The Evangelistic Ensemble

The Evangelistic Ensemble was a Cleveland-based gospel group that put this item out on Christ Records in the (I’m guessing here) late 50s. The group is fervent if not inspired, and the recording is adequate if not glamorous. The piano had its best days about 40 years prior to this recording being made.

If it sounds like I am down on this group, that’s not true. They have an earnest charm and work up a good head of steam when the material calls for it. It’s enjoyable and instructive to listen to the many gospel records that were issued on small labels in vinyl days, commemorating communities of worshipers and often their pastors. The church on this one is not identified, and I haven’t been able to find anything on the web about the group. They are apparently gone except for this memento, which is a fine remembrance.

I've listed this under the heading Esoterica, not because gospel music is esoteric, but because the record itself is. This series will include private pressings and other items that weren't generally available in record stores.

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