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| | In The Beginning |
 | | As I begin to write these notes in the last days of July 1989, my research brings me to look at the sleeves of the two previous UK releases of material by Sam Cooke and/or the Soul Stirrers from Specialty. |
 | | His first notable contribution to their repertoire was the lyrical, a capella lilt of 'Jesus Gave Me Water', featuring the crystal-clear lead tenor, impeccable diction and enunciation of his storyline song, and appealing hints of the melisma and phrasing so characteristic of his subsequent sacred and secular output. |
 | | To March 1954, and we hear the energetic 'Jesus, I '11 Never Forget' with vibrant lead by Sam, sweet harmonies and burbling bass voice, a capella save for same gently rippling piano; in contrast, from that same date is the stark, mournful spiritual ballad 'Any Day Now', the delivery being a model of sincerity. |
| www.songsofsamcooke.com /albums/in_the_beginning.htm (1588 words) |
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