Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

This four disc set - lovingly packaged by genre specialists Tompkins Square Records in an LP-style gatefold sleeve - charts the output of the renowned gospel, blues and R&B Nashboro label. Founded by businessman Ernest L Young in 1951, the Nashboro label began as a back of store venture and grew to become one of the genre's major players before its decline in the '80s and is widely regarded as the label responsible for the international success of bigger gospel names such as the Radio Four, the Swanee Quintet and the Fairfield Four. Each of these groups are represented in the chronologically ordered discs of this collection but, as ever with these kind of releases, it is the equally talented but arguably less celebrated acts that get their chance to shine. For instance, Rev Cleophus Robinson weighs in with the marvellous "Wrapped Up, Tied Up, Tangled Up" whilst the likes of the Spiritual Five, the Singing Sons and the Jewel Gospel Trio (featuring a very young Candi Staton) all deliver the goods to make this an incredibly varied and enjoyable release. Despite Nashboro's output spanning three-plus decades, it has to be said that the sound and style of its artists didn't move with the times and it's perhaps not surprising that the label itself didn't survive past the 1980s when slicker and more professionally-produced gospel music took a hold of the market. However, the 80 tracks featured on this sumptuous release and the fact that most of them are performed by different acts guarantee Nashboro's place as one of the most important and prolific players in the history of American music - something the folks at Tompkins Square Records have thankfully chosen to celebrate.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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