In Concert Easter Sunday 1967 [Original recording remastered]

Mahalia Jackson | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 19, 2001)
• Original Release Date: 1968
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00005KHF8
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #252,656 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Manipulation of an Extraordinary Gift, March 7, 2005

By 

(Mr.) N. Sean Wright (Whiteville, NC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In Concert Easter Sunday 1967 (Audio CD)

Any one who has listened to previous
Mahalia Jackson albums/songs will
immediately notice something different
about this particular performance. Upon
deeper examination of history, we learn
that Jackson had been in the throws of
illness for a time prior to this concert.
The result is a mellower, quiet performance.
However, do not be discouraged by this bit of
information, because the Easter Sunday Concert
album has to be not only one of Mahalia Jackson's
best albums, but also one of the best gospel albums
ever.

What makes this album so phenomenal is Jackson's
veteran vocal ability. From the very first note
she sings it's painfully obvious that she isn't at
100%. At times, she is breathy and sounds tired.
However, in the grand tradition of a seasoned vocal smith,
she manipulates her weakness and combines it with her
strength, and the result is an even stronger masterwork.
Mahalia Jackson's voice is unearthly, and therefore could
not be broken by illness or time. Though this is a "quieter"
performance, it is no less remarkable. This album
shows how Mahalia Jackson was a true vocal genius, in
her own right and in our hearts.

My personal favorite on this album is "He Will Remember Me,"
where she belts and swings to a bluesy arrangement of the song.
She sings much of this song in her upper register and it sounds delightful.
My other favorite is "Calvary," which is utterly spectacular.

Her range from lowest note to highest in this one song
could send many of today's pop stars running in
shame to get vocal lessons. Another notable selection
is "Elijah Rock," which a grand, one-woman showcase of the
spirit that defines the Sanctified Church. By the
end of the song, the participation of the audience
threatens to tumble the very walls of the Lincoln
Philharmonic Hall with enthusiastic hand-clapping
in syncopated 4/4 time.


This is a great album for Easter or any time of the year.
Any one who has loved previous works of Jackson
will not be disappointed with this CD.
It is an essential installment in her musical catalog
and a glowing testament of her unique vocal gift.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like A Phoenix rising!, February 28, 2003

By 

Bill Cleland (Winchester, Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In Concert Easter Sunday 1967 (Audio CD)

After suffering three years of severe health problems, enduring an ugly divorce battle and an enormous weight loss--maximum 260 down to 160--this great lady's spirit shone through more beautifully than ever. Her voice was transcendent in spite of the compromises to her fragile physical condition. I read in a biography of Mahalia that prior to this time she worried about ever singing much again. Thank God she found it within herself to continue her career. The vibrato was lovely and at times she let out the full power of that gorgeous contralto. At times her delivery was soft, subtle and mellow. The intrumental accompaniment was super with all the rhythms, drums,
organ, piano, tambourine, bass and guitar of the most sanctified church. I appreciate especially the "new releases" on here, which represent a return to her grand old standards.
I love her slow spirituals that leave you haunted. You never know what she will do with a song, but her sudden explosions of emotion and power leave me wondering at the greatness of her God. She can swing like no one else. But most of all, Mahalia came back "bigtime" in this. It felt like Easter all over. Like Garland at Carnegie 1961, Mahalia Jackson took on elegant Philharmonic Hall and left behind a wonderful piece of artwork for all people everywhere . . . she still has a universal appeal. Enjoy this album in the context of Mahalia at that time and place in her extraordinary life.

5.0 out of 5 stars In Concert Easter Sunday, 1967, April 16, 2010

By 

D. L. Norwood (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mahalia Jackson in Concert Easter Sunday (Audio CD)

This was the first concert that Ms. Jackson perfomed 3 years after developing severe heart problems. She prayed that she would do her best in giving this performance. This was indeed a wonderful performance & it was a miracle that she was able to complete it. Her voice was quieter & not as strong & toward the end there were long musical interluldes where she would have to stop & catch her breath. Despite that fact, these interludes were absolutely beautiful. Once rested, she would come back recharged. It was a different concert than her 1958 concert in Newport, but still one worth remebering & celebrating.
She was polished & well prepared for this concert. The quality of the recording is superior.