Albert Ayler - Goin' Home

Wonderful selection of (mostly) gospel tunes from saxophone firebrand Albert Ayler. In stark contrast to much of Ayler's output, although religious/spiritual themes can be found everywhere in his music. This is perhaps the most tame we will hear Ayler, joined by Call Cobbs Jr. on piano, Henry Grimes on bass and Sunny Murray on drums. The improvisational sensitivity of these musicians is not sacrificed despite the straight-ahead format, and the unchained emotional-energetic output of Ayler's usual playing seems to be wrestled under control like a hand grenade in a pressure cooker. Recorded for Debut in 1964 and reissued in this 1994 CD edition by Black Lion.

Performers: Albert Ayler (t-sx), Call Cobbs Jr. (pi), Henry Grimes (bs), Sunny Murray (dr)

1. Goin' Home

2. Ol' Man River

3. Down By The Riverside

4. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

5. Deep River

6. When The Saints Go Marchin' In

7. Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen

8. Ol' Man River

9. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

10. Down By The Riverside

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Johnny Cash - Hymns from the Heart

Further collection of country gospel music from Johnny Cash released in 1962, three years after 1959's 'Hymns by Johnny Cash' (see here). This differs from the earlier collection in the mellower and more diverse arrangements (rather than the hard-picking early Cash style) and the lack of original compositions by Cash; the artist does contribute three excellent arrangements, however: 'He'll Understand and Say Well Done', 'I Got My Shoes' and 'Let the Lower Lights be Burning'. 

A1. He'll Understand And Say Well Do

A2. God Must Have My Fortune Laid

A3. When I've Learned Enough To Die

A4. I Got Shoes

A5. Let The Lower Lights Be Burning

A6. If We Never Meet Again

B1. When I Take My Vacation In Heaven

B2. When He Reached Down His Hand For Me

B3. Taller Than Trees

B4. I Won't Have To Cross Jordan Alone

B5. My God Is Real (Yes, God Is Real)

B6. These Hands

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Hymns by Johnny Cash

Cash's first collection of gospel music on Columbia, released in 1959. Bears all the hallmarks of Cash's early style, backed by vocal ensemble. The depth of Cash's faith is fully on display here, from anthemic chants like 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' to deeply personal self-penned songs such as 'Are All the Children In' and 'Snow in His Hair'. In fact the majority of these songs are penned by Cash, a testament to his singular talent and unique position within American music.

A1. It Was Jesus

A2. I Saw A Man

A3. Are All The Children In

A4. The Old Account

A5. Lead Me Gently Home

A6. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

B1. Snow In His Hair

B2. Lead Me Father

B3. I Call Him

B4. These Things Shall Pass

B5. He'll Be A Friend

B6. God Will

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George Jones - Country Church Time

Collection of country gospel songs sung by George Jones released in 1959 by Mercury Records. Jones' voice is young but his affected country twang is very familiar. The arrangements are catchy and more country-influenced than some similar country-goes-gospel releases (see Don Gibson's 'No One Stands Alone' below).

A1. Taggin' Along

A2. The Good Old Bible

A3. Will The Circle Be Unbroken

A4. My Lord Has Called Me Today

A5. Take The Devil Out Of Me

A6. Boat Of Life

B1. Jesus Wants Me

B2. A Wandering Soul

B3. We'll Understand It

B4. Cup Of Loneliness

B5. If You Want To Wear A Crown

B6. My Soul's Been Satisfied

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Don Gibson - No One Stands Alone

Touching gospel collection by country singer Don Gibson. Doesn't attempt to innovate but a stunning example of this breed of 1950s-early 60s country/gospel LP. Gibson's voice is sonorous and sincere, backed by comforting arrangements and a vocal ensemble. Released in 1958 on RCA Victor.

A1. Satisfied

A2. (Prayer Is The Key To Heaven) Faith Unlocks The Door

A3. That Lonesome Valley

A4. Evening Prayer

A5. Known Only To Him

A6. Canaan's Land

B1. Where No One Stands Alone

B2. My God Is Real

B3. Wait For The Light To Shine

B4. Taller Than Trees

B5. Lord I'm Coming Home

B6. Climbing Up The Mountain

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Elvis Presley - He Touched Me

"He Touched Me was a different kind of gospel album, a conscious updating that mixed a 'contemporary Christian' approach with familiar gospel classics. It was a deliberate broadening of style in both music and repertoire and included material from adventurous new sources both black (Andrae Crouch) and white (Bill Gaither). Like each of the previous religious albums, it sold reasonably well to start off with (200,000 copies) but continued to sell (more than a million copies to date), while also earning Elvis his second Grammy award." (From the Elvis the Music website. See here.)

A1. He Touched Me

A2. I've Got Confidence

A3. Amazing Grace

A4. Seeing Is Believing

A5. He Is My Everything

A6. Bosom Of Abraham

B1. An Evening Prayer

B2. Lead Me, Guide Me

B3. There Is No God But God

B4. A Thing Called Love

B5. I, John

B6. Reach Out To Jesus

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Down in the Basement: Joe Bussards Treasure Trove of Vintage 78s, 1926-1937

Excellent collection of vintage 78rpm singles from the nineteen twenties and thirties. There are many recognisable names here such as Gary Davis, Blind Blake, Uncle Dave Macon and Big Bill Broonzy, however it is an excellently curated collection. The Stripling Brothers' 'The Lost Child' and Cajun duo Soileau & Robin's 'Easy Rider Blues' are, personally, new found favourites.

1. The Stripling Brothers - The Lost Child

2. Big Bill Broonzy - How You Want It Done?

3. Luis Russell & His Orchestra -The (New) Call Of The Freaks

4. The Dixon Brothers - The School House Fire

5. Weems String Band - Greenback Dollar

6. Rev. Gary Davis - You Got To Go Down

7. A.A. Gray & Seven-Foot Dilly - The Old Ark's A-Moving

8. James Coles Washboard Four - Runnin' Wild

9. Charley Jordan - Keep It Clean

10. Bill Johnson's Louisiana Jug Band - Get The "L" On Down The Road

11. Sweet Brothers & Ernest Stoneman - I Got A Bulldog

12. Coleman & Harper - Old Hen Cackle

13. Bessie Brown - Song From A Cotton Field

14. Gene Autry - Atlanta Bound

15. Soileau & Robin - Easy Rider Blues

16. Bill Brown & His Brownies - Hot Lips

17. Uncle Dave Macon - Uncle Dave's Beloved Solo

18. Blind Blake - Hastings Street

19. Field Ward & The Grayson County Railsplitters - Ain't That Trouble In Mind

20. Corley Family - Give The World A Smile

21. Long "Cleve" Reed - Original Stack O'Lee Blues

22. Fess Williams & His Royal Flush Orchestra - Hot Town

23. Gitfiddle Jim - Paddlin' Blues

24. Grinnell Giggers - Plow Boy Hop

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Willie Nelson - The Troublemaker

This could perhaps be seen as the reprieve to religious themes in Willie Nelson's music following the heartbroken trilogy of 'Shotgun Willie', 'Phases and Stages' and 'Red Headed Stranger'. Essentially a collection of gospel tunes played and sung in a country style, the energy here is as elated as it is foot-tapping. Nelson sounds happier and looks for wisened than he did in 1971, and there is a spiritual confidence and maturity that shines through these simple songs. His desire to emulate Christ on the title track could be construed as too forward, but there's seems nothing too direct or ill meant about it (and it's a great song, of course).

A1. Uncloudy Day
A2. When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder
A3. Whispering Hope
A4. There Is A Fountain
A5. Will The Circle Be Unbroken
A6. The Troublemaker
B1. In The Garden
B2. Where The Soul Never Dies
B3. Sweet Bye & Bye
B4. Shall We Gather
B5. Precious Memories

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John Fahey - Days Have Gone By

Features some of John Fahey's most inspired playing and audio experimentation. On almost every song here we hear moments of music that defy the ordinary, being laid down like a true American storyteller - creating new ideas seemingly from nothing. It could be said, however, that the success of Fahey's playing lies in the general orthodoxy of his influences: "American Primitivism," a term he coined to describe his playing, is very illuminating. Fahey blends together what the average American would know well, from folk standards ('My Grandfather's Clock') to blues ('Joe Kirby Blues') to hymns ('My Shepherd Will Supply My Needs') to the national anthem of Finland ('We Would Be Building'). The building blocks of Fahey's genius are (almost) all immediately familiar, and this is perhaps how he taps into the 'myth' of America so powerfully. Here Fahey's playing begins to be enjoined with artfully placed reverb, the sounds of thunder, rain and trains; more that stuns us into a dreamlike state to be party to the intense relationship shared by the man and his guitar.

A1. Revolt Of The Dyke Brigade
A2. Impressions Of Susan
A3. Joe Kirby Blues
A4. Night Train Of Valhalla
A5. Portland Cement Factory At Monolith, CA
A6. A Raga Called Pat - Part One
B1. A Raga Called Pat - Part Two
B2. My Shepherd Will Supply My Needs
B3. My Grandfather's Clock
B4. Days Have Gone By
B5. We Would Be Building

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Dust-to-Digital - Goodbye, Babylon

A massive and definitive collection of early 20th century American gospel music. Housed in a wooden box with a 200-page booklet featuring photographs of artists, Bible verses and complete lyric transcriptions, this compilation represents a serious effort to document the religious musical heritage of north America in the era that proceeded the long playing record (probably one of the best since Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music, or Alan Lomax's Southern Journey series, although the focus of those collections was not exclusively on gospel music). Featuring many names you would expect to find, such as Blind Lemon Jefferson, Washington Phillips, The Carter Family, Bascom Lamar Lunsford and, of course, Blind Willie Johnson, as well as many rare and underappreciated gems, almost forgotten to time. The sixth and final disc is a collection of sermons.

1.1. Rev. T.T. Rose And Singers - Goodbye, Babylon (Part 1)
1.2. Da Costa Woltz's Southern Broadcasters - Are You Washed In The Blood Of The Lamb
1.3. Roosevelt Graves And Brother - Woke Up This Morning (With My Mind On Jesus)
1.4. Alabama Sacred Harp Singers - Present Joys
1.5. Blind Lemon Jefferson - All I Want Is That Pure Religion
1.6. J. E. Mainer's Mountaineers - Satisfied
1.7. Chuck Wagon Gang - As The Life Of A Flower
1.8. Holy Ghost Sanctified Singers - Thou Carest Lord, For Me
1.9. Washington Phillips - Lift Him Up That's All
1.10. Golden Gate Jubilee Quartet - Rock My Soul
1.11. Ernest V. Stoneman's Dixie Mountaineers - There's A Light Lit Up In Galilee
1.12. Arizona Dranes - Crucifixion
1.13. The Blue Chips - Crying Holy Unto The Lord
1.14. Louvin Brothers - I'll Never Go Back
1.15. Luther Magby - Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit
1.16. Mahalia Jackson - God's Gonna Separate The Wheat From The Tares
1.17. Rev. Gary Davis - I Belong To The Band - Hallelujah!
1.18. The Carter Family - River Of Jordan
1.19. Lil McClintock - Sow Good Seeds
1.20. Bryant's Jubilee Quartet - I'll Be Satisfied
1.21. Frank Palmes - Troubled 'Bout My Soul
1.22. Bascom Lamar Lunsford - Dry Bones
1.23. Carlisle Brothers - Jesus My All
1.24. Taskiana Four - Creep Along, Moses
1.25. Tennessee Music And Printing Company Quartet - Joy Bells
1.26. Elder David Ross - He Gave Me A Heart To Love
1.27. Bessie Jones And The Sea Island Singers - O Day

2.1. Brother Claude Ely - There Ain't No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down
2.2. Elder Curry And Congregation - Memphis Flu
2.3. Sister O. M. Terrell - The Bible's Right
2.4. Stanley Brothers - Standing In The Need Of Prayer
2.5. Carl Smith - The Blood That Stained The Old Rugged Cross
2.6. Thomas A. Dorsey - How About You
2.7. Skip James - Jesus Is A Mighty Good Leader
2.8. Charles Butts Sacred Harp Singers - Murillo's Lesson
2.9. Kentucky Ramblers - Glory Glory Glory Glory To The Lamb
2.10. Elder Richard Bryant's Sanctified Singers - Come Over Here
2.11. Jaybird Coleman - I'm Gonna Cross The River Of Jordan - Some O' These Days
2.12. Trumpeteers - Milky White Way
2.13. Johnson Family Singers - Deliverance Will Come
2.14. North Carolina Cooper Boys - Daniel In The Den Of Lions
2.15. Sister Cally Fancy - Goin' To Heaven In The Sanctified Way
2.16. Jimpson - No More, My Lord
2.17. King's Sacred Quartette - This World Can't Stand Long
2.18. Virginia Dandies - God's Getting Worried
2.19. Empire Jubilee Quartet - Get Right Church
2.20. Rosie Hibler And Family - Move Members Move
2.21. Huggins & Phillips Sacred Harp Singers - Lover Of The Lord
2.22. A. A. Gray And Seven Foot Dilly - The Old Ark's A Moving
2.23. Blind Roger Hays - On My Way To Heaven
2.24. Uncle Dave Macon - The Bible's True
2.25. Price Family Sacred Singers - Ship Of Glory
2.26. Elders McIntorsh And Edwards - Since I Laid My Burden Down
2.27. Elder Effie Hall And Congregation - Precious Lord Hold My Hand
2.28. Blind Willie Davis - When The Saints Go Marching In
2.29. Roaring Lion & Cyril Monrose String Orchestra - Jonah, Come Out The Wilderness

3.1. Dinwiddie Colored Quartet - Down On The Old Camp Ground
3.2. Norfolk Jubilee Quartet - My Lord's Gonna Move This Wicked Race
3.3. Edward W. Clayborn - Your Enemy Cannot Harm You (But Watch Your Close Friend)
3.4. McVay & Johnson - Ain't Gonna Lay My Armor Down
3.5. James And Martha Carson - I'll Fly Away
3.6. Alabama Sacred Harp Singers - Heavenly Vision
3.7. Blind Willie Johnson - Lord I Just Can't Keep From Crying
3.8. The Jubilee Gospel Team - Lower My Dying Head
3.9. Two Gospel Keys - You've Got To Move
3.10. Flatt And Scruggs & Foggy Mountain Boys - That Home Above
3.11. Golden Gate Jubilee Quartet - Golden Gate Gospel Train
3.12. Roosevelt Graves And Brother - I'll Be Rested (When The Roll Is Called)
3.13. Eddie Head And His Family - Down On Me
3.14. Blind Joe Taggart - Goin' To Rest Where Jesus Is
3.15. Louis Washington - Got Heaven In My View
3.16. Rev. Sister Mary Nelson - Judgment
3.17. Cotton Top Mountain Sanctified Singers - I Want Two Wings To Veil My Face
3.18. Rev. D. C. Rice And Sanctified Congregation - We Got The Same Kinda Power Over Here
3.19. Washington Phillips - What Are They Doing In Heaven Today
3.20. T.C.I. Women's Four - That Great Day
3.21. North Canton Quartet - I'm Bound For Home
3.22. Washington White - I Am In The Heavenly Way
3.23. Sam Morgan's Jazz Band - Over In The Glory Land
3.24. Rev. Anderson Johnson - Death In The Morning
3.25. Maddox Brothers & Rose - In The Land Where We'll Never Grow Old
3.26. Dock Walsh - Bathe In That Beautiful Pool
3.27. Hank Williams - I'll Have A New Body

4.1. Wilma Lee And Stoney Cooper - Walking My Lord Up Calvary Hill
4.2. Sheffield Quartet - Christ Arose
4.3. Thomas A. Dorsey - If You See My Savior
4.4. The Jubilee Gospel Team - Let Jesus Lead You
4.5. Golden Gate Jubilee Quartet - Found A Wonderful Saviour
4.6. Arizona Dranes And Choir - He Is My Story
4.7. Ernest V. Stoneman And His Dixie Mountaineers - I Remember Calvary
4.8. Blind Willie Johnson - Take Your Burden To The Lord And Leave It There
4.9. Rev. W. M. Mosley - If You Follow Jesus
4.10. Blind Benny Paris And Wife - Hide Me In The Blood Of Jesus
4.11. Wade Mainer - I'll Be A Friend To Jesus
4.12. Tennessee Mountaineers - Standing On The Promises
4.13. Mother McCollum - Jesus Is My Air-o-plane
4.14. Stovepipe No. 1 - I've Got Salvation In My Heart
4.15. Blind Alfred Reed - I Mean To Live For Jesus
4.16. Heavenly Gospel Singers - When Was Jesus Born
4.17. Blue Sky Boys - Come To The Savior
4.18. Dorothy Melton - I Want Jesus To Walk With Me
4.19. Laura Henton - He's Coming Soon
4.20. Okeh Atlanta Sacred Harp Singers - Return Again
4.21. Rev. Gary Davis - I Am The True Vine
4.22. Bela Lam And His Greene County Singers - Sweet Story Of Old
4.23. Elder Golden P. Harris - I'll Lead A Christian Life
4.24. Famous Blue Jay Singers - I'm Leaning On The Lord
4.25. Blind Willie Harris - Where He Leads Me I Will Follow
4.26. Luther Magby - Jesus Is Getting Us Ready For The Great Day

5.1. Silver Leaf Quartette Of Norfolk - Daniel Saw The Stone
5.2. Alfred G. Karnes - Called To The Foreign Field
5.3. Ridgel's Fountain Citians - Hallelujah To The Lamb
5.4. Deacon A. Wilson - You Need Jesus On Your Side
5.5. Pace Jubilee Singers - You'd Better Mind
5.6. J. T. Allison's Sacred Harp Singers - Exhilaration
5.7. Ernest Phipps & His Congreagation - If The Light Has Gone Out Of Your Soul
5.8. Brown's Ferry Four - Keep On The Firing Line
5.9. Bailes Brothers - Romans Ten And Nine
5.10. Wade Mainer - Standing Outside
5.11. Monroe Brothers - Sinner You Better Get Ready
5.12. Blind Willie McTell - I Got To Cross The River Of Jordan
5.13. Dock Reed And Vera Hall Ward - Free At Last
5.14. Bessie Johnson's Sanctified Singers - The Whole World In His Hand
5.15. Mahalia Jackson - Amazing Grace
5.16. Blind Mamie Forehand - Honey In The Rock
5.17. Seventh Day Adventist Choir - On Jordan's Stormy Banks We Stand
5.18. Elder J. E. Burch - My Heart Keeps Singing
5.19. Joshua White - I Don't Intend To Die In Egyptland
5.20. Daniels-Deason Sacred Harp Singers -  Primrose Hill
5.21. The Carter Family - Keep On The Sunny Side
5.22. Mrs. L. Reed & Mrs. T. A. Duncans - Light In The Valley
5.23. The Georgia Peach - When The Saints Go Marching In
5.24. Jimmie Strothers - We Are Almost Down To The Shore
5.25. Sister Rosetta Tharpe - Strange Things Happening Every Day
5.26. Rev. T. T. Rose And Singers - Goodbye, Babylon (Part 2)

6.1. Rev. J. M. Gates - Gettin' Ready For Christmas Day
6.2. Rev. A. W. Nix - Black Diamond Express To Hell (Part 1)
6.3. Rev. A. W. Nix - Black Diamond Express To Hell (Part 2)
6.4. Rev. J. C. Burnett - The Downfall Of Nebuchadnezzar
6.5. Rev. Isaiah Shelton - The Liar
6.6. Rev. Emmet Dickenson - Hell And What It Is
6.7. Elder J. E. Burch - The Church And The Kingdom
6.8. Rev. T. E. Weems - If I Have A Ticket Lord Can I Ride
6.9. Rev. Benny Campbell - You Must Be Born Again
6.10. Rev. E. D. Campbell - Take Me To The Water
6.11. The Jubilee Gospel Team - Oh, Lord Remember Me
6.12. Rev. E. S. (Shy) Moore - Christ, The Teacher
6.13. Rev. Johnnie Blakey - King Of Kings
6.14. Elder Otis Jones - O Lord I'm Your Child
6.15. Rev. Webb - Moses Was Rescued By A Negro Woman
6.16. Rev. George Jones And Congregation - That White Mule Of Sin
6.17. Deacon Leon Davis - Deacon's Prayer Services
6.18. Rev. S. J. 'Steamboat Bill' Worell - The Prodigal Son
6.19. H. C. Gatewood (D.D.I.M.R.A.) - Well Of Salvation
6.20. Rev. F. W. McGee - Jonah In The Belly Of The Whale
6.21. Rev. J. C. Burnett - The Gambler's Doom
6.22. Hallelujah Joe - The Prodigal's Return (The Things I Usta Do I Don't Do No More)
6.23. Rev. T. E. Weems - God Is Mad With Man
6.24. Rev. J. M. Milton - The Black Camel Of Death
6.25. Rev. J. M. Gates With His Congregation - Death Might Be Your Santa Claus

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