Ernie Haase & Signature Sound - A Tribute To The Cathedral Quartet

Published Wednesday 23rd February 2011
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound - A Tribute To The Cathedral Quartet
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound - A Tribute To The Cathedral Quartet

STYLE: Southern Gospel
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 96179-17473
LABEL: Gaither Music Group SHD6091
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RELEASE DATE: 2010-10-26
RRP: £7.99

Reviewed by Tom Lennie

Dunno if you've ever heard a tribute recording that you end up preferring to output from the actual musician/group being honoured? I know of several very fine tribute albums I could say that about. And here, possibly, is another. Southern gospel's hugely popular Ernie Haase & Signature Sound let loose on a wide range of songs performed over many years by the Cathedral Quartet (who operated from 1964 to the turn of the millennium), in which ever-changing line-up Mr Haase was himself a member during most of the '90s. This is a generous volume time-wise (over 70 minutes) featuring 19 songs and a further two live bonus tracks. These are all picked from the vast array of their forebears' back catalogue taking in virtually all tempos (from the chirpy upbeat "Can He, Could He, Would He" to the unhurried, ponderous "We Shall See Jesus" and "Yesterday"), as well as a surprising diversity of styles, including pop ("I'm Gonna Live Forever"), ragtime ("Wonderful Grace Of Jesus"), and a number of ballads. There's even a slice of infectious Latino in the delightful "Mexico", and the finest (and most fun) version of the Stuart Hamblen-penned "This Ole House" that I've heard! The main reason many might prefer EH & SS's renditions to their mentors' older versions is the freshness and panache this new generation of harmonisers bring to the southern gospel genre. Some may find Signature Sound's music a tad cheesy (actually no more than one or at most two tracks out of these 21 could legitimately be so-termed!), but you simply can't deny that these guys are top-rate singers - the performances here are exemplary and the harmonies often exquisite. Gaither fans in particular will love the string of favourites rendered on the closing "Gaither Medley". It's a pity the sleeve notes are so meager - more info on the Cathedrals and their outstanding career would have been helpful to those who know little about the historic ensemble. That apart, this is a fine tribute, and in my estimation is the best Ernie Haase & Signature Sound recording to date.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Product Description

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound celebrate their musical roots in this very special tribute to the Cathedrals.

This unforgettable musical event highlights the Cathedrals’ beloved legacy and songs - memories that have left an indelible mark on gospel music.

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound keep the classics alive and honour the group that first inspired them to sing about the timeless themes of faith, hope and the infinite grace that never grows old.

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