Parchman Prison Prayer – Some Mississippi Sunday Morning
16 tracks-37 minutes In the hallowed grounds of Parchman Prison, where the echoes of blues legends like Son House and Booker "Bukka" White once reverberated, a unique and poignant chapter in musical history has unfolded.
Grammy winner Ian Brennan secured a rare opportunity, navigating bureaucratic hurdles, to record the acapella voices of inmates in February 2023. The result, "Some Mississippi Sunday Morning," released under Glitterbeat Records, transcends the boundaries of gospel and blues, offering a raw and emotional glimpse into the spiritual lives of those incarcerated.
Parchman Prison, with its storied past and notable former inmates, set the stage for Brennan's recording venture, a first in many years at the facility. From Son House to R.L. Burnside, the prison's influence on blues history is undeniable. Brennan, fueled by a blind faith in the power of these voices, embarked on a musical exploration that would uncover the depth, nuance, and virtuosity of the inmates' singing.
The album opens with the powerful "Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord," featuring the soulful vocals of 29-year-old L. Stevenson. The raw acapella rendition cuts through to the core, carrying the weight of the singer's emotions. Each track that follows becomes a testimony of faith, redemption, and the human spirit.
"I Give Myself Away, So You Can Use Me" unfolds as a haunting spiritual, where an anonymous singer pours his heart into a prayer, accompanied by a simple yet evocative piano. The solo voice, later joined by harmonies, creates a moving and touching atmosphere.
The 52-year-old inmate Kyles takes center stage in "Break Every Chain," singing with power and conviction about breaking free from the chains that bind. The heartfelt performance resonates with authenticity, capturing the essence of spiritual liberation.
As the album progresses, listeners are treated to a rich tapestry of voices and stories. C.S. Deloch, at 73, leads the ensemble in "Jesus, Every Day Your Name is the Same," a brief yet wonderful gospel number that leaves a lasting impression. Each track unfolds like a chapter in a collective narrative, bridging the gap between the prison walls and the outside world.
"Solve My Need," featuring the deep bass voice of 60-year-old M. Palmer, is a gripping and haunting piece, recorded with reverb that adds to its intensity. The diversity of voices is showcased in the 28-year-old A. Warren's rendition of "Falling in Love with Jesus Was the Best Thing I've Ever Done," where percussive elements are created by knocking on a wooden surface.
Throughout the album, the authenticity of the performances shines. Songs like "If I Couldn't Say One Word, I'll Just Wave My Hand" and "Hosanna" capture the spontaneous and unrestrained spirit of a full-band free-for-all, with inmates trading off chapel instruments on the fly.
Brennan's gamble on the power of these voices pays off, delivering an album that transcends the confines of a prison recording. The combination of soul-stirring vocals, gospel-infused melodies, and the unique backdrop of Parchman Prison creates an unparalleled listening experience. "Some Mississippi Sunday Morning" is not merely an album; it's a testament to resilience, hope, and the transformative power of music in unexpected places.
Recorded entirely live without overdubs, the album's profits benefit the Mississippi Department of Corrections Chaplain Services. Beyond the music, this project becomes a beacon of hope for the men at Parchman, a reminder that, even within the confines of a prison, the human spirit can still find avenues for expression and redemption.
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