For this the first Independent label review of the year 2001 we take a look at an up and coming group on the quartet circuit. We would like to introduce you to none other than Larnell Starkey & The Spiritual Seven of Wirtz, Virginia. Like many groups the Spiritual Seven have been singing for over 30 years and are patiently waiting for the door to the next level to open. Their recent project entitled "Live: Resting In The Sweet Bye & Bye" is definitely making waves in the quartet industry. I first heard the group on the popular site for selling your project on the net, Mp3.com. Their sound is deep in the tradition of gospel legends such as Willie Neal Johnson and the Mighty Clouds of Joy.

The project opens with the group wasting no time showcasing their great harmony. It is very rare in these times of heavy instrumentation to hear a Bass singer but the bass is pumping and the musicians are tight. After warming the crowd up with the first selection Larnell Starkey introduces his next singer in classic Willie Neal Johnson fashion. Coleman Wright then leads the group in a 8 minute quartet drive session on the title cut "Resting In The Sweet Bye & Bye". With a great variety of voices and styles this project is a great buy for the quartet listener looking for a hot new group to add to your collection.

Amazingly enough this is another project jammed full of potential hit songs. Song after song the Spiritual Seven show their versatility as a group. Selections such as the hard driving "Jesus Is On The Main Line" feature great vocals with an emphasis on the baritone rich sound. While the short but sweet version of "Over In Gloryland" showcases the Spiritual Seven's high flying falsetto vocals. Unlike many of today's "Live" recordings this project really sounds "Lively". Throughout the project the crowd is shoutin' and having a good time. My favorite cut on the project would definitely have to be "I'm Running". On this cut the Spiritual Seven move back to the early 50's with some of the best 1950's style gospel I've heard in a long time. The guitars are put on their stands the emphais is on sweet harmony. I give Larnell Starkey & The Spiritual Seven "Resting In The Sweet Bye & Bye" a 8 out of 10. To order this project just go to Mp3.com and search for "Spiritual Seven".