Marianne Elam | PLAINFIELD, IN United States | 03/19/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a voice this man has...there is no other like it. I had not heard most of this album for about 40 years, and I was astonished when I found it on Amazon. The great thing is that since God never changes, these hymns are as current as anything written last week. What wonderful memories this music brought back for me. Whoever is responsible for this CD, THANKS!!!!!!
ME"
For Spirtuals with Heart and Spirit- He's the Best
D. Constable | Oakland, CA USA | 07/17/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Thank goodness this music was reissued as a CD! There is not one song on this albumn that hasn't touched me in some way through the years. Mr. Ford's deep voice reverberates the depth of feeling that is needed when you sing spirituals. My personal favorites are "When God Dips His Love in My Heart" and "Take My Hand, Precious Lord." Actually, they are all amazing and meaningful in their own way. No one and I mean, NO ONE sings "Wayfaring Stranger" like Tennessee Ernie Ford. He brings out every emotion- hope, pain, and loss- into the song. I will say that for some, his back-up singers may create a "dated" sound. I will only say that his voice and his soul coming through more than makes up for that aspect of the recordings. One last thing, I asked for only two things when my grandmother passed away- her Franciscan-ware china and this record. I have loved both since I was a little girl. Listen and enjoy!"
Spirituals by Tennessee Ernie Ford
Harold E. Smith | U.S.A. | 03/18/2007
(1 out of 5 stars)
"This is a very fine cd by Tennessee Ernie Ford. He does an excellent job of singing the fine songs on this excellent cd. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys excellent gospel singing by one of the very best male vocalist."
MONO, earlier recording of album
Mark Hodges | Lima, Ohio | 07/07/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"TEF recorded "Spirituals" twice -- the same set of songs -- once in mono and once (a couple of years later) in stereo. This is the mono set, and though it is very close it is different from the later version, hence, my disappointment. Nevertheless, it is an absolutely wonderful album, and brings back many fond memories. I do wish Capitol would release the stereo version, however! The only way to get some of the songs on stereo is to buy the "Amazing Grace" 40 song two cd set, and that's just a few of the songs."
Fascinating and deeply engaging
Mark Grindell | Shipley,West Yorkshire | 10/13/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's old fashioned - it's brilliant.
Back in those long ago days, there was absolutely no possibility of editing and overdubbing and complicated manipulations so what you hear is what happened.
Basically, this is an extraordinary voice and a choir. The interchange of melody and musical material between them is extraordinarily inventive and, while it is the hall mark of an earlier era, sounds nowadays distinctly ingenious, often quite surprisingly effective.
The promise to never to leave us or forsake us. Beautiful words; Stand by me is perhaps (apart from "abide with me" at countless wonderful football events, sung by fans who perhaps just for that moment feel the touch of the Holy Ghost, and don't you ever underestimate that fellow) the best there has ever been, When I'm growing old and feeble, stand by me....
It delivers what it says on the tin, good folks.
I heard this for the first time in 20 years not from this CD actually, but an old tape that had been in mom's loft for years, and just a closer walk with thee... Oh my.
Very, very recomended, especially for weary saints, Moms and Dads, Aunts and Uncles. In a way it's timeless now; Tennessee passed away a while ago and so like so many voices that have sung the praises of God, probably still doing so, and when YOU get there, watch out for an angel with that kind of gentle gravely voice, because he'll definitely be there."