Search - Swan Silvertones :: Mary Don't You Weep

The gospel reissue of the decade

Cosmic Cowboy | Santa Rosa, CA. | 04/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kudos to the Liquid 8 label in MN for unearthing and releasing this gem! This mix of eclectic live and studio cuts by the great Claude Jeter and The Swans is the bargain of the moment for serious gospel quartet/quintet collectors. It buries most if not all of the most recent re-issues that have bombarded the marketplace, some of dubious and mysterious origin. Praise Ben Harper for his recent collaborations with the Blind Boys and the new spotlight he has shone on them. If you dig what the Blind Boys have been doing on RealWorld and with Ben, check this Silvertones disc out. Chills all around guaranteed. The live 'Only Believe Pt. I & II' (probably issued originally on both sides of a 45) is incredible and captures a small country church presence. Others such as their interesting take on 'Amazing Grace' (which, like titles sich as 'When The Saints Go Marching In' and Bill Bailey Won't You Please Come Home' should probably be retired) and 'I Love the Lord' are stretched out; the longer arrangements are what you would expect in-person as opposed to short studio takes. There is a fair amount of up-tempo roof-raisin' here, daring you to not tap your foot or reach for that tambourine. A tad more in the credits, recording dates and sources plus exact group line-up department would have been welcome. But for the price of few a Happy Meals, I can live without. CAN I GET AN AMEN?"