Waxing the Gospel – Readying for Release

Archeophone Records is releasing on Sept 30, 2016, a book and CD compilation titled Waxing the Gospel: Mass Evangelism and the Phonograph, 1890-1900.  Comprising 102 tracks (almost four hours of audio) on three CDs encased in an illustrated 408-page hardback book, the project explores the earliest days of recording. It chronicles in words, images, and ancient sounds how tradition and technology merged in three distinct areas of recording on each compact disc: commercial, celebrity, and vernacular.  Included are track notes, lyric transcriptions, and artist bios.  Focusing on the very earliest recordings of the gospel hymns, the project seems set to deliver a treasure trove of archival gems that will give insight into some of today’s beloved songs.