« An American institution » by Blues & Rhythm

Mahalia had become an American institution by 1959, and just prior to the release of the film ‘Imitation Of Life’, in which she appeared, she recorded the first title here, made for Colombia, as was the remainder of the material on this CD. It is followed by a couple of similarly dramatic numbers, with the big production (not to be misread as ‘arrangement’ – see later) sound of the time, but wich does indeed show off the power of her voice to great effect. ‘Brown Baby’, the first composition by Oscar Brown Jr. Is not a gospel number per se, but it reminds the listener that this was the time of the Civil Rights struggle, even if a few short months later Mahalia was singing for the President. Things then become livelier with several happy-clappy items recorded at a session in Los Angeles in November’ 59. ‘One step’ was recorded the following day and includes some fine, bluesy guitar playing from white jazz guitarist Jimmy Raney whilst ‘Because His Name Is Jesus’ has a fine vocal from Mahalia herself plus an overblown introduction (sadly, something of a hazard with Mahalia’s recordings by this time). These titles, from ‘Brown Baby’ through to ‘A Christian Duty’, were issued as the album ‘Come On Children’, Let’s Sing’. The last four titles here are the only inclusions from 1960 and find Ms. Jackson in the company of Percy Faith and his orchestra (yes, he of ‘Theme From’ A Summer Place’ fame – maybe Mahalia was decieved by his surname). The idea was to have Mahalia record American Hymns – as supposed to gospel numbers – though she had in fact already recorded ‘Just As I Am’ for Apollo in 1951. That version has just organ and piano accompaniment, unlike this rendition wich gives full rein to Faith’s orchestration – as do the others from this session. Sensitive listeners should press the stop button as soon as ‘A Christian Duty’ finishes – there is nothing at all wrong the following vocal performances but thanks to Faith’s excesses, it does take courage to stick with it, I’m afraid ! If you have come this far with this series, you’re going to buy this of course – but if you wonder why there is all the fuss about Mahalia, try one of the earlier releases. Norman DARWEN – BLUES & RHYTHM

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Intégrale Mahalia Jackson Vol 10

INTEGRALE MAHALIA JACKSON 1959 1960