The Roberta Martin Singers - Grace Mp3

This is their second album for Savoy. The title track was written by James Cleveland and has been one of the most often covered Gospel songs during its lifetime. It was most notably covered by Soul singer Dionne Warwick on "The Magic of Believing" album in the late 60's.
The Martin Singers by far were the most innovative of Gospel groups making a statement on every song they recorded. They were known for their dramatic, soul-stirring singing, venturing at times into barber-shop harmonies! They however, remained soulful and very intense. Their songs contained Biblically-based doctrine, eschewing the often cleched lines of their peers.
Solists on this album include Gloria Griffin, Narsalus McKissick, Eugene Smith, Romance Watson and of course the living legend, Delois Barrett-Campbell. The 11 tracks here represent a collection of high quality composistions (God Specializes) as well as traditionally-based Spirituals (Rock My Soul) arranged either by Ms. Martin (piano) or Lucy Smith (organ). Martin herself solos on two songs, the mid-tempo "Ride On King Jesus" and the jazzy up-tempo "He's Aready Done What He Said He Would Do". Her phrasing and diction are no less than perfect. Upon joining Savoy, The Martin Singers took in two new members: Romance Watson and Gloria Griffin. Mr. Watson performs on "Talk About a Child" and "Rock My Soul", while Gloria takes on the lead-off track, "Certainly Lord" and "God Specializes". McKissick takes the title track and "I Found Him". The other two are split between Eugene and Delois, who gives an excellent performance on "Back to the Fold". Her angelic soprano is heard throughout the album in the backup vocals as well.
The Martins would go on to record several more albums for Savoy until Roberta's home-going in 1969. Ms. Martin wrote an/or arranged hundreds of songs including "Didn't It Rain", "No Other Help I Know" (Mahalia Jackson) and "Each Day" (Clara Ward).