One of the many small gospel record labels of the 1960s and ‘70s, Pinewood Records, out of Chesapeake, Virginia, somehow managed to produce a number of superb tracks during its short 10-year run. Pinewood’s 45s are notable for their emphasis on soulful vocals and rough and ready R&B accompaniment.
Those groups had some great names, too -- including The Mighty Cherubim Gospel Singers, The Mighty Gospel Tornados, The Glorifying Vines Sisters, and The Gospel Landers of Norfolk, Virginia. Driven by raspy vocalist Sister Ruby Jones, the Gospel Landers only released a couple of 45s, “Hold On” backed with “Tribute to Mother” ... and “It’s Sweet” backed with this emotional reading of “Jacob’s Ladder.”
MUSIC: The Gospel Landers of Norfolk, Virginia, “Jacob’s Ladder,” 45
