol 1

A repost by request

My prayers go out this morning to the family, and the friends of Les Muscutt, banjo and guitar master and former member of the Preservation Hall Band. Les passed away at home early Friday morning. His quick, dry wit will be sorely missed by those of us lucky enough to regularly while away our morning coffee hours with him. (this was 2 years ago now)


This comes complete with full scans of the 20 page booklet from Opal Louis Nations.

Mahalia Jackson - I Believe

Hey everybody... church is in!

Continuing with our look at Mahalia Jackson today, we have a fine album from her Columbia years.  We have discerned that this period wasn't her best or most consistent artistically.  That said, there are some gems amongst the stones and in my opinion, I Believe is one of them.

The focus is truly on Jackson's voice, with piano accompaniment provided by long time foil Mildred Falls.  Along with this there is a wonderful choir providing harmony, background and rich, warm vibes.  In and out of this there is some orchestration which works surprisingly well.

One interesting thing is how short the album is - only a bit over 30 minutes.  This means that all but one tune is over 3 minutes.  Combined with Mahalia's interpretation,  it has the feel of something closer to a pop record.  Not sure if this was their intent but surely there were commercial considerations made.  I find that overall, the greatest gospel singer in the world, is as assured and soulful as ever.  It's the expressive and emotive sound of her voice which rescues these sides from simply being blahzay muzak.

This mono LP cleaned up really nicely.  Ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC... enjoy!!!

Columbia ‎– CL1549

1960

A1  Trouble  3:03

A2  I Believe  3:05

A3  I'm Grateful  3:52

A4  I See God  3:20

A5  Holding My Saviour's Hand  3:15

B1  Somebody Bigger Than You And I  3:00

B2  I Asked The Lord  2:56

B3  I Hear Angels  4:44

B4  Always Look Up  3:12

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

Mahalia Jackson Sings The Best Loved Hymns Of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

Well, I found this album in a local thrift last week and decided it was more than coincidence.  That's right folks, this was... DIVINE INTERVENTION!!!  For those of you who frequent this joint, you will recall the series I had began with Miss Jackson.  I have decided to get that movin again so you can expect an offering every Sunday until I am tapped.

I couldn't find a decent review on this album so I will say a few things.  If you were smart enough to DL the Apollo set, then you have whats necessary to understand what happened in Mahalia's career.  These Columbia albums represent the peak of her fame, but in contrast with her early work, not the peak of her best music.

The "smart" minds behind the label wanted to extend her popularity and of course referred to the handbook while doing so.  Most of the Columbia albums have a few strong moments but fail as being an overall exciting listen.  There are a couple exceptions such as the amazing "Worlds Greatest..." and this album which I am sharing today.

I think everybody knows the relationship that Jackson had with the great doctor.  She famously sang at his funeral and during his life, considered each other friends.  So fitting is this tribute which stands as one of her best albums in my opinion.  The music sticks to the nitty gritty and at times gets close to some gutter blues!!!  All that said, I am highly recommending this album to everybody who stops into this blog.

The back cover contains a wonderful Q&A style interview so be sure to check it out.  Ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC.  I have begun using Click Repair which was needed on this one so BIG BIG thanks to KC.  Enjoy!!!!

Columbia ‎– CS 9686
1968

A1 We Shall Overcome
A2 Take My Hand Precious Lord
A3 Just A Closer Walk With Thee
A4 There Is A Balm In Gilead
A5 The Old Rugged Cross
B1 Rock Of Ages
B2 How I Got Over
B3 If I Can Help Somebody
B4 He's Got The Whole World In His Hands
B5 An Evening Prayer

Mahalia Jackson - The World's Greatest Gospel Singer

OK folks, I gave this album what it rightly deserved... a fresh rip!!!  This time ALL of the tracks are here, namely the missing "Jesus" from the previous rip.  This is undoubtedly one of my best sounding rips, with the least editing.  Just a gorgeous sounding album.  Certainly my favorite of this entire series... enjoy!!

  KC's post had me recalling this classic which we posted at the Crypt.  Prepare to be moved.  Her voice just soars from the speakers and straight into your soul.  Mahalia needs little introduction, yet her name never seems to come up as much as it should. Underrated?  Hardly.  I think her tight ties to gospel shut her out of the minds of many listeners. Well, I am here to tell you..."Church is in!".  This album swings hard at times, and Miss Jackson's voice is hauntingly real.  Her voice has instant impact.  Not only ultra soulful, but with a truthfullness that can't be denied. This was ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44 FLAC... enjoy!!


 One of Mahalia's early Columbia albums, this brings the singer together with the Fall-Jones Ensemble. Kicking off with the autobiographical "I'm Going to Live the Life I Sing About in My Song," the set also includes stirring renditions of "Jesus Met the Woman at the Well," "I Will Move on up a Little Higher," "Didn't It Rain," "Keep Your Hand on the Plow," "Walk Over God's Heaven," and even a spirited take on the old warhorse "When the Saints Go Marching In".  - Cub Koda

Columbia CL644
1955
Recorded Nov. 1954

Mahalia Jackson, vocals

The Falls-Jones Ensemble:

Mildred Falls, piano
Ralph Jones, organ
Art Ryerson/Billy Mure, guitar
Frank Caroll/Jack Lesberg, bass
Norris "Bunny" Shawker, drums

01 I'm going to live the life I sing about in my song
02 When I wake up in glory
03 Jesus met the woman at the well
04 Oh Lord, is it?
05 I will move on up a little higher
06 When the saints go marching in
07 Jesus
08 Out of the depths
09 Walk over God's heaven
10 Keep your hand on the plow
11 Didn't it rain

Mahalia Jackson - Let's Pray Together

Brothaz an' Sistaz!!

For our second installment in the Mahalia series, we will be looking at "Let's Pray Together".  The music and arrangements were handled by legend Marty Paich.  Was there any area of music this guy didn't touch??!!??  In any case, I wasn't sure what to expect with his involvement but the result is excellent.  

We must keep in mind that my gospel knowledge is quite limited, but I found that Paich retained that authentic sound on this side.  One thing is for sure, he gave plenty of space for Miss Jackson to do her thing.  As the album plays, the songs get better and better as does her vocal.  My favorite would have to be Guardian Angels.  She is accompanied by Harpo Marx and much like Black Baby on the previous post, the song focuses on her amazing emotive power.

I want to apologize to Uncle Cliff for not producing "The World's Greatest..." this week.  Cliff, you deserve anything you ask for (and as quickly as humanly possible!!).  That said, I didn't want to forsake the quality either.  And with that segway...  this album was ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC.  I cleaned it up as best as I could, but to go any further would have harmed the music - something I am unwilling to do.  So we have a bit of fried chicken in the mix, but frankly with gospel I find it to be a soothing and comforting anomoly.  I hope this pleases all of you gospel characters out there... enjoy!!!

_____________________________________________

Columbia CL2130
1963

Arranged and Conducted by Marty Paich

A1 Altar Of Peace
A2 One God
A3 Let's Pray Together
A4 Without A Song
A5 Take God By The Hand
A6 Guardian Angels
B1 We Shall Overcome
B2 Song For My Brother
B3 Deep River
B4 No Night There
B5 If I Can Help Somebody

Mahalia Jackson - Come On Children, Let's Sing

Bruthaz an' Sistaz!!!  

Sorry I am late to church.  I am planning a hard look at some of Mahalia Jackson's greatest albums from her tenure at Columbia.  Each Sunday for the next several weeks I will post one.  I decided to start with this side because of its great notes on the back cover.  They are included of course in 300 dpi quality.  

There's no doubt that Black Baby is the real epic track from this set.  The album was clearly recorded inside a church so you really feel like you're in a pew during service.  Ripped from vinyl at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC.  A bit of fried chicken in the mix but otherwise a wonderful rip, centered around Sister Jackson's tremendous pipes.  Enjoy!!!

Columbia CL 1428
1960

A1 Come On Children Let's Sing 1:55
A2 If We Ever Needed The Lord Before 4:20
A3 Because His Nae Is Jesus 2:50
A4 You Must Be Born Again 2:00
A5 Brown Baby 5:30
B1 The Christian's Testimony 2:32
B2 Keep A-Movin' 3:09
B3 A Christian Duty 3:19
B4 One Step 3:22
B5 God Is So Good 3:15

Quite simply, listening to this record is like going to church. Mahalia's voice, one of the strongest gospel voices to be put on record, is made even more powerful by the Falls-Webb ensemble, who chant, harmonize and rejoice in the background throughout the record. Upbeat numbers such as the title track find the choir in rare form, but the centerpiece of the album is Oscar Brown's "Brown Baby," the languid arrangement allowing Mahalia to pull at the song, stretching its melody for greatest emotional effect. - 4.5 / 5.0 : Steve Kurutz / AMG

Mahalia Jackson - Silent Night

I thought it would be better to put some Christmas music up early enough for it to be a part of your holiday. This first one is a poppachubby request.

One of these days someone will finally compile all the Christmas related music Mahalia did in the 50's onto one magnificent disc at least twice as long as this one but it hasn't happened yet so here are the 10 tracks on my disc.

While these recordings certainly capture Mother Mahalia in fine voice, they are somewhat marred by the addition of a white orchestra and chorus. I really wish they had at least used a black choir for crying out loud! The recordings were done during the period that white folks had "discovered" and crowned Mahalia the Queen of Gospel (a title which caused her much embarrassment in the Gospel world) and so they assumed that the same sterile packaging used on Bing Crosby would "improve" Mother's appeal (wretch!). Thankfully the majesty of her voice is able to triumph over the dreck foisted upon her.