Reverend J M Gates on Columbia 14145-D (1926).

[Viva-Tonal]

The first of two Columbia releases by J M Gates and some of his congregation, both of which were electrically recorded in one session (in Atlanta, Georgia IIRC) on 24 April 1926. (The other release was 14159-D, coupling 'The one thing I know' [mx W.142131-1] with 'I'm gonna die with the staff in my hand' [mx W.142133-2].)

First-session jitters are in evidence on both sides presented here. One of the congregants hiccups whilst Gates is speaking on the first part of 'Need of prayer', and someone signals to Gates that they are indeed recording, on 'Death's black train is coming'. There is also a period 'ah-oo-gah' automobile horn heard in the background through much of 'Train'!

DBTIC has lamination cracks running through roughly the first third of the side, but at least it tracks without repeating or skipping grooves. Both sides transferred at 78.26 rpm.

'Need of prayer' (Matrix W.142130-2.)

'Death's black train is coming' (Matrix W.142132-2.)

Enjoy!