Editorial Reviews

This tribute to the underrated gospel/soul/blues guitar-playing star of the '40s (and later, when she was rediscovered in the '60s) is a labor of love from MC Records label owner Mark Carpentieri and singer Maria Muldaur. It was Carpentieri's concept, but Muldaur -- a huge Tharpe fan -- had the industry connections and clout to recruit some of the marquee names. The disc's title refers not only to Tharpe's song, but to the predominantly all-female cast who cover 17 tracks associated -- but not necessarily written by -- the gospel/soul singer. Production is shared by Muldaur along with Carpentieri, and the classy cast, which includes Rory Block, Tracy Nelson, Odetta, Joan Osborne, Michelle Shocked, and Phoebe Snow -- often singing with each other -- does a terrific job interpreting these tunes. Almost all of the participants have performed spiritual and secular material, so their connection to Tharpe, who was similarly inclined, is obvious. The fabulous Holmes Brothers add brotherly gospel harmonies to Osborne's sensational "Nobody's Fault but Mine," Victoria Williams' "My Lord & I," and Phoebe Snow's "Beams of Heaven." The arrangements are generally stripped down, like Michelle Shocked's haunting "Strange Things Happening Every Day." But horns bring a '40s jump blues feel to the title track, which features dazzling vocals from Muldaur, Marcia Ball, Angela Strehli, and Tracy Nelson harmonizing on the chorus and swapping verses. The last three, along with the horns, also contribute to a frisky "I Want a Tall Skinny Papa" ("He's gotta be tall/And that ain't all"), clearly one of Tharpe's secular tracks. There isn't a weak cut here, with all the women contributing fiery performances that will hopefully spur a major label to release a comprehensive Tharpe career overview and encourage listeners to search out original recordings from the singer. The disc appropriately closes with "Didn't It Rain," a track sung by Marie Knight, Tharpe's duet partner. It's a wonderful touch that adds even more authenticity to this stirring, beautifully performed, and long-overdue album. Hal Horowitz, All Music Guide

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