Almighty Gospel Volume One is the first release in LocoBop’s series showcasing southern gospel at its best.

The album opens with the Memphis All Stars giving the full Memphis treatment to traditional favorite “Jesus on the Mainline”. This is punctuated with “Go Tell It On The Mountain” by the Soulful Heavenly Stars from New Orleans.

Also from the Crescent City, the Mighty Chariots of Fire put their rousing stamp on “Wade in the Water”. Memphis fixture Jackie Johnson next belts out her version of “Revive Us Again”, recorded live in France.

Don Bryant gave up his career as a rising artist on the Memphis soul scene in the 1960s to concentrate on writing songs for others on the Hi label. Among his hits: “Can’t Stand the Rain”, recorded by his wife Ann Peebles. From Don’s own gospel album, It’s All in the Word, we feature the songs “Highest Praise” with the Saints of Carnegie and “My God” featuring Larry Dodson of the Bar-Kays.

“If You Believe” is powerful testimony rendered by Detroit’s Green Brothers. And the ‘world famous’ Zion Harmonizers of New Orleans offer heartfelt assurance that you are “Never Alone” with the Lord. The catchy “I Am” is superbly performed by Rev. C.E. Hodges, perhaps better known as Charles Hodges, whose signature organ sound is heard on all of Al Green’s hits.

In their typically inspired style, those ladies from New Orleans known as the Voices of Distinction ask the sobering question: ”What You Gonna Do?” The always classy Bemiss Brothers reach right to the heart with a wonderful performance of “The Moment I Believed”. From former Sweet Obsession member, Keena Green - daughter of Bobby Green (the Green Brothers) – brings the congregation to their feet with “Worldly Christian”.