Reviewed by Paul Davis

This is by my calculation the very first British release by this prime time, quality USA gospel quartet and ironically probably their last after a career of something like 30 years or more on “the gospel road.” The Cathedrals’ first class recording artistry is evident in these 19 classy recordings (by George Younce, Glen Payne, Scott Fowler and Ernie Haase - and pianist, Roger Bennett) taken from the Gaither ‘Homecoming Friends’ videos. Just listen to the piano wizardry and the boys’ phenomenal vocal harmony acrobatics. Even if it is late in the day, 19 tracks released in the UK like this is a lesser miracle! Highly recommended, here’s a march past of the best of a genre that inspired the Statler Brothers and Oak Ridge Boys to follow their trade! Generally, sadly overlooked in the UK, Southern gospel quartet groups were the first Christian performers to secure secular recording contracts with the major USA record companies.

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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