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.

The year of 2001 began with probably one of the best releases of the year.  With well over 15 songs Darrell Mcfadden & The Disciples definitely put their group on the quartet map once again.  Though they have enjoyed moderate regional success in years past their "II Sides To Every Story" has made it nearly impossible for their success not to gain national attention.  They have gained the attention of many concert attendees with their novelty like song "Two Face" and the hard driving "Help Me".  For the month of February we took a look at one of the hardest working females in the industry.  Ronica & The Mighty Blazing Stars have all but taken the industry by storm after rocking the 2001 Quartet Convention in January and continuing to strive for excellence afterwards.  This project featured a great guitar driven quartet sound that is the pattern of many groups on the road today. 

The month of March belonged to the Windy City Spiritualires.  This great group of young men have prided themselves on being one of, if not the hardest singing young quartet on the road.  With Pastors Spencer and Tucker on leads it is definitely hard to argue otherwise.  Their "Live In Bama" release gained great popularity due to the strictly traditional style and gambit of cameo appearances.  For the month of April we started a two month look at Legendary groups and their new releases.  The Messengers successfully put together their first "Live" recording in the groups history.  Though their leader, the late Willie Banks, is gone they have successfully kept the style of singing and commitment to traditional arrangements alive and well.  To conclude the two month Legendary review series we took a look at the new project from the Sensational Nightingales.  "Wasted Years" is definitely one of the Gales best efforts in recent years.  With Darrel Luster and Horace Thompson handling most of the lead work this project further solidifies their moniker of "The Gentlemen of Song".

As we turned the corner to the half way point of the year we took a look at one of if not the best project of the year 2001.  The Memphis Harmonizers hit the scene with a polished sound that was dripping with the genius of producer George Dean.  The smooth production and well known style of the Harmonizers made this project one that is definitely worthy of national recognition.  One of the Legendary groups of quartet was reviewed in July with their aptly titled project "The Legend".  With a constantly changing style and arrangement of their vault of songs Spencer Taylor & The Highway QC's once again proved that they still have what it takes to produce great music for all generations.  Produced by Paul Porter, the QC's release contained a few numbers reminiscent of years passed and others such as the heart warming title cut that looked towards a future of new standards.  It was only fitting to follow the Highway QC's review with that of their producer, Paul Porter & The Christianaires.  The Christianaires once again managed to show the industry that they are the masters of all styles of music.  With borderline R&B cuts such as "No, No, No" and traditional favorites like "Jesus Is Using Me" this project definitely contained something for everyone. 

In September we looked at the junior effort from the Bolton Brothers. As usual this group of preachers took the all to common notion of "Live" recordings to a new level by literally having church on their "Revival In Atlanta" release.  Lead by the vocal pyrotechnics of James and L.W. Bolton, these brothers managed to fuse the choir and quartet sound making one great release.  Revive returned to the recording scene with their sophomore effort on World Wide Gospel.  This project entitled "Feel The Freedom" seemed to be just what the title implied, an all out expression of freedom from the perspective of style and vocal arrangements.  While former lead singer Johnavan Sauls was no longer serving as lead singer on this release the group showed a willingness and skill for overcoming obstacles. 

To close the year of 2001 out we once again reviewed projects from two of the industries Legendary groups.  The Jackson Southernaires debuted on their new label Melendo with "Anniversary".  With slick production and a great selection of songs in the Southernaire style this project was a winner.  From the nostalgic title cut "Anniversary" to the Willie Banks styled "Stand Up" it is no wonder the Southernaires are still one of the nations leading quartets.  We closed the year out with the Doctor himself Doc McKenzie & The Hi-Lites.  Their project entitled "Hold On" was definitely another chapter in Doc's book of hits and proves that he is one of the nations best cutting edge lead singers and arrangers.   

Top 5 National Releases of 2001

• The Jackson Southernaires "Anniversary"
• Darrel McFadden & The Disciples "II Sides To Every Song"
• The Memphis Harmonizers "I Found The Lord"
• Spencer Taylor & The Highway QC's "The Legend"
• The Windy City Spiritualaires "Live In Bama"