For this month's independent review we took a look at one of quartet gospel's long-standing yet under rated groups. That group is none other than Earnest Pearson & The Singing Disciples. During the 1980s and early 1990s these young men were one of the hottest and most sought after artists after several releases for the J&B record label. Not only do the Singing Disciples have one of the tightest bands on the road their lead vocalist Earnest Pearson is definitely on of the hardest lead vocalist on the road today. Their recordings and "Live" performance are packed with excitement and yoke breaking Ministry. As many quartet fans know the best way to capture a quartet is to record them "Live". So, for this their 2001 release, the Singing Disciples enlisted the help of long time friend Doc Mckienzie of the Gospel Hi-Lites and recorded this powerful CD in Sumter, South Carolina.

As with many "Live" recordings this CD brings together many years of selections that are standards for the group but new to many who do not own their earlier albums. With the roar of the crowd and a very enthusiastic introduction the Singing Disciples come out in high gear with "Lord, I Know You Care". The backgrounds are clean and crisp and Earnest is on his P's and Q's. The opening selection only gives the listener the tip of the quartet iceberg. While the sound of the Singing Disciples is nothing short of powerhouse quartet it his very hard to describe the vocal style of Earnest Pearson. Like many great voices that have passed on in the quartet industry there are some who just are meant to be quartet lead vocalists. Every line of ever song he sings is fused with his great Love for Jesus Christ. Though it is very futile to speak about songs of note on this solid 10 project there are a few that are really off the hook.

This project contains what I consider to be one of the best songs of the year. The song entitled "Everybody Is Somebody" is filled with Power as lead vocalist Earnest Pearson ministers to the hearts of the audience. Though personally I have seen these young men sing this song many times, each performance touches my heart. For there are many times when we all feel down and out, but just to remember that in the eyesight of God we all are somebody is truly a blessing. From the outset of this song and every song on the project it is definitely evident that Doc Mckienze is associated with this project. As many quartet fans know Doc is nothing short of a perfectionist when it comes to producing and compiling recordings. His God given talent is written all over this project from track one to track eleven. In fact the Doctor makes a guest appearance on the next song of note entitled "Everything Will Be Alright". This mid-tempo selection features both Earnest Pearson and Doc Mckienzie in an all out vocal marathon. Being the second to last selection on the project a slight show of wear can be heard in the voice of Earnest Pearson. As if they have been singing together for years, Doc seems to step right in and relieve his long time friend.

Another song of note is the two-part tour de force "You Can't Lose With Jesus". This selection has definitely been a favorite down through the years from these Gentlemen of song. Not only was it the title cut of their 1991 J&B project but it became their claim to fame. In fact Earnest Pearson & The Singing Disciples are actually the first group to gain attention for the now Canton Spiritual known song "Lord, I'm In Your Care". To hear this selection I recommend picking up their 1996 J&B record project entitled "Jesus Made A Turn Around". However this remake of "You Can't Lose With Jesus" enlists the help of a choir that gives the selection a new flavor. Just as the project opened up in high gear it closes in like fashion with the selection "Stay On The Battlefield". This admonishment from Doc Mckienzie and Earnest Pearson is definitely nothing short of soul stirring. As the recording closes Earnest belts out note after note as if this is his last song on earth. This selection also finds Doc Mckienze in a very familiar slow ballad like setting. All that can really be said is this is one of those projects that gets a Gloryland Gospel stamp of satisfaction guaranteed.

As you can probably tell from the comments there is absolutely nothing wrong with this CD. In fact this is one of the best recordings I have personally heard in a long time. If you like quartet gospel than you're collection is not complete unless you have this project. To obtain this CD contact Jet Records at (973) 926-2001 for more information. I give Earnest Pearson & The Singing Disciples "Everything Will Be Alright" a 10 out of 10!!