Mahalia Jackson (CD1, Tk4)
His Eye Is on the Sparrow
gospel (recorded in 1958)
lyrics by Civilla Martin; music by Charles Gabriel (1905)
Mahalia Jackson, vocal; Mildred Falls?, piano; Lilton M. Mitchell?, organ.

This is a remarkable example of musicians working together and listening to each other and performing as one. There is is no rhythm section playing a rhythmic pattern. These three musicians make the music breath. The forward motion of the music comes from the strength of the melodic line sung by Mahalia and the fills from the piano. The organ glues it all together providing harmonic solidarity and color. You do not tap your foot with this performance; you sing along. If you compare this performance to the original song, you will see that Mahalia takes great liberties with the text and the melody. The improvisational skills required to sing this way are impressive. This gospel sound continues in the African-American churches today. This sound provided the foundation for early Motown.