In August someone on the Quartet Central Message Board asked a question regarding a project titled “Together As One.”  The inquiry was actually about the project Together As One: A Tribute To The Heritage Of Quartet Music that was recorded in Atlanta, Georgia in 1996.  While searching our archives for this project, we came across another also titled “Together As One.”  It features The Pilgrim Jubilees, Margaret Allison and The Angelic Gospel Singers, and The Sensational Nightingales. 

We do not believe this video got the attention it deserved when finally released in 2003.  The video was actually recorded in the 90’s.  Therefore, this month we review Together As One - 150 Years - Recorded “Live” In Birmingham.  The video was recorded at the Alabama Theatre, Birmingham, Alabama. 

If there ever was a gospel video that is a collector’s item, this is the one.  Just look at the lineup of each group.  Margaret Allison and The Angelic Gospel Singers – Margaret Allison, Teresa Button and Daryl Richmond.  The Pilgrim Jubilees – Cleve Graham, Clay Graham, Eddie Graham, Major Roberson, Ben Chandler, Bobby McDougal, Michael Akins and Marco Akins.  The Sensational Nightingales – Joseph Wallace, Bill Woodruff, Horace Thompson and Calvert McNair.  Calvert McNair died in May 1996 at the age of 45.  Bill Woodruff passed away during the Summer of 1993.

The recording, at least on the DVD, was done wherein each group sings one song and another group takes over.  So, the first song is “Bound For Mt. Zion” by Margaret Allison & The Angelic Gospel Singers.  The next song is “Safety Of Your Soul” by The Pilgrim Jubilees.  The next song is “Hard Headed Jonah” by The Sensational Nightingales.  Then the rotation starts all over with ”Touch Me Lord Jesus” by Margaret Allison & The Angelic Gospel Singers, “Too Close” by The Pilgrim Jubilees, and “Live So God Can Use You” by The Sensational Nightingales.

Margaret Allison & The Angelic Gospel Singers return to the stage with “He’s My Ever Present Help.”  Followed by “Rich Man, Poor Man” by The Pilgrim Jubilees, and “Standing On The Promises” by The Sensational Nightingales.

The last song sung by each group individually was “If You Can’t Help Me” by Margaret Allison & The Angelic Gospel Singers, “Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around” by The Pilgrim Jubilees, and “His Grace Is Sufficient” by The Sensational Nightingales.

The grand finale brings all the groups together singing “In The Morning,” which was penned by Ms. Allison.  Various members from each group took their turn singing lead on this song.

The live recording was well attended.  However, there are not clear shots of the audience.  From what you could see of the audience, they were into the service with each group.  After all, it was a song service. 

The overall quality of the lighting of the stage is great.  You can really see the expression on the faces of the singers.  The camera shots make you feel that you are close to the singers.  There are great close ups of the singers.            

The sound quality is outstanding.  There are no variations in the recording level to any of the songs.  And the energy the groups put into their performance really comes through.  Watch out for those Jubes.  You may find yourself getting up and sharing in the praise with them.   

There are no interviews on this recording.  But, none was needed.  For, just to have these three groups on tape together speaks volumes.  This video definitely deserves to be in your collection.  You will never see all the members of these groups on video together again. 

This is a ‘must have’ video for gospel quartet fans or for anyone that just like good gospel music.  We give the video Together As One - 150 Years - Recorded “Live” In Birmingham a 10 out of 10.  To purchase your copy of the video click here.    Click on the picture above to view a clip from the video.*** 

Top 5 Gospel Quartet Videos

1. Racy Brothers

There's Not A Friend

2. Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC's

Tell The Angels

3. The Memphis Harmonizers

Catch on Fire!

4. Rev. Walter Ellis & The Country Boys

Live At The Rest

5. Bill Pinkney's Gospel Drifters

What A Wonderful Change!

***The quality of the clip IS NOT indicative of the quality of the video.  Often, resolution in the picture quality is lost during placement of the clip on the Internet.  In addition, the type of computer you are using to access the Internet and the video player you are using will drastically impact the quality of the clip.