3 volumes showcased here. This mix climaxes with some disco and funk gospel from the seventies! Be sure to check out the legendary recording from the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival.  “Keep Your Hand on the Plow” with Duke Ellington’s boys providing a rare full dance band backing for Mahalia Jackson. It is not a rare occurrence that Mahalia will tear down the house and reduce her audience to a panicked frenzy, but this incredible moment in time has got to be Miss Jackson at her very very best. On the subject of audiences freaking the fuck out…The best example of this phenomenon is in the recording of The Charles Fold Singers & James Cleveland – “You’re the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me”. This recording released on Savoy in 1975 more or less demonstrates how the Holy Ghost can drop down from the sky onto a congregation and really cause a commotion. I have only included the first couple of minutes of this track only for fear of inducing militant Baptist sensibilities amongst my nearest and dearest…….but if you are a steadfast enough atheist to withstand this epic Gladys Knight remake then the full 9 minute wonder is out there on youtube and itunes etc ! ……….However……..don’t come crying to me if the Holy Ghost drops down on your head at exactly 2.02 minutes in!

If you have any track enquiries drop me an email at gideon@thedownlowradio.com.