Sings With Hovie Lister LP - The Statesmen Quartet (1958) [Full Album]

[@john3and3]

I heard the Statesmen at the old Massey Hall in Toronto about 60 years ago. It was an old music hall with 3 balconies. The place was packed. I still remember it. They appeared with the Blackwood Brothers that night. Outstanding.

[@LeanoSamwinga]

Do you remember the quartet lineups?

[@beatapt5]

Great album. The only album featuring Cat Freeman exclusively on tenor. What a blend!

[@raypalser4181]

One of greats ever recorded. Jake Hess on It's Wonderful will go down as a true showcase of his endless talent as a vocalist.

[@philiprife5556]

I was in a folk/rock/pop singing group in 1970, and we were asked to open for the Statesmen With Hovie Lister. I was about 16 and knew little about Gospel Quartet music. After we had performed our set we watched the Statesmen's act from the wings. I was truly impressed by their professionalism. As an encore, they sang "How Great Thou Art" in a manner that gave me chills.

[@Fabsurf101]

What a great Gospel Quartet!

[@garrettbooth20]

Maybe the most underrated album they ever had! Very personal!

[@U2BER2012]

Big Chief's superb quality voice was not only low but solid & smooth👍!

[@kade82]

I'm listening to this for the first time. Like I say about books: So many songs to sing, so little time! I need to find sheet music for When My Master Walks with Me.

[@elijahmeade3101]

This brings back memories, I used to sing along with the old Gospel groups as mom would listen to the radio, she was so pleased

[@tmbqfan]

Thanks for adding this!! One of the greatest albums ever recorded!!

[@23Josilee]

Nicodemus--from an old Black Spiritual Quartet (can't remember their name)...the Statesmen sound just like the Black Spiritual original recording I've listened to. As always, Thank you Steve.

[@prettypumpkin2314]

I will never forget the concert the Statesmen gave in our town Pueblo, CO at City Auditorium . The power of God was powerful there when they began to sing. Handsome men.

[@karlruffing4237]

I wish that I had had the pleasure of hearing any of these amazing singers, but I was just a kid then, in the 50s, and didn't know much of anything, let alone gospel music. It must have been an electrifying experience!

[@danielpatterson343]

Great singing, enjoyed so much

[@karlruffing4237]

You are right. Every tune on this LP is a gem! It is amazing how they blend so smoooothly! I believe I hear Chet Atkins on guitar. Do you know who was the producer of this LP? It is strange, however, that it isn't Hovie playing the piano, but he does sing on a few of the numbers. A million thank-yous for posting the complete LP.

[@CyrusBowman-qb1lv]

The producer was probably Chet in one his first role as a Producer. I know for sure The Weatherford's - In the Garden album was produced by Chet and he played a few riffs on that album.

[@timingle7039]

A clinic on harmony...sensational...

[@Djm8520]

Poor ‘Cat’ Freeman, who was a fine tenor, had the misfortune of being bookended by the two greatest tenor’s in SGM history-Denver Crumpler and Rosie Rozell. So he is oft forgotten.

[@musicmike4145]

Cat had the best blend with the group. Other tenors were more dynamic soloists, but the blend with Cat was super smooth.

[@karlruffing4237]

@@musicmike4145 "Super smooth", and you ain't kiddin'! Their sound simply shimmers...

[@LeanoSamwinga]

Similar to how there’s only one record with Bill Lyles and RW Blackwood as personnel for the Blackwood Brothers Quartet. You can however listen to the radio show which feature Bill and RW. You can do the same for the Statesmen Quartet with Cat Freeman - kzbin.info/aero/PLfSj3D_c0L0eDBgK7PhWqe1Zg9IjPGdT_&si=C5hDTHPwlPJjoS_D. That is one of maybe 5 playlists with radio shows which all have Cat Freeman as first tenor. It’s also interesting as Doy played piano many times (both on solos and while Hovie sang with the quartet). We also hear a lot of takes on their Nabisco hits using iterations of the arrangements which weren’t used in the official recordings and TV shows. I recommend doing the same with the Blackwood Brothers Quartet.

[@jamiewallin2636]

I think this was the first album released after Denver Crumpler passed away and if that's true then he only recorded one album with the Statesman

[@karlruffing4237]

You mean Cat Freeman only recorded one LP with The Statesmen, I take it...