Mahalia Jackson – Newport 1958

And finally, we reach the last part of my 25-part Beam Me Up Scotty’s Series! It’s yet another I found elsewhere during that day, and what a record it is…

The Beam Me Up Scotty’s Series, Part 25/25 (LP)

This is one of my favourite finds from my excursion to Scotty’s and beyond. How do I even begin to express my love for Mahalia Jackson? And to find her performance at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival? For about $2? Criminally awesome.

I’ve loved Mahalia for years, and on this disc she just nails it. Everything about her voice, the band, everything. Just everything. I cannot enthuse enough. This is pure power and range, beauty and genius besides. LOVE IT!

 

*Because this is so awesome, I’m including a video of three of the tracks from this performance, for your edification. Notice how far she’s standing back from the mic… now that, folks, is power. Take notes Beyonce, hahaha you can only dream…