Search - Mahalia Jackson :: Forgotten Recordings

Amazing recordings!

T. A. Shepherd | Palmdale, Ca. 93550 | 02/22/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For years out of mind I've had the three L.P.s that held these recordings and they have been some of my favorites by Mahalia. Ms. Jackson migrated from New Orleans to Chicago in the late thirties to run a flower shop. She was taken under the wings of the legendary Willie Mae Ford Smith and recorded prolifically for Bess Burman's Apollo label where she eventually found great success. Her hard work paid off when she was signed to Columbia in 1954. It is, I believe, between the mid-fifties and early sixties that these recordings were made. No recording dates or information was given on the albums, which were French imports, so I don't know where they came from. However some of them are magnificent and range from there to good. That said, there are some stand outs that are well worth mentioning. Blessed Quietness is a strong standard written by the oft underrated Doris Akers. Mahalia is completely at ease and fully confident on this number. A pared down recording of Somebody Bigger Than You and I evokes the spirit of the Apollo recordings and is probably one of the earliest recordings in the group. Tom Dorsey's Hold Me is done at a faster pace than the 45 version and doesn't quite match the jazz/blues feel, but it shows that, like her jazz counterpart, Ella Fitzgerald, Mahalia never sang a song the same way twice. She handles Lord, Don't Move That Mountain like the pro she is, giving a nod here and there to Inez Andrews. Roberta Martin's He Knows Just How Much We Can Bear is done in her usual dignity and respect for the gifted songwriter. Mahalia's own standards are generously revisited here as well as some surprises. Thankfully, Irving Townshend's production wasn't there to get in her way and that made for some truly amazing recordings! It's just a shame that we don't know where or when they were recorded."

Forgotten - now I know why.

C. Jenkins | NC, USA | 04/10/2007

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Occasionally one hears of a movie or some recordings that have been 'lost' or just denied to the public. I can think of several movies recently that were 'allowed' to be viewed by the public. Neither of these movies proved to be worth the wait.



The Forgotten Recordings are such a case in point. Mahalia Jackson was one of the greatest singers ever and I was very happy to find these recordings previously unknown to me. Sadly, they do not do the great singer justice. The original recordings were poorly made and do not 'shimmer' as do all of her other recordings. I am very disappointed.



I do not blame the company that produced the recordings or anyone else for these disappointing recordings - I blame myself for thinking/hoping that these 'forgotten' recordings would be as good and as exciting as her others. I think that 'The Forgotten Recordings' should just stay 'forgotten'.



I suggest that if you are thinking about buying these albums that you look for better albums by this wonderful singer."

Its my favorite

Breezy | Minnesota | 05/28/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I really like this collection. I hadn't heard any of these songs before I ordered this and now it's my favorite. Personally, I prefer early recordings over vastly popular recordings, that's what attracted me to it.



Mahalia was just plain beautiful. It is rare for a believer to sing for God without compromising for the praise of men. God knows our hearts, but, It seems to me that she gave her utmost for His Highest. Can't wait to meet her som'where 'round God's alter!"