Various – A Stranger I May Be: Savoy Gospel 1954-1966 2LP Honest Jon’s Records (UK)

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.

Features Famous Ward Singers, The Harmonizing Five, The Sensational Six, The Gospel Harmonettes Specials, The Christones, The Staple Singers, Swindell Brothers, The Roberta Martin Singers, Jimmy Scott, Shirley Caesar and The Caravans, The Blind Boys of Alabama, The Hightower Brothers, North Philadelphia Juniors, The Selah Singers, The Ward Singers, The Stars of Faith, Marion Williams, The Gospel Cavaliers, The Caravans, Eddie Williams and the Crusaders, The Davis Sisters, The Gospel Chimes, The Angelic Gospel Choir, and The Angelic Choir.