This is to draw attention to one of those little gems that are likely to slip through the cracks unnoticed. 'Hillbilly Gospel 1948-1958' Flyright FLY CD 64 is a lovely and important issue. It is a sampler of 24 tracks by 23 different outfits, reflecting the varied styles of rural, southern gospel that found their way on to small, independent labels and artist-owned labels. Of the 23 groups, I was familiar with 3 only: The Caudill Family who offer a remarkable rendition of 'Ain't No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down'; Alton Delmore and Brown's Ferry Four with 'Gonna Row My Boat'; and Blue Ridge Quartet who close the CD with a rousing gospel-boogie, 'Hard Times Will Soon Be Over', complete with rockabilly guitar break. Of the unknowns (to me), there is not a bum recording in sight, but the ones that really stand out for me are: Rebels Quartet 'Peace Like a River; Ernest Martin & His Gospel Melody Makers 'The Golden Rule'; a beautiful acapella 'We Will Know' by Ray Lanham and His Gospel Quartet; Tennessee Harmony Boys 'I'm a Millionaire'; and a guitar and harmonica instrumental, 'Jesus Hold My Hand', by Bill Porter and Howard Seratt. The compilation has recordings from all over the south and, although very different, is right up there with classic gospel compilations such as Document's 'Kentucky Gospel', Heritage's 'Get Right With God', Revenant's 'American Primitive Vol 1' and Trikont's 'Prayers From Hell'. Anyone with an interest in downhome gospel would be mad to let this slip past. As Bruce Bastin indicates in his excellent notes that 'Hillbilly Gospel' is only a small sampler of what is available, hopefully further CDs will follow.

--Stewie.