The fourth volume in
Fremeaux
's excellent series of
gospel
compilations includes 40 tracks from an array of stunning
females both celebrated and rather ignored. On the celebrated side you find
Rosetta Tharpe
,
Dorothy Love Coates
Mahalia Jackson
Sallie Martin
Willie Mae Ford Smith
, and
Wynona Carr
-- as impressive a roster of important and influential
women at mid-century as a listener could ever hope to find in one set. The obscure artists are nearly equally impressive, with tracks from
Marie Knight
(
"What Could I Do"
) and
Mary Deloach
"I Really Believe"
). The format of including two tracks from most of the artists on tap works very well, allowing listeners to sample more than just a single performance, and the booklet includes many photos as well as copious notes (in English as well). ~ John Bush