Sweet Inspirations Estelle, Myrna And Sylvia CD

Though Cissy Houston was long gone from the group by the time they made this album, it's a fine set of gospel-pop-soul, with arrangements that manage to be sophisticated without getting slick. Co-produced by David Porter and Ronnie Williams, who as a pair also wrote most of the material; the songs are good and varied, the vocals and harmonies emotive and ebullient. The CD reissue adds two hits that they recorded for Atlantic in 1967 with Houston in the lineup ["Why (Am I Treated So Bad)" and "Sweet Inspiration"]. ~ Richie Unterberger

Audio Remasterer: Phil DeLancie.

Audio Remixers: William C. Brown; Henry Bush; William Brown .

Recording information: 04/25/1967-03/??/1973.

Editor: Daryl Williams.

Unknown Contributor Roles: Myrna Smith; Estelle Brown; Robert Thomas ; Chico Winston; Ronald Coleman; Memphis Symphony Orchestra; Michael Allen; Terry Johnson; The Memphis Horns.

Arrangers: David Porter; Ronnie Williams; James Mitchell .

The Sweet Inspirations: Estelle Brown, Myrna Smith, Sylvia Shamwell.

Personnel: Myrna Smith, Estelle Brown, Sylvia Shemwell (vocals); Chico Winston (tenor, tenor saxophone); Robert Thomas (guitar); Memphis Symphony Orchestra (strings); Ronald Colman, Ronald Coleman (trumpet); The Memphis Horns (horns); Ebony Web, Michael Allen (piano); Ray Griffin (bass guitar); Terry Johnson (drums).