Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The extraordinary popularity of the Fisk University Jubilee Singers as they toured the world as emissaries for their educational establishment meant that even in the distant past of 1911 these polished performers of the old spirituals were considered an appropriate act for the new fangled invention of the phonograph. The first five tracks here were all released on cylinder so you can imagine how primitive the sound actually is. A little more listenable are the other tracks here with "I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray" an excellent example of the appeal of spiritual singing with its soaring notes contrasting with the steady bass vocals. The Southern 4 only recorded four sides but in truth they are rather dull while the Manhattan Harmony Four after cumbersome introductions by pianist Lorenzo Dyer sing in a barbershop style. Finally, there is one track by the Morehouse College Quartet though there were to be many better recordings of "Every Time I Feel The Spirit" than this 1923 rendition.