This Memphis-based eight-man gospel singing group stopped performing together after the death of leader
Willie Gordon in 1997.
Book of the Seven Seals was originally released on LP in 1984, and is augmented on this reissue by one new track, the stirring "Go Down, Moses."
The Pattersonaires all had day jobs and kept touring to a minimum, but despite the mainly regional nature of their popularity, the song "Book of the Seven Seals" still gets regular airplay on gospel stations both in Memphis and elsewhere. This is old-school gospel singing at its best, and the combination of tender sentiments and robust vocal interplay on songs like "Call Me (Here I Am)" and "I'm His, He's Mine" is wonderful. Other highlights include a complexly harmonized, triple-meter arrangement of "How Great Thou Art" and the title track, a surprisingly cheerful account of the Apocalypse. Recommended. ~ Rick Anderson