Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order Vol 1: 1926 by Rev J M Gates

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

One of the first "singing preachers", his first 78 "Need Of Prayer/Death's Black Train Is Coming" recorded in Atlanta, Georgia in April 1926 with two (unknown) females - presumably from his flock - and if your ears are ready for raw, intense and downright eerie folk art then these two sides and the other 20 lovingly presented here will be a revelation. "Death's Black Train Is Coming" was a big hit and, as the sleevenote reminds us, was a favourite of Malcolm X's father, like Gates a Baptist preacher. That dear chap lost the plot theologically, became a follower of Marcus Garvey and saw the "little black train" of the song as a metaphor for racial organisation rather than the train carrying us to death and judgment. Anyway, to return to the tracks on this absorbing compilation, possibly my favourite is "Dying Gambler" (recorded in August 1926) with his singing-come-preaching having the timeless feel of the very best lining hymns. The pastor at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Rock Dale Park, Atlanta was surely a most unlikely recording star but whether it's the intense bucolic of "The One Thing I Know", the folksy evocation of a Southern riverside baptism on "Baptise Me" or even the recreation of a church business meeting for the reception of new members on "Ye Must Be Born Again" his bluesy, gutsy, acappella singing is truly timeless.