Mahalia Jackson - Gospels, Spirituals, & Hymns (2015) [Hi-Res]

Mahalia Jackson was known as the 'Gospel Queen' for over a half a century, until her death in 1972. She is still regarded as the greatest gospel singer of all time. On the double album set „Gospels, Spirituals, & Hymns“, the listener is treated to Mahalia's best work from the '50s and '60s; a sweeping education in gospel, jazz and blues when Sister Mahalia testifies.

Inspiration is the cornerstone of this passionate collection. The 36 songs range from the rock-the-pulpit, foot-stomping 'Come On Children, Let's Sing' to deeply, internal blue ballads like 'If I Can Help Somebody.' Spirituals, gospels and hymns were used to 'praise the Lord' ('What A Friend We Have In Jesus'), to teach the Bible ('Didn't It Rain') or to relieve the pain of slavery ('Great Gettin' Up Morning'). Others were for simple inspiration; listen to 'Trouble Of The World,' for instance, and bear witness to how Jackson moves the soul. Then there's the wondrous, live 'Elijah Rock,' as infectious as any hip-hop single.

The moniker 'Gospel Queen' and her imposing, historic image might create the false image of intense, foreboding music, but quite is the opposite that is true. Mahalia's music is joyous and approachable. She took the restrictions of Negro church music and loosened it, almost freeing its soul in a more accessible, jazzy direction. There is the promise of a brighter future in her music, that often speaks of despairing times.

She has a remarkable range, dense and sumptuous on the dark 'My God Is Real,' and soulful and soaring on 'It Is Well With My Soul.' Then there's her country-sounding take on 'I Found The Answer.' The connection of traditional black gospel music to country music is a good lesson in roots, with 'Satisfied Mind' serving as a prime example.

Nothing reaches the soul the way the human voice does, and it effectively makes its presence known on this magnificent collection. There are numerous accomplished musicians represented, but it is Mahalia Jackson who stands boldly in the spotlight, speaking to the Creator who gave her the gift of her voice, and ability to articulate true spirituality.

„Although it's missing some of her classic performances, the double-disc set Gospels, Spirituals & Hymns is nonetheless an excellent introduction to Mahalia Jackson, arguably the greatest gospel singer of all time. The box set features 36 performances she recorded for Columbia between 1954 and 1969, offering a comprehensive, but by no means exhaustive, introduction to Jackson and her most popular work.“ (Leo Stanley, AMG)

Mahalia Jackson, vocals
A. Hendrickson, guitar
Clifton Best, guitar
Herb Ellis, guitar
Art Ryerson, guitar
Jimmy Raney, guitar
Edward David Robinson, piano
Mildred Falls, piano
Ralph Jones, organ
A. Goodson, organ
Alfred Miller, organ
Willie Webb, organ
Lilton Mitchell, organ
Gordon 'Specs' Powell, drums
J. Williams, drums
Gus Johnson, drums
Osie Johnson, drums
Shelly Manne, drums
Norris 'Bunny' Shawker, drums
Billy Preston, programming
Jack Halloran, background vocals

Digitally remastered