Mahalia Jackson - Recorded Live in Europe During Her Latest Concert Tour (2001) 320 kbps

Jackson is accompanied only by pianist Mildred Falls on these songs, recorded in Sweden on April 18, 1961. There's not much to distinguish these from other Jackson performances of the period, other than perhaps the sparse accompaniment, a slightly distant quality to the recording of the vocals, and a sense of event from a live audience that didn't have the opportunity to see Jackson nearly as often as Americans did. Her favorites "Elijah Rock" and "Down By the Riverside" are here, as are compositions by Thomas Dorsey and Clara Ward, and -- more unexpectedly -- Rodgers-Hammerstein's "You'll Never Walk Alone." The 2001 CD release on Columbia/Legacy adds two previously unreleased songs recorded a week later in France, "Didn't It Rain" and "When the Saints Go Marching In." - by Richie Unterberger, AMG
Mahalia Jackson was in top form for this recording. She was in stellar voice and apparently excellent health. I agree with other reviews that this album is on the top shelf of "Jacksonian" recordings. She really sang with such ease and confidence. . . but the power in her voice is incredible. I've never heard anyone in my lifetime project with the entire gut and chest like she did in this recording. The songs are beautiful, soulful and consistent with her repertoire. They are faithful to her traditional gospel style for those purists. The critics rave about her older Apollo records for their intensity, brilliance and powerful simplicity. Perhaps those people would love this live performance from 1961. You can just "feel" it: she knew she was great and there is humility in truth. - by Bill Cleland