V/A - A Stranger I May Be: Savoy Gospel 1954-1966

V/A - A Stranger I May Be: Savoy Gospel 1954-1966The first of three volumes surveying surely the mightiest Gospel label of them all. Stomping, rollicking gospel music, intermingling with raw soul, searing blues, hard rocking doo wop and jazz, and storming R&B. Infused and incandescent with the hurting, surging indignation of the Civil Rights movement, here are twenty four precious scorchers by giants like the Staple Singers and Jimmy Scott, alongside devastating sides by less celebrated names like

The first of three volumes surveying surely the mightiest Gospel label of them all. Stomping, rollicking gospel music, intermingling with raw soul, searing blues, hard-rocking doo-wop and jazz, and storming R&B. Infused and incandescent with the hurting, surging indignation of the Civil Rights movement, here are twenty-four precious scorchers by giants like the Staple Singers and Jimmy Scott, alongside devastating sides by less celebrated names like the Harmonizing Five of Burlington, North Carolina, and teen-group the North Philadelphia Juniors, culminating triumphantly with slamming, sanctified versions of "Hit The Road Jack" and "Wade In The Water". Drawn from nigh-impossible-to-find 78s, sevens and LPs, hardly any of these recordings have been reissued since their first release. Presented in a gatefold sleeve, with full-size booklet; beautifully designed, with stunning, rare photographs and original Savoy artwork. Sound restoration and mastering at Abbey Road; pressed at Pallas. Co-curated by Greg Belson, compiler of Divine Disco; with deep, extensive notes by Robert Marovich, author of A City Called Heaven: Chicago and the Birth of Gospel Music (University of Illinois), and host of the award-winning radio show Gospel Memories.

A1 – Famous Ward Singers - I'm Getting Richer 
A2 – The Harmonizing Five - I Don't Need Nobody But The Lord
A3 – The Sensational Six - Let Freedom Ring
A4 – The Gospel Harmonettes Specials - How Much More
A5 – The Christones - Lord, It's Me
A6 – The Staple Singers - Low Is The Way
B1 – Swindell Brothers - Trouble Of Mine
B2 – The Roberta Martin Singers - I'm Glad I'm A Witness For My Lord
B3 – Jimmy Scott - Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
B4 – Shirley Caesar & The Caravans - He First Loved Me
B5 – The Blind Boys Of Alabama - On Some Day
B6 – The Hightower Brothers - He That Believed
C1 – North Philadelphia Juniors - There's Something Within Me
C2 – The Selah Singers - The Wicked Race
C3 – The Ward Singers - Let The Train Roll Easy
C4 – The Stars Of Faith - Mean Old World
C5 – Marion Williams - Get Your Business Right
C6 – The Gospel Cavaliers - Are You Listening
D1 – The Caravans - Mercy
D2 – Eddie Williams & The Crusaders - They Won't Believe Me
D3 – The Davis Sisters - Earnestly Praying
D4 – The Gospel Chimes - My Jesus Love Just Bubbles Over
D5 – The Angelic Gospel Choir - It's The Holy Ghost
D6 – The Angelic Choir - Wade In The Water