Customer Reviews

Even So Come

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The name "Hovie Lister" will forever be linked to southern gospel music as a true leader and legend. Hovie, who passed away on December 28, 2001, has left behind a gem with this newer project featuring the Statesmen Quartet, which he orginized and managed since 1948. This record is a top-notch project with top-notch musicians, including Anthony Burger on piano. Jack Toney is outstanding in writing some great songs and singing the lead. The quartet has truly a quartet sound: no screechy tenor, no sloppy bass or twangy lead...just a true, clean/crisp southern gospel quartet sound (a trademark of the Statesmen). Hovie out does himself featuring one of his classics, the Bill Gaither tune, "Thanks To Calvary". For you who have enjoyed this group down through the years, get this one while the gettin's good.

This last series of recordings by the Statesmen, cut shortly before Rev. Hovie Lister's passing in 2001, showcases some of the smoothest harmony and tightest instrumentation I've ever heard, and in my opinion, will stand as a benchmark for aspiring groups for years to come. Personal favorite -- "Heaven Will Be Mine Someday". As a fan since the the late 50's, I'm hard pressed indeed to think of a more fitting tribute to the memory of Brother Hovie and all the other larger-than-life personalities that have made up the Statesmen Quartet organization since its inception back in 1948. In short -- if this one don't light a fire in your soul, your wood's wet. 'Nuff said.

Hovie Lister & The Statesmen Quartet had been trendsetters in the southern gospel music field for decades. Several times in their history they excelled far and above the other gospel groups in their field. They were head & shoulders in the lead throughout the entire 1950's and most of the 1960's. Although the group members changed some, usually the Statesmen stood out front in quality and live performance. This last recording was truly quality in all respects. To top it off piano great Anthony Burger played on a lot of the songs. If you knew Anthony Burger's piano playing, you KNOW it never got any better. This album pulls together Hovie, Anthony, the Statesmen, with old and brand new songs that REALLY perks the soul up, gets your foot to tapping, and makes you glad you are a Christian! Do NOT pass the fine project up. If you're thinking about purchasing it...GO FOR IT!!! True, long-time Statesmen lead singer Jake Hess is not on this album, but trust me, these songs are GREAT without Jake. These were not "Jake songs" but instead, flat out Statesmen songs.

Old time Southern Gospel at its very best!