Various Artists: There Will Be No Sweeter Sound: The Columbia-Okeh Post War Gospel Story 1947-1962 (Legacy) 1998
A double disc set of semi-obscure African-American gospel groups includes The Mello-Tones, Bill Landford The Landfordaires, both at six songs each, The R.S.B. Gospel Singers with five, and nine others offering anywhere from one to four tracks apiece.
Outside of three tracks each from ‘47 and ‘62, all recordings were made during a five year period between ‘49-’53. Coming so soon after World War II, there’s a understandable sense of optimism. This was gospel music’s golden age, and all the world seemed to be right, at least for a few years. While the names may be unfamiliar to all but the aficionado, it’s still a marvelous introduction to a wonderful, almost lost genre.