Church Songs

Best known as a blues pianist/singer, Little Brother Montgomery (1906—1985), born in Louisiana, performed in a variety of southern locales before eventually settling in Chicago. This recording is his first album of religious songs. His relaxed, easygoing piano playing never overpowers his singing, absent on only two tracks. (“Veil of Beulah” is a piano solo, and “He'll Understand” features an unidentified female vocalist.) He also is accompanied on other tracks by backup singers and an unobtrusive guitar.

Liner notes by blues historian and biographer Stephen Calt explore African American religious song, provide information on some of the specific selections, and present a biography of Little Brother Montgomery.

This is the third and final recording Montgomery made for Folkways; the earlier two emphasized the blues (FW03527 and FW31014).

Track Listing

101	Rock of Ages	Little Brother Montgomery	02:10
102	Zion of God	Little Brother Montgomery	01:30
103	Wilderness	Little Brother Montgomery	02:10
104	He'll Understand	Little Brother Montgomery	02:52
105	I Got a Father	Little Brother Montgomery	03:16
106	This Train	Little Brother Montgomery	03:13
107	When the Saints Go Marching In	Little Brother Montgomery	03:33
108	God Be with You	Little Brother Montgomery	02:41
201	Veil of Beulah	Little Brother Montgomery	03:54
202	Study War No More (Down by the Riverside)	Little Brother Montgomery	02:23
203	Over on That Evergreen Shore	Little Brother Montgomery	01:53
204	In the Blood	Little Brother Montgomery	01:53
205	Just Got over at Last	Little Brother Montgomery	02:23
206	It Pays to Serve Jesus	Little Brother Montgomery	03:34
207	She Has Gone to Heaven	Little Brother Montgomery	02:59
208	I'll Be There	Little Brother Montgomery	02:40