Customer Reviews

Seek Ye the Lord / Soul of

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
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I can't believe I am the first one to write a review of this great CD. The Caravans with Albertina Walker and Shirly Ceasar from the early 60's - what more can you expect ?

This is strong music, rhythmic as only great gospel music can get. The soloists (mostly Walker and Ceasar) are magnificent, leading the group to new heights on each song. The term "Soul Music" receives a stronger and deeper meaning after listening to these performances. I especially love the medium tempo songs such as "Till I met the Lord" and "Jesus will save me". There the Caravans utilize their singing abilities to the fullest.

If you like groups such as the Soul Stirrers, The Swan Silvertones, or singers such as Otis Redding and Wilson Picket, the music of the Caravans will speak to you. In my mind the Caravans are by far the best female Gospel group ever.

I find it interesting that both of the reviews written on this cd are coming from outside the U.S., from two different continents actually. It goes to show you just how far the music of this superb group has reached! All the way up north to Iceland and all the way east to Israel.

On my regular radioshows here in Iceland I have been featuring the music of the Caravans and gospel lovers here have become familiar with it's name and it's many fine soloists. Their list of ex-members reads like Who's Who of gospel. Bessie Griffin, Imogene Greene, Dorothy Norwood, Inez Andrewz, Albertina Walker and Shirley Caesar are just a few of the alumni who became famous as solo artists or with later groups.

The first five songs on this cd feature Albertina Walker as a soloist ( the founder of the group back in 1952 ). Cassietta George, another fine soloist, sings lead on three songs: I'm ready to serve the Lord, and other two that I particularly like: 'Til I meet the Lord, and Lord, don't leave us now. The rest of the songs feature Shirley Caesar as lead and she needs no introduction to gospel lovers. Real energetic voice, raw and convincing, with a lot of soul.

So if you'd like a good compilation from probably the best female vocal group of the golden era of gospel ( their only rivals could be the Clara Ward singers ) don't miss this one.

The Caravans, in my opinion, is the greatest female singing group of all time. Their voices blend together to form a harmony not compromised by other groups. You will sell all of their albums you can get your hands on. Thanks