Search - Statler Brothers :: Amen

Amen! Few do gospel better than the Statlers...

Jon Eric Davidson | Redmond, WA, USA | 01/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I doubt that anyone has grown up without being touched by the Statler Brothers and their wonderful catalog of songs. No matter how one comes about their music, the Statlers make one stay a little longer, relax a little more, and relish in their grand, down-home brand of four-part harmonies. For me personally, the Statlers have impacted me tremendously through their gospel music over the years. I grew up listening to my grandfather sing their songs, matching the glorious bass of Harold Reid. I'm told my grandfather sang bass in a church group that sang gospel in a similar manner to the Statlers, so their music naturally became my tie to his memory. As such, I was heartened to find that the Statlers have released "Amen". I quickly pounced on the disc, and am richer for the purchase.A collection of mostly new material - penned by members of the group with assistance from their children - mixed with a few traditional gospel standards, "Amen" demonstrates that the Statlers are still at the top of their game. Vocally, the original three - brothers Don and Harold Reid, along with Phil Baisley - haven't lost a step over all these years. Harold's timeless bass provides the foundation from which they build their rich, vibrant, and seamless harmonies. They strike at your soul and, in concert with the lyric beauty of the songs, uplift you in a way only music can when it's done to perfection. Jimmy Fortune also continues to prove that he is a solid and capable singer-songwriter, although a minor criticism I've had of the Statler's music over the years has been that his vocals -at times - pull apart from the harmonies of the other three. It's almost as if he's singing TOO high, and can diminish the quality through it's distracting nature. That is evident in places on "Amen", though overall, he manages to keep it in check. The songs they wrote and selected are a wonderfully uplifting spiritual journey. From the first notes of the first track, "A Place On Calvary", to the last notes of "A Living Part Of You", their vocals and positive music lift the soul. The aforementioned lead track is an immediate favorite, which they have performed on their old variety show and in concerts before. Another favorite is the rollicking "He's Gettin' Me Ready", which almost dares you not to try to join along in singing. "Far Side Banks Of Jordan" and "I Should Have Known You, Lord" are other, slower songs that fill you at once with rejoicing and inspiration. All in all, despite their retirement from touring, the Statler Brothers have proved that they have not lost one step in terms of singing great gospel songs. "Amen" is a wonderful musical journey, and yet another powerful reminder of the treasure that is the music of the Statler Brothers. I give "Amen" a hearty five-star rating, and recommend it to all audiences. Buy this CD, take some time out of your day to stop and listen for awhile. I would daresay that this wonderful music will bring your spirit closer to God, not to mention being downright fun to listen to."

These guys are the best!

Debra Kuntz | 06/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Have always been a fan and always will be! Their music moves me beyond any other---hope they NEVER stop singing."