History:

The S.P. Foundation was a church Folk group from Weirton, West Virginia. They were formed at St. Peter's Church in Weirton. Though they were merely another of many "hip" youth for christ groups, the S.P. Foundation actually recorded universally excellent music. The outfit was initially a quartet, guitarist Don Baker, vocalist Kathy Barnabei, singer-songwriter Paula DeFebbo, and bassist John Larch. This quartet was aided by Rev. Larry Brown in structuring their sound (as well as playing drums and joining the group). 

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This lineup recorded and released the group's first album in 1971: "Alive At The Sanctuary". The song choice was more contemporary than the group's sequel album, but the sound was not. The album features a very raw and haphazard production. After this album, bassist John Larch left the group and Kathy Barnabei contributed more to the group. She began composing more songs, and began playing guitar as well as piano. 

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The group toured around West Virginia and the surrounding states when they decided to return to the studio in 1973. They recorded this affair in Pittsburgh at Fox Studios (a much more reputable studio compared to the local one they used on their first album). The music on the group's second album (merely titled) "S.P. Foundation", is regarded as both "beautiful" and "hypnotic". The group utilized a unique layering of 12-String and 6-string Acoustic Guitars. Reminded me of a light, thinner "wall of sound". This album is regarded as much superior than their previous.

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All information about the group ends here. Nobody knows what happened to the group members, but the church appears to be no longer active in the community (unless it converted to the AME Church, which I doubt). 

Reviews:

Alive At The Sanctuary (1971, Not On Label)

Rating: 5/10

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Average Christian folk rock minus the creativity and enthusiasm put into their second album.

S.P. Foundation (1973, Not On Label)

Rating: 8/10

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Really cool gospel record. Sort of derivative but the sound is so breezy it works. Solid drumming throughout, mystical guitar playing, and pleasant vocal harmonies. Neat album all around. I once deemed this "the greatest Christian Folk-Psych album I have ever listened to". I've come across some better ones but this album is still up there. The creativity on this album is evident due to the even split of originals and covers; 7 each.