The Lost Fine Gospel Tapes

bosshoss

G45 Legend
Staff member
Joined
Apr 12, 2011
Location
Sydney, Australia
It's about time I put this stuff out.
These songs have never been released, or heard at all as far as I know. They are from the 100 gospel master tapes I discovered in the remains of the Fine Recording Studio. I'll identify the artists wherever possible, but many of these tapes will remain mysteries forever. The time frame spans late 50's to mid 70s.

I hope you dig these screamin' gospel jams, which to my ears have some of the same qualities found in many of the records we discuss here every day.
 
Next, a gospel group which Vince Jan personally managed. Or mismanaged, if you read the letters which discuss the group's threats of legal action against the Fine Recording Studio. I assume this tape would be 1971, the same year the Travelling Six released their sole and killer Fine 45 "What He Done For Me" / "He's Alright!" but i can't be sure.

The song could be called "I Fly Away", "I Lie Awake" or something similar

http://www.finerecordingstudio.com/gospel/TravellingSix_IFlyAway.mp3
 
Next, a gospel group which Vince Jan personally managed. Or mismanaged, if you read the letters which discuss the group's threats of legal action against the Fine Recording Studio. I assume this tape would be 1971, the same year the Travelling Six released their sole and killer Fine 45 "What He Done For Me" / "He's Alright!" but i can't be sure.

The song could be called "I Fly Away", "I Lie Awake" or something similar

http://www.finerecordingstudio.com/gospel/TravellingSix_IFlyAway.mp3

I dig this muchly. Really good. A label like Numero would seem a perfect partner for releasing stuff like this if there is lot's of it. I'm sure you know their work though.
 
My good buddy Greg Belson would love to hear these. He runs a killer gospel radio show called The Divine Chord and helped with the Numero gospel stuff. Can I put him in contact with you Mark?
 
That ain't right! I know Greg and if he knew he'd be pissed about that, too! Not cool at all. Guess its their loss!
 
Next up is the 4 Kings, singing "Run Home". This was on a kind of acetate tape which was only used before 1965. But that's only an indication, not a proof of date since the studio regularly recycled and re-used old tapes.

http://www.finerecordingstudio.com/gospel/4Kings_RunHome.mp3

As far as I know, the 4 Kings do not seem to have had a release on any Fine affiliated label.
 
Another one by The B.C. Harmonizers, track title unknown by I've named it "Baptism Rap" which would not be the real title.

http://www.finerecordingstudio.com/gospel/BCHarmonizers_BaptismRap.mp3

The voice saying "Go" at the beginning is Vince Jans. This is what he said at the beginning of every recording. The only other occasional variation was "Get Ready, Get Set, Go" which he usually reserved for non-pro artists such as garage bands.
 
Next, a gospel group which Vince Jan personally managed. Or mismanaged, if you read the letters which discuss the group's threats of legal action against the Fine Recording Studio. I assume this tape would be 1971, the same year the Travelling Six released their sole and killer Fine 45 "What He Done For Me" / "He's Alright!" but i can't be sure.

The song could be called "I Fly Away", "I Lie Awake" or something similar

http://www.finerecordingstudio.com/gospel/TravellingSix_IFlyAway.mp3

This is - I'll Fly Away ... I think?? which is a traditional rave up here in WV but done hillbilly style. But this souled up version is brilliant, Hallelujah Brother Hoss.

 
I love this black gospel stuff Boss. Used to find lots of it in N.C. but W.V. is low on black churches and country gospel is sterile of soul. The bluegrass has more ummmphhh

The Fine stuff you have let us hear, yes, brings similar emotions as much 60's garage does for me, it is crude, primitive and soulful.

Thanks Boss I'll listen to this unholy crap all day.
 
I guess you'd have to be really into the gospel genre to appreciate a folksy track like this one, but I'm putting everything up good and bad, so you can be the judge. Personally I don't think it's bad.

It's the Royal Harmonier Singers, who had a 45 release on Fine in 1962, called "Peace In The Valley" / "I Want To Know". This one is called "Satisfied With Jesus". Satisfaction in general seems to be a big theme for gospel audiences.

http://www.finerecordingstudio.com/gospel/RoyalHarmonier_Satisfied.mp3