Search - Marion Williams :: Gospel Soul of Marion Williams

Inspired vocals by a great singer

Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 03/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the greatest voices of the 20th century, Marion Williams (1927-1994) shows why she was much loved as a gospel singer in this collection of terrific recordings; Marion used her nearly four-octave range with the elasticity of a rubber band, but with the control of a superb technician, and mostly, superb musicality and phrasing; as Anthony Heilbut, who produced this recording, states in his excellent liner notes, "Marion made tempo her tool". Above all, there is what Marion called "anointing". There is so much spiritual power in these songs it can't help but affect even the casual listener.Highlights for me are:
"Ain't No Harm Done", a foot stomping, hand clapping number that makes a great opening track for raising spirits and setting the mood for this CD.
"This Train" is a fabulous take on this familiar song, with some nifty organ accompaniment by James Perry.
The lilting, swinging "Ain't No Stranger Now", the slow "Savior don't Pass Me By" with solo piano accompaniment by Eddie Brown, and her extraordinary rendition of "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" with Perry on piano.
There isn't a weak track on the entire CD however; this is some of the best music in the gospel genre available.
Most of these songs were recorded in the 70's and 80's, with the earliest in 1973, "Dark Was the Night", and four of them in the early 90's, the last being "Victory Ahead" (1992).
Sound quality is mixed, but overall is quite good, and total playing time is 70'51."

GOSPEL SOUL OF MARION WILLIAMS

Alejandra Vernon | 04/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"MARION WILLIAMS STYLE IS IN A CLASS BY ITSELF. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CD TO EVERYONE.ESPECIALLY THE SONG NUMBER 1 ON THE TRACK. THE SONGS ARE PRAISE SONGS TO A WORTHY GOD."