Various Artists — Praise Be! Boarding The Gospel Train, In Thrall of

Praise Be! is the latest in the ongoing Lux & Ivy compilation series, which finds respected music journalist Dave Henderson crate-digging for obscure 45s. And this time around, it’s something a little different from the normal 50’s/ 60’s Rock & Roll, Exotica, or novelty tunes focused fare- as its title may suggest, the compilation's focus is Gospel. It features twenty-three tracks, which cover most sides of the genre, going from raw and rowdy, to the soulful/ blues tinged and to the more country side of things.

The CD comes presented in a clear jewel case- on its front cover, we have a gold cloud-surrounded illustration of ( I think) the Virgin Mary. Inside we get a glossy/ colourful inlay booklet- taking a two and a half page write-up about the comp from Mr Henderson, a selection of cover art, vinyl labels, and track listing.

In the release's first half, we move from jiving piano keys, piping organ lines, and wavering joint to rousing solo female vocals of “I’m Climbing Higher And Higher” by Clara Ward And The Famous Ward Sisters. Onto the Hawaiian guitar swooned, light fiddle touched, and the powerful, slightly country-tinged female vocals of Pasty Clines' “Dear God”. Though to glum plodding organ, steady guitar strum, &  baritone male vocals of Ernest Tubb’s “The Old Ragged Cross”.

In the second half, we go from wailing soulful female vocals & pared-back acoustic guitar chugg of “I Know I’ve Got Region”. Onto jigging country flow and sing-song female vocals of Kitty Wells’ “Dust On The Bible”. With the disc being finished off with The Swan Silvertones' “The Lord’s Prayer” with its soulful ‘n’ heavenly sailing acapella vocal layering.

Praise Be! is a nicely varied and consistent gospel compilation- with known artists sitting alongside the lesser-known. I do hope Mr Henderson does another gospel compilation down the line, as once again he presents us with a rewarding & engaging addition to the Lux & Ivy series.