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 - 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