Search - Swan Silvertones :: Heavenly Light

Great stuff

Mark H. Whitnall | Kensington, MD USA | 04/15/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Deeply felt, beautifully sung music by a very gifted quartet. The sound quality is for the most part quite listenable, although amateurish on some cuts. I only say that because I was burned by the unlistenable sound quality of "Hallelujah: A Collection of Their Finest Recordings." The audience reaction on some of the live recordings here is a hoot. There's a sense of humor and lively spirit in this group that's irresistible."

Great "live" Gospel

nadav haber | jerusalem Israel | 03/25/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Swan Silvertones are my favorite gospel group. Sure - I love the Soul Stirrers whoever their lead singer was, I love the Staples Singers, The Five Blind Boys, The Dixie Hummingbirds and others, but if had to pick one group - that would be the Swan Sivertones.
Still, I try to remain unbiased when I write about their CD's. "Heavenly Light" is a great CD and contains some of the best recorded live gospel I ever heard. Out of the 18 tracks - 11 were recorded live. The sound is relatively good, and the ability of the group to thrill their audience comes through triumphantly.
The group uses to perfection the different voices of its singers - and whenever Claude Jeter enters with his high pitched voice - you know something good is going to happen.
The second version of "heavenly light" is incredible - it has Louis Johnson talking backed by Jeter's singing, while the rest harmonize quietly. They reach a climax as Johnson moves into singing... This should be listened to. All the tracks are great, though.
So - if your'e a fan of the Golden age of gospel - don't miss out on this one."

THE LOST 'LIVE' ALBUM AND THEN SOME ALL WRAPPED UP IN 78:00

Mr. Nightshift | Los Angeles, CA | 03/26/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You've heard The Swan Silvertones 50's recordings several times in the studio and maybe a few 'Live' recordings, but never like this! Although the group's stay at Specialty Records would only last about 4 (Four) years and the only thing ever released was a handful of Singles. In 1970 Specialty Records finally issued an Album on the group entitled "Love Lifted Me" and in 1971 another album entitled "My Rock". BOTH albums was compilation of the group's Singles and unreleased recordings/ The Compact Disc in question here features ALL Unreleased recordings!...5 (Five) Studio Tracks. It should be noted that 2 (Two) are Alternate Takes of songs previously found on "Love Lifted Me" and "My Rock". The other 3 (Three) are unheard recordings. 3 (Three) Demos and 10 (Ten) Unreleased Live Recordings that will make the hair on your neck stand up!!! Although 5 (Five) of these 'Live' recordings have appeared in Studio Versions (Available on "Love Lifted Me" and "My Rock"), but it's the 'Live' versions found on this "Heavenly Light" Compact Disc (I still say it should have been title "The Lost 'Live' Album And Then Some") that stand out! This should be a MUST HAVE in your Gospel Collection!"