An odd pairing.
T. A. Shepherd | Palmdale, Ca. 93550 | 05/26/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The 1960 release of "Come On Children, Let's Sing" would be a 5-star rating by itself, since it is a Gospel recording true to Ms. Jackson's tradition. Songs like "One Step", "The Christian's Testimony" and Tom Dorsey's "If We Ever Needed The Lord Before" are landmarks of the Christian Faith. The style of Mahalia's singing here is consistant with her earlier recordings for Apollo Records and she is backed by her regular pianist Mildred Falls along with Willie Webb (Roberta Martin Singers) on organ and a righteous rhythm section of James Rainey (guitar), Aaron Bell (bass) and Osie Johnson (drums). But here's where the fun ends. "Songs of Love And Faith" is a typical left curve Columbia Records was famous for throwing. Although Mahalia tackles the god-awful material like a pro (eg. Dinah Washington, Billie Holliday), it is clear she is not comfortable with it. Why Collectibles didn't pair up "Great Gettin' Up Mornin'" or "Make A Joyful Noise" with the first album, is beyond belief."
New frontiers
William V. Cleland | Winchester, Indiana | 11/11/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I find no inconsistency with Mahalia's music whether with full orchestra or just the gospel backing. Her voice is magnificent in both albums. "Great Songs of Love and Faith" is well-done. She is in excellent voice. It is unfair to put Mahalia on a shelf and disregard the diversity of her recording efforts. No, this one is not gospel but, as the title indicates, it is faithful to her convictions. This album won an award (gold) at its time. Before her death, Mahalia planned to record the music of Israel and Hawaii also. Too bad she didn't live long enough. I love this CD and encourage anyone who loves this person to buy it and listen to great music. These are grand old favorites with the implicit Jacksonian touch."
Pretty nice
Dwayne | Maryland | 09/15/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Yes, COME ON CHILDREN, LET'S SING is an awesome album alone. I would agree that the pairing with GREAT SONGS OF LOVE AND FAITH is weird, but I'm glad that they were included together. It proves to the listener that Mahalia Jackson could do more than just yell, scream, and holler, like many feel that she does. Mahalia could handle it all. So this pairing shows the 'churchy' side of Mahalia and the romantic, operatic side of Mahalia, which still remains Christian.
I'm not too fond of GREAT SONGS OF LOVE AND FAITH, but several of the selections really minister to me. Songs like "My Friend," "I've Done My Work," "That's America To Me," and "The Green Leaves of Summer" are, in my opinion, the four best songs on that album. When I hear Mahalia sing "My Friend," it brings tears to my eyes. Such a blessed, angelic voice! Mahalia doesn't sound uncomfortable on GREAT SONGS OF LOVE & FAITH- it's just a new sound that many haven't been introduced to!
"
Track Listings (21) - Disc #1