Sister Rosetta Tharpe is an important artist for anyone interested in gospel music, rhythm and blues, jazz and particularly for those interested in tracing the roots of rock and roll. She was among the first gospel artists to perform in secular clubs, and she helped bring gospel music into the mainstream when she signed to Decca in 1938. It would be an understatement to say that Tharpe is one of the most influential artists of the past century, earning her the nickname "the godmother of rock and roll."
This concert was recorded while Tharpe was on tour in Europe in 1960, partly to avoid the backlash she faced from her religious fans in the United States for her controversial cross-over between gospel and secular blues music. The recording captures Sister Rosetta in an intimate setting, playing a solo set with just her voice, electric guitar and the occasional stomp of the foot to keep rhythm. Hearing the audience clap along and interact with Tharpe throughout the performance makes it very easy to imagine yourself there in the crowd.
The recording has never been on vinyl before, and was actually never issued at all until a 1991 CD release from Southland Records. Aside from being an absolute pleasure to listen to, Sister Rosetta Tharpe's recordings are important historical documents, and this one is no exception. The album was remastered by Infrasonic Mastering in Los Angeles, CA and pressed at Pallas Group in Germany.
Features:
• Available on vinyl for the first time
• Remastered by Infrasonic Mastering in Los Angeles, CA
• Pressed at Pallas Group in Germany
- Can't Sit Down
- He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
- Vacation in the Sky
- Didn't It Rain
- Can't No Grave Hold My Body Down
- Two Little Fishes, Five Loaves of Bread
- The Gospel Train
- Precious Lord
- Down by the Riverside
- Mansion in the Sky
- Is Everybody Happy?
- Peace in the Valley