Customer Reviews

In Concert Easter Sunday 1967

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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.

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.

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.

This is one of the best musical and spiritual moments ever. Her 'weakened breathing' is not an issue, as Mr. Wright emphasizes in his review below; it is part of her human majesty in singing these pieces. This performance will remind you of what singing is for and why we're here in this world. I will note again what other reviewers have as well: Dr. King said of Mahalia Jackson, "A voice like hers comes along once in a millenium." Hearing this performance, you will know this for yourself. I've given this CD to two people. I've read several customer reviews of different Mahalia Jackson CDs and I agree with their high praise.

It is wonderful to know that they still have Mahalia Jackson's recordings in a Vault somewhere. When are they going to release the other recordings. I can't wait!!!! The song on this recording called "Lord don't let me fail" is a great hit!!! You can almost see yourself in a live concert with the Queen of Gospel music. Mahalia is still the Queen of Gospel on this CD. I can't hardly believe that she has been gone from this earth for almost 30 years. It seems like yesterday that Mahalia was singing over the radio or TV. Again, I would like to thank the record companies for releasing this great music collection of a fantastic singer. There are no words to describe the feelings and excitement that Mahalia brings to this Gospel tradition. She can sing anything. The song "Lord don't let me fail" brings out the Mahalia swing like no other song. I recommend this music very highly!!!!!

I remember as a kid listening to this woman sing on Sunday mornings before my mom packed us all off to church. To listen to this voice some 35 years later I still feel the same as I did then. All us would love to here Mahalia sing "Elijah Rock" and get in trouble because you were not to dance to the Lord's music. Although while listening to this intently I do hear the shortness of breath but it does not matter. This woman has a voice like honey & butter. For all you hip-hop gospel artists take note. This is what real Gospel is suppose to be. The closets we have to Mahalia Jackson in modern day is "Cissy Houston". I love this entire CD from beginning to end. I now start my day off with Mahalia followed by Cissy. I remember seeing Mahalia with Aretha Frankling & Duke Ellington and all tho' she was not in the best of health when she sang it was if her illness disappeared for that short moment. I miss her greatly!!! If you want true Traditional Gospel get this CD and get Cissy as well you will not disappointed.