Fantastic Gospel Volume 2 is a little different than volume 1 in a couple of ways. I think more of these songs are a later Mahalia, and somehow that age, experience and maturity come through. Also, there are a few songs with a bluesy touch, and I was surprised at one non-gospel song, "Summertime" from Porgy & Bess. But a few of the Gospel songs sound like blues as well. Perhaps indicative of the times and changing music styles in general? I'm not sure, but I sure do like them. I bought this for my wife since she loves Mahalia and can't wait to give her a big hug when they meet in Heaven.
About as Good as the First Collection I wouldn't want to be without this set, but if you are not seeking a complete collection, Volume One should serve you well.
What's not to love about a Mahalia Jackson CD?.. I bought this CD and Volume I back in 2002. My mother loved Mahalia Jackson, so I grew up listening to her in vinyl round the clock it seemed. I actually thought I couldn't stand to hear another Mahalia Jackson song as long as I lived. But as an adult, I found myself humming some of the songs my mother had played over and over, and one day I realized I missed Mahalia's voice. When I bought these collections of hers, I actually went searching specifically for Mahalia Jackson music. Imagine my mother's surprise when I told her I had Mahalia Jackson blasting in my house the way she'd done when I was growing up! :-) There are still more Mahalia Jackson songs that I'm looking for that, in all the songs on these collections, weren't included. That's my only disappointment with these. But the quality of the recordings -- classic Mahalia Jackson!
Ebenezer Baptist Church's Mother Mildred's Kid's Affirmation There is an unusual opportunity with amazon.com to preview the audio adaptation of the beautiful contralto voices that're accompanied unbelievably: Professionally-named "Mahalia Jackson", whose followings include the missing-in-action true sources of the marching music that helped the 20th Century still-slaves overcome. If your families sang aloud as fearlessly as mine did, then you want to experience these. You can order "Mahalia Jackson's" inspirational sharings to hear whenever you awaken feeling low. Or, you can listen to the samples before checking if there's another of "Mahalia Jackson's Gospels, Spirituals, &Hymns" available online to hear at least a tiny trace: one of my favorites is "Martin, Luther and John." The music is so fabulous: You can substitute the names of your missing-in-action loved ones to cheer you until they're alive with you like when we'd been here only a couple of winks. Thanks, www.amazon.com. From, "(&Svenie)" P.S. "I'll Be Down To Get You With A Taxi, Honey" is also a neat tune for these times. But, be cautious not to promise what you can't deliver, 'cause we know somebody who did sing that only later to endure giving a ride to her teacher's dog which had fleas on those automatically dropped magnets...
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tailipoe
Trevor
