Search - Soul Stirrers :: Jesus Gave Me Water

They got Sister Flute with this one!

lysaparker | Atlanta, GA USA | 12/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sister Flute is the elusive woman in the congregation who, when the music and the spirit really-really touch her, she moans, groans, cries and falls into the aisle, hands flailing above her head in absolute ecstasy and has to be helped from the aisle! She sets the mood for the rest of the congregation to go a little crazy and feel the spirit. Every gospel quartet from the 30s to the 50s wanted Sister Flute -- it was what they sought at every performance -- and she didn't always sing for them. If this collection of extraordinary music, performed by some of gospel's most gifted fellas, doesn't touch the "Sister Flute" in your soul, you aren't listening. Not only does Sam Cooke shine gloriously here (like you've never heard him), but he's joined by the inimitable Paul Foster, mind-boggling Julius Cheeks, and the brilliant rhythm and soul of S.R. Crain, Farley, Alexander, Crume, and all the other fellows to sing/play with the Stirrers during Sam's stay. This quartet's a capella rhythm, phrasing, 2-lead style, texture, harmonies, intonation, and irrepressible joy sets the gospel bar so high, few have ever given them a run for their money. For the musician listener, the exquisitely tight harmonies and concurrent lead/counterpoint of Sam's vocal is enough to give you goosebumps from head to toe. This is the real stuff; real American music at its finest. And don't think you have to be a Christian or a gospel fan to appreciate this magic -- I'm an atheist and listen to these guys every chance I get! I am their Sister Flute, no question.Favorite Tracks:
Jesus Gave Me Water
I'm Gonna Build on That Shore
Jesus Done Just What He Said
It Won't Be Very Long
Any Day Now
All Right Now"

Mind-blowing!!

necessitor | 04/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sam had his work cut out for him when he replaced the great and enormously popular R.H. Harris in the Soul Stirrers...but he not only replaced him, he absolutely redefined the role of the lead tenor, and created soul music in the process. These recordings are incredible...Sam was only 19 when some were recorded! And when you listen to this, remember that this was recorded in the days before multitracking, and you are hearing a single take. That's how good these guys were. An absolute must own."