Testify!: The Gospel Box [BOX SET]

Various Artists (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 15, 1999)
• Original Release Date: June 15, 1999
• Number of Discs: 3
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Rhino / Wea
• ASIN: B00000J63J
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #118,918 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Rhino Records set their tasteful, selective hands on African American gospel music with this three-CD set, elaborately packaged to resemble a hardcover Bible. The reach of this collection is wide, beginning with a cappella jubilee-style singing from the '30s and ending with 1990s funk soul and gospel-flavored R&B. The selections are superb (Golden Gate Quartet, Highway Q.C.'s, Swan Silvertones, Reverend Cleveland, Inez Andrews, Shirley Caesar, Andraé Crouch, Oleta Adams, the Winans) and the sound quality surprising (you've never heard the Trumpeteers' gorgeous "Milky White Way" till you've heard this restored version). While this set offers few discoveries for the true fan, the 70-page book's essays are topnotch (notably those by Opal Louis Nations and Carol Cooper). As an introduction to an innovative, hugely influential, vital, thoroughly spiritual, and frequently misunderstood music, this collection should be your first choice. --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars a MIXED BAG, er... BOX, of Gospel Tunes, July 1, 1999

By	Steven H. Hulme "Idaho Spud" (Boise, ID USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Discs 1 and 2 of this wide-ranging box set are just what I expected; classical "soul" gospel music. Much of it was new to my ears, and my ears liked it! By contrast, (in my opinion) the third disc would be better classified as "contemporary Christian" music - heavy on the artificial piano synth sounds, rather than Hammond organ and tambourine. A little too "smooth" for my personal taste - I would prefer more of that shoutin' music, as on 1 and 2! The box (designed to look like a bible) and accompanying booklet are clever!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Execellent boxed set!, March 31, 2000

By A Customer

I really enjoyed the entire set. It couvered all of the songs that I grew up with and some that I adore now. Great combination! I also enjoyed reading the enclosed booklet concerning the history of gospel music. Great gift idea!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars a MIXED BAG, er... BOX, of Gospel Tunes, July 1, 1999

By A Customer

Discs 1 and 2 of this wide-ranging box set are just what I expected; classical "soul" gospel music. Much of it was new to my ears, and my ears liked it! By contrast, (in my opinion) the third disc would be better classified as "contemporary Christian" music - heavy on the artificial piano synth sounds, rather than Hammond organ and tambourine. A little too "smooth" for my personal taste - I would prefer more of that shoutin' music, as on 1 and 2! The box (designed to look like a bible) and accompanying booklet are clever!