Sister Rosetta Tharpe Complete Recorded Works, Vol. 2 (1942-1944) CD

Recorded between 1942 and 1944. Includes liner notes by Ken Romanowski.

Although barely remembered today, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was, at the height of her fame, every bit as well-known as contemporary gospel giant Mahalia Jackson. Tharpe may not have been Jackson's equal as a singer--few if any gospel singers have been--but she was a tremendously gifted and exuberant vocalist. She was further blessed with a genius for the guitar, picking it rapid-fire in a blues-inflected staccato style. If there's any justice in the world, Document Records' three-volume release of Tharpe's work will rekindle interest in this gospel virtuoso.

VOLUME 2 of the Document set covers the years 1942 to 1944 and includes both austere recordings of Tharpe accompanied only by her own guitar and more lavish ensemble recordings. Particularly interesting is one of Tharpe's few extant blues recordings, "I Want a Tall Skinny Papa," cut with Lucky Millinder's orchestra. Also included is a live recording of Tharpe with Louis Jordan and his Timpani Five performing "Down By the Riverside." The best is saved for last, however, as the disc closes with Tharpe's first collaborations with the Sam Price Trio, a partnership that would soon yield the greatest work of Tharpe's career (documented on VOLUME 3 of the set).

Personnel: Sister Rosetta Tharpe (vocals, guitar); Trevor Bacon (guitar); George James, Louis Jordan, Tab Smith (alto saxophone); Mike Hadley, Sam "The Man" Taylor (tenor saxophone); Frank Humphries, Freddy Webster, Archie Johnson, Joe Guy, Nelson Bryant, William Scott , Eddie Roane (trumpet); George Stevenson , Joe Britton, Gene Simon (trombone); Clyde Hart, Ray Tunia, Arnold Thomas, Sammy Price (piano); Jesse "Po" Simpkins, George Duvivier, Abe Bolar (upright bass); Harold "Doc" West, Panama Francis, Shadow Wilson (drums).

Audio Remasterer: Gerhard Wessely.

Liner Note Author: Ken Romanowski.

Recording information: Hollywood, CA (02/18/1942-09/22/1944); New York, NY (02/18/1942-09/22/1944).Living Blues (1-2/96, p.90) - "...Tharpe's vocals are wonderful, with touches of gospel, blues, and jazz phrasing and a flamboyant theatricality..."