The exciting year of 2001 has passed and gone and what a year it has been for the quartet industry. For the first time we have decided to begin the new year by looking back on the past year.  In this issue we will briefly review each of the twelve albums featured in 2001 and conclude by revealing Gloryland Gospel's top 5 albums to  for those looking to obtain the best of 2001.  Be sure to check the album reviews for information about how to purchase these projects.

We started the year of with the down-home sounds of Larnell Starkey & The Spiritual Seven.  This Wirtz Virginia based group showed great versatility in arrangement and style throughout their "Live" recording.  From the riveting "Jesus Is on the Mainline" to the bass driven "Resting In The Sweet Bye & Bye" this project has definitely left a great mark on those fortunate enough to own this gem.  The month of February brought one of the nations most underrated yet best groups Rev. Kenniebrew & The Sensational Saints.  Their commitment to keeping the real quartet sound alive is well noted and hopefully will be nationally recognized.  Their hit selection "Is God Satisfied With Me" became a fan favorite on the request list for Gloryland Gospel Quartet Radio.  One might wonder how the next month would fare after such high standards set by Rev. Kenniebrew but wonder no further.  Rev. LeSure & The Christian Brothers definitely kept the ball of excellence rolling with their "Heal The Land" release.  With some of the best independent production in many years and a reputation of portraying the life they sing about these young men are well on their way to national recognition. 

We then stopped over in Brooklyn New York to review the project of Deacon Williams & The Soul Converters.  This release showcased not only the talent of the Soul Converters but also the excellent sound production from Deacon Watts and his R.T.G. record label.  This can further be witnessed on the 2000 release of Jay Caldwell & The Gospel Ambassadors "Take It Away Lord".  For the month of May we looked at the raw sound of former Tommy Ellison sidekick Billy Hardie & The Gospel Soul Brothers.  With the dynamic duo of brothers Billy and Bobby Hardie, the Soul Brothers release "Call On Jesus" represents all the greatness that seems to be lost in quartet gospel singing and production.  June brought the formal introduction of Rev. Jerial Dingle & The Harmonics release "Christian Life".  This project was yet another that causes the listener to check and make sure it is not on a national record label.  The title cut enjoyed moderate success on Quartet Radio.  The July review of the young group Determined is yet to gain the attention that it deserves.  The production is outstanding and the song selections are well placed. 

For the month of August the spotlight was shining on The Gospel Incredibles of Atlanta Georgia.  With brothers and Pastors Galbert and Clark Conner handling the majority of the lead, this group continued to show why they are one of the best on the East Coast.  This release fell right in line with their hit albums during the 80s on the Sound Perfection label.  Their ability to weave soul stirring Sermonettes and tight harmonies into selections have made them another favorite request group on Quarter Radio.  Their selection "Bended Knees" has gained great attention around the country.  The review spotlight then moved to Washington D.C. and found Albert Phillips & The Divine Messengers and their release "A Message From The Messengers".  This project has definitely started to gain attention mainly in the northeastern markets with their selections "Dark Cloud", and one of this years best drive songs "He'll Make It Right". 

As the year of reviews moved closer to a close the quality of music continued to get better.  Legendary artist Earnest Pearson & The Singing Disciples of Manning, South Carolina returned to the recording scene with their Doc McKenzie produced release "Everything Will Be Alright".  This project has definitely gained them recognition and is no doubt an integral part in their new contract with Malaco subsidary, Jet records.  Their selection "Everybody Is Somebody" was very popular on Quartet Radio.  The November spotlight fell on The Sons of Soul Revivers and their "I'm A New Creature".  This release not only propelled the group to another level of national recognition but also gained them the title of one of the hardest working young group's on the road today.  Their selection "Joy" featuring K.D. Bowie was by far the most requested selection on Quartet Radio all year.  To end the year of 2001 we looked at another Legendary group Bill Allen & The Gospelaires of Dayton, Ohio.  Carrying on in the tradition of the late Bob Washington the current group has started to regain their reputation as house wreckers.  Though the return of falsetto genius Rev. Charles Mclain and famed shouter Paul Arnold would complete the puzzle the group definitely has a hit with their remake of "Somebody Touched Me". 

• The Gospel Incredibles "Dedicated To Jesus"
• Rev. Melvin Kenniebrew & The Sensational Saints "Consecrated Service"
• Rev. Esqulaira LeSure & The Christian Brothers "Heal The Land"
• Earnest Pearson & The Singing Disciples "Everything Will Be Alright"
• The Sons of Soul Revivers "I'm A New Creature"