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

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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