This month’s review takes us back to a project that was recorded over twelve (12) years ago. For the true gospel quartet enthusiast there is nothing better than listening to The Sensational Nightingales.  Be it by CD, LP, video or in concert you can be assured of getting one of the best gospel quartet sound ever.  They have rightfully earned the title “Legends.”  Their longevity attests to the fact that this group always minister to you.  You can listen to one of their recordings from the early days and it will seem just as relevant and appropriate for the times we live in today.

This group has stayed true to their roots.  When you pick up an earlier recording featuring the late Willie “Bill” Woodruff, Horace Thompson, Joseph “JoJo” Wallace, and the late Calvert McNair you get the same sound as you do with the current lineup of the Nightingales.  The Nightingales always give you their best.

The actual recording date of the project is noted provided in the liner notes and not contained in the credits to the video. This CD of this recording was released on August 10, 1995.  However, when the video begins JoJo rejoices much in the fact that it is “1994.”  Therefore, it would appear that the video was recorded at least a year, if not longer, before it was released.  This would answer many of the questions centered around what was the last video recording of the group with Calvert McNair, who died on May 4, 1996 and Bill Woodruff who died on July 15, 1995.  This project is probably the last video with the lineup of the members noted above.  This recording took place at The Alabama Theatre for The Performing Arts, Birmingham, AL.

The venue was the perfect place for this rerecording.  The Alabama Theatre for The Performing Arts is large enough for the crowd and yet small enough to give you that full-house effect.  The stage is very large, so the guys had plenty of room to move around on the stage.  In addition the size of the stage allows for the focus to be on the group and not the musicians in the background. Many of the camera shots do not include any of the musicians that took part in this project.

The project begins with "What A Friend We Have In Jesus."  Near the end of this song JoJo leads all in attendance in a very inspiring prayer.  The other songs on the video (and their order) are "Got To Keep Moving On," "Hard Headed Jonah," "Don't Give Up," "Over In Zion," "Whosoever Will (Part II)," "I Can't Even Walk," "Live So God Can Use You," "Standing On The Promise," "His Grace Is Sufficient," and "He Is Lord."  "He is Lord" is not on the CD.  And, while singing "He Is Lord," the group actually move the service into an Altar Call. What a powerful way to end this outstanding recording.

The lighting on the stage is great.  There are many close-ups of the members of the group and musicians.  The audience appeared to be 'in the dark' most of the time.  There are very few clear shots of members in the audience. 

The quality of the sound is superb.  There are no highs or lows in the sound quality. The recording level is consistent throughout the video.  In addition, the sound tech captures the energy that the group put into each song, particularly "Live So God Can Use You."

The project is vintage traditional gospel quartet.  If you are looking for a good video that captures the essence of great gospel quartet singing by a legendary group, then you will want to add this video to your collection.  This is another gospel quartet video that will become a collector’s item.  So, you are encourage to get your copy while they are still available.  The project represents a piece of gospel music history that you will be disappointed when in the future it becomes very had to find and costly. 

We The Sensational Nightingales' LIVE-In The Spirit a 10 out of 10.  This video may be hard to fine.  However, it is certainly worth the effort to locate a copy.