And that’s what makes this collection so special: the emotive singing. I don’t know who is handling lead vocals on The Missionaires' rendition of “Cloud Hanging Low (Part 2),” but it’s a scorching, powerhouse performance. I can’t understand how anyone could not be moved by the mother/daughter duet of Joyce and Johnita Collins on “One Morning Soon"; likewise for Sam Williams + the Harris Singers, who lead off the collection with “He Will Fix It.”
No artist appears twice, though McGonigal may have broken his own rule by including “(Make Old) Satan Leave Me Alone” by The Sensational Whirlwinds as well as “Jesus is on the Mainline” by The Whirlwinds. McGonigal explains in his notes that they may in fact have been the same group. I’m glad he made this exception, as both recordings are tremendous.
Regardless of one’s faith, or lack thereof, the music contained on This May Be My Last Time Singing is soul stirring in its raw intimacy. No matter whether you are religious, agnostic, or otherwise, all you need be is a music lover in order to make this collection required listening.
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