Ace/Kent digs into Dave Hamilton's Detroit gospel archive

Sacred Sounds: Dave Hamilton's Raw Detroit Gospel 1969-1974 is due July 26th. 

Detroit guitarist, producer and label-owner Dave Hamilton worked in the city from the mid-40s until the end of the century. He was involved in most fields of black music and gospel was no exception. Although not a particularly religious person himself, his home was directly opposite Reverend CL Franklin’s New Bethel Baptist Church where his daughters Erma, Aretha and Carolyn would attend and sing. It was a major centre for the Civil Rights movement and Dave would have made many contacts through that church.

Having an affordable recording studio in the centre of the city and a reputation as an accomplished guitarist, producer and approachable character, meant his studios and label were in the right place at the right time.

Dave dabbled with gospel recordings throughout his career and in 1969 registered his Sacred Sounds label and entered the gospel field seriously. The label had around 20 single releases and at least one album. The records were presumably sold in the churches where the groups performed and pressed in relatively small numbers, judging by the scarcity of the discs today. There are likely to be more Sacred Sounds discoveries in the future. There were a few releases issued on one-off labels like New Creation, Silver Harp and Motor City, while the Reynolds Singers featuring Little Stevie was issued on his Demoristic imprint. Dave kept the master tapes so the sound on most tracks is very good. There were many unissued gospel recordings including an LP’s worth on the Scott Singers, two of which we have included, along with numbers from the Reverend Simon Barbee, blues singer Mr Bo and Dave’s main male soul singer OC Tolbert, whose family group was a major gospel act.

With Dave’s heavy involvement in soul music the tracks are a superb blend of gospel and soul and will appeal to lovers of both genres. Although recorded mainly between 1969 and 1974, the timeless nature of black church music makes their appeal relevant to fans of black music from any decade.

Local music historian Adam Stanfel provides excellent notes, including interviews with some of the participants, while a tremendous selection of photos, label scans and some trivia complements the package. Pre-order a copy from Ace/Kent right here. Listen to the Scott Singers' "I'm Not Ready To Die" below.



Sacred Sounds: Dave Hamilton's Raw Detroit Gospel 1969-1974
01  Jesus Is With Me Pt 1 - Little Stevie & The Reynolds Singers
02  I'm Not Ready To Die - The Scott Singers
03  Pressing On - The Silver Harps
04  (This Is) My Plea - Rev Simon Barbee
05  Little Boy - The Johnson Spiritual Singers
06  Savior On The Throne - Mr Bo
07  Wrapped, Tied Tangled Up In Jesus - Mary Ellen George
08  When The Saints Go Marching In - The Scott Singers
09  Someday We'll Be Together - The National Independence Singers lead by John King
10  Life's Pathway - Rev Evans
11  Moving On - Little Stevie & The Sensational Reynolds Singers
12  I Still Remember - Umble Faith lead by C Stuart
13  I Got A Home - The Detroit Motor City Singers
14  If I Had My Way - OC Tolbert & Clara White Houston
15  I Heard A Voice - Pt 1 - Sensational Angelettes
16  Grown Old And Feeble - The Soul Inspirers
17  I Thank You Jesus For One More Day - The Scott Singers
18  He's All I Need - The Sensational Sunset Paraders
19  Try Jesus - The Reynolds Singers
20  The Little Light - The Fantastic Voices Of Joy
21  Leaning And Depending On Jesus - The Jr Echoes
22  I Need Your Power - Pure In Heart Travellers
23  Down Here Praying - The Detroit Silvertones
24  My God Is Calling Me - The Scott Singers