Larnell Starkey & The Spiritual Seven

Larnell Starkey

&

The Spiritual Seven

Be Careful How You Treat Me

In January 2001, we introduced you to Larnell Starkey & The Spiritual Seven of Wirtz, Virginia. At that time we indicated that this group was and “up and coming group on the quartet circuit.” Well, with their 2004 recording titled Be Careful How You Treat Me, this group has arrived.

Although recorded in 2004, this CD is now beginning to garner the attention it deserves. Therefore this month, we review Larnell Starkey & The Spiritual Seven’s CD titled Be Careful How You Treat Me.

This studio project consists of thirteen tracks that are a mixture of solid 60’s and 70’s traditional sound to today’s modern gospel quartet sound. The title track is a “catchy” little song that warns everyone to “Be Careful How You Treat Me.” This song will make you smile. Dar Alexander sings lead on this song.

Four part harmony is prevalent throughout this project. A great example of this is the shortest song on the CD, "Yes, Jesus Loves Me." Master Tim Starkey is showcased on this song. After his introduction of the song, the voices from falsetto to bass take over and really take you back to the great days of acappella gospel quartet.

While this project is an all around winner there are some selections that stand out. For instance, the ballad "You'll Find Jesus Care" which is lead by Walter Starkey. And then there are “Glad I Tried Jesus” and “Don’t Give Up,” where Danny Starkey’s falsetto vocals will easily remind you of Danny Walker, Little Shoot and all the other great falsettos of the Violinaires. Danny (Starkey) ability to maintain consistency in the falsetto range is just superb. In this respect, he reminds you of Paul Beasley. But, he is certainly not trying to sound like Paul. Danny shares lead duties with Walter Starkey on "Glad I Tired Jesus," and Eric Starkey on "Don't Give Up."

If there were any doubts about the musical talent of this group, they evaporate rapidly once you listen to “Hold On” and “Love Lifted Me.” Both songs are lead by Larnell Starkey. The background harmony on both songs are worthy of special recognition. The harmony is tight and smooth. Anyone with an appreciation for good music, whether or not they are a fan of gospel quartet music, should greatly appreciate these songs. They are awesome.

There are no 'drive songs' on this project. Probably the most up-tempo song on the project is "Love Lifted Me" and it is really more of a mid-tempo song. Again, as in all the other songs, the background harmony is great on this song.

While we could discuss every song on the project, suffice it to say that this is one CD you need to add to your collection. You will not regret getting a copy of this CD.

On the whole this release from Larnell Starkey & The Spiritual Seven is a wonderful traditional gospel quartet CD. We give Larnell Starkey & The Spiritual Seven's “Be Careful How You Treat Me" a 9 out of 10. To order this project contact the group at (540) 721-1628. Click on the title to hear “Don't Give Up.”

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