Staff Report
An award-winning gospel quartet will bring its joyous harmonies and infectious energy to the Santa Ynez Valley when the Sons of the Soul Revivers perform Saturday evening, June 16, in Los Olivos.
“The Sons” were named Best Gospel Quartet at the BMA Bay Area Gospel Music Awards in April and recently released a critically acclaimed CD, “Live! At Rancho Nicasio.”
“Occasionally a recording appears that is captivating from the first note. That is the case with the new release,” wrote Robert H. Cataliotti when reviewing the album for “Living Blues.”
“The blend of voices that the Morgan brothers achieve is filled with hearfelt exuberance and soulful power,” he added.
The group also was a hit at the 2017 Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland.
“Incredible. I couldn’t stop moving and neither could the audience. SSRs had everyone on their feet, moving, their entire set. They took us to church and then some,” said the festival’s assistant artistic director, Erika Olsen.
The group was formed in 1970 when three brothers — Walter Jr., James and Dwayne Morgan — decided to carry on the legacy of their father’s group, the Soul Revivers, from the 1960s.
“Live! At Rancho Nicasio” was recorded on the Little Village Foundation label, which was created by blues keyboardist Jim Pugh of Los Olivos, and the 7:30 p.m. concert at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church is “in honor of” the foundation, group members said.
The group will also perform at 11 a.m. the following day, June 17, at the Live Oak Music Festival at Live Oak Campground near Lake Cachuma.
The Little Village Foundation, funded entirely by donations, is dedicated to discovering worthy American musicians and helping them record their music. The foundation provides studio time, production services, and 1,000 CDs to each of its groups, all for free.
St. Mark’s is at 2901 Nojoqui Ave. in Los Olivos. Tickets for the show cost $20 and $10 for students, available at the door.
For more information go to LittleVillageFoundation.com, search Facebook for The Sons of the Soul Revivers, or email jim@littlevillagefoundation.com.
