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They Gave the World a Smile: Stamps Tribute Album on CD

The Stamps were an influential southern gospel singing quartet from the 1930s and 1940s. The Blackwood Quartet carries on that tradition of sacred music from the southern United States, and the Light Crust Doughboys bear the torch high for Texas Swing (also known as Western Swing, the first "fusion" style, combining country & western and swing jazz). The harmony of the Blackwoods is stark, sanctified and surging, resulting in a deeply powerful sound. The band provides the swinging, stomping foundation for the forceful, heaven-reaching vocals. With a program of gospel classics delivered with style and conviction, THEY GAVE THE WORLD A SMILE netted a Grammy nomination. It indeed deserves all the intention it gets. Recommended not only for fans of southern gospel stylings, but for anyone who values strong vocal group harmony.