"Texas Gospel" Vol. 7: I Am Alpha and Omega 1958-1959

Alas, all good things must come to an end. This includes the marvelous Texas Gospel collection.Gospel historian Opal Nations released the final two-disc installment of the Peacock Records gospel singles collection that he has been compiling for UK-based Acrobat Records. Volumes Six and Seven take their title from the Alpha and Omega Singers’ theme song, “I Am Alpha and Omega” (included on the set) and lead us on an aural journey through gospel music from 1958 (Peacock 1782) and 1959 (Peacock 1807).

Technically, Peacock was an indie label, but as far as gospel was concerned, it was a major. With the sobriquet “World’s Greatest Spirituals” stamped on its black label, Peacock Records had under contract some of the biggest artists of gospel’s Golden Era. Although the collection’s title implies that the music comes from Texas, it refers to Peacock’s Houston headquarters. The artists hailed from across the U.S.

This latest installment demonstrates what a powerhouse Peacock was. In an era when quartets and groups reigned supreme, Don Robey’s label had workhorses such as the Dixie Hummingbirds, Original Five Blind Boys and Sensational Nightingales on its roster, and impressive newcomers to the label, such as the Gospelaires of Dayton and the Spirit of Memphis (feat. Joe Hinton).

Peacock was known to be quartet-friendly, but it released more than its share of discs from the era’s solo gospel singers.  Artists such as Rev. Cleophus Robinson and Sister Jessie Mae Renfro, for example. The set includes samples of their work during this time period.

An especially interesting selection on I Am Alpha and Omega is the Dixie Hummingbirds’ follow-up to their novelty hit, “Let’s Go Out to the Programs.” On the former disc, the ‘Birds mimicked male groups, but on “Let’s Go Out to the Programs (#2)” they imitated the popular female-led groups of the day.

Early singles from the Brooklyn All Stars’ can be heard on the two-CD set, showcasing the remarkable lead singing of Hardie Clifton. Long out of print material by the Ever Ready Gospel Singers, Gospel Consolators and Alpha and Omega Singers are also welcome additions. The sound quality is excellent and, as always, Nations’ liner notes are informative and illustrative.

The only Peacock gospel single from this period not included here is #1799, a two-part sermon by Rev. Mary Hatchett and Universal Hagar’s Spiritual Church Choir. This was presumably a Houston-based congregation.  The disc was probably released only regionally, as it is extremely rare today.

Something else has come to an end: Acrobat Records. That is why Opal Nations has released the set on his “Acronym” label. It is available through Nations (opalnations@yahoo.com) or from http://www.rootsandrhythm.com/.

What Acrobat Records and Opal Nations have given us in the seven volumes is a comprehensive review of the beginning of Peacock’s commitment to gospel, a commitment that would extend well into the 1970s.

Four of Five Stars (Journal Of Gospel Music)

INFO

http://opalnations.com/files/Peacock_Records_Texas_Gospel_Vols.6-7_Acronym_CD_1010_2010__Liner_Notes.pdf

http://journalofgospelmusic.com/gospel/various-artists-texas-gospel-vols-6-and-7/

trax:

1. I'm A Weary Traveler - Gospel Consolators 2. Hold On To God's Hand - Gospel Consolators 3. Fire In My Bones - Rev. Cleophus Robinson With Sister Josephine James 4. This Old Building - Rev. Cleophus Robinson With Sister Josephine James 5. You Done What The Doctor Couldn't Do - Original Five Blind Boys 6. Someone Watches - Original Five Blind Boys 7. The Great Love - The Spirit Of Memphis Quartet 8. In The Garden - Spirit Of Memphis Quartet With Joe Hinton 9. Look To Jesus - Gospel Consolators 10. His Precious Blood - Gospel Consolators 11. When I Rise - Gospelaires Of Dayton, Ohio 12. He Heard My Cry - Gospelaires Of Dayton, Ohio 13. He'll Bring Peace - Ever Ready Gospel Singers 14. All My Sins - Ever Ready Gospel Singers 15. Nobody Knows The Trouble I See - The Dixie Hummingbirds 16. The Final Edition - The Dixie Hummingbirds 17. Morning Train - Rev. Julius Cheeks And The Sensational Nightingales 18. Standing At The Judgement - Rev. Julius Cheeks And The Sensational Nightingales 19. It Won't Be Long Now - The Spirit Of Memphis Quartet 20. Sinner, Make A Change - The Spirit Of Memphis Quartet 21. There Is A Man Upstairs - Alpha Omega Singers 22. I Am Alpha And Omega - Alpha Omega Singers 23. The Same Man - Rev. Cleophus Robinson With Sister Josephine James 24. His Grace - Rev. Cleophus Robinson 25. Walk Togerther Children - Original Five Blind Boys 26. Leaning On The Everlasting Arms - Original Five Blind Boys

…served by Gyro1966...