God Is Not Dead

Description

God Is Not Dead is an album by the American singer, songwriter, and bluesman Dan Smith, released on Biograph Records in 1971. The album was recorded at the Bottom Forty Recording Studios in East Condor, New York; with Arnold S. Caplin producing (the founder and owner of Biograph Records and Historical Records).

Dan Smith sang in church and played harmonica as a child. He didn’t begin his professional career until the early ’60s, when he played behind folk legends Rev. Gary Davis and Pete Seeger. However, his musical style is overwhelmingly oriented to Chicago blues.

Premium authentic folk/blues sounds of the highest caliber featuring African American harmonica wailer and singer Dan Smith (i.e, Dan J. Smith, Rev. Dan Smith). Joining him on this recording are Bessie Jones (tambourine, clapping, second vocal), Michael Cooney (banjo, guitar), Bill Vanaver (guitar, mandolin, maracas) and Jack Hume (bass, bottleneck guitar). There’s so much enthusiasm and sincerity jumping around in these jams you can’t help but be pulled in, whether they’re originals like «Life Is Sweet», «Seminary Vs. Calvary», «Long Handle Spoon», «Babylon Is Falling Down», «Go Ye And Preach The Gospel» and «Jesus Is Coming Back», or public domain songs such as «Do You Know The Lord Laid His Hand On You», «I’m Moving On», «Where Shall I Be When The First Trumpet Sounds» and the title track. Perfect hands-off production lets the natural vibes carry through. Liner notes by Pete Seeger. Dan also recorded a CD on The Choir’s Glasshouse label in the early ‘90s. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Life Is Sweet” – 3:11
A2. “Do You Know The Lord Laid His Hand On You-Pd” – 3:13
A3. “Seminary Vs. Calvary” – 4:08
A4. “This Is The Lord’s House” – 3:10
A5. “I’m Moving On-Pd” – 3:44
A6. “Long Handle Spoon” (tk. 2) – 3:15

Side Two
B1. “Babylon Is Falling Down” (tk. 2) – 3:39
B2. “Go Ye And Preach My Gospel” – 3:15
B3. “Where Shall I Be When The First Trumpet Sounds-Pd” (tk. 2) – 2:37
B4. “At The Table With The Lord” (tk. 1) – 3:46
B5. “Jesus Is Coming Back” – 3:20
B6. “Every Day Will Be Sunday” – 3:51
B7. “God Is Not Dead-Pd” (tk. 2) – 2:29