Sweet Deliverance

Originally, Sweet Deliverance began in 1976 at Oklahoma Christian by 4 young men, one of whom was Kevin Allsup. Kevin, the group’s originator, grew up in Manteca, California, where they became based in 1977. By 1978 and 3 new members later, Bob Allsup, who is Kevin’s younger brother, began singing bass for them at age 18. Bob was just in time to be part of this group’s 3rd and final recording, called “Especially For You”. In 1979, they disbanded and each member went their separate ways.

Bob had continued to live in Manteca and attended the Northside church of Christ. He and Kevin Percival, best friends since age 5, had grown up together in that congregation and had always dreamed of singing together. When Kevin returned from living in Texas where he attended Abilene Christian, they eventually began talking about that dream. By late 1989, over 10 years after the original group disbanded, they started the group Sweet Deliverance, once again. With Dave McPeak and Gary Ferguson, they made their first 3 recordings: “Welcome Home, Wayward One”, “Sweet, Sweet Spirit”, and “Take His Hand”, which marked the first time they had recorded all original music.

Though the 2nd group had achieved as much as the first, they were not nearly finished, yet. Russ Wooten joined the group to fill a gap left by Dave McPeak and they went on to record 3 more projects: “Let It Flow”, “Acappella Artists” (recorded by The Acappella Company in Paris, Tennessee), and “Walk On”. Most of the songs from these 3 recordings were original songs, written and arranged by the group themselves. In 2002, about a year before this group disbanded, they had become a quintet with the addition of Ken McAlpin, previously of the nationally-known group Acappella. These 5 members had the blessing of singing at Spirit West Coast for the first time, but never had the chance to record together.

In 2003, the group disbanded when Russ Wooten moved to Georgia, Ken McAlpin moved to Campbell, California, and Gary Ferguson stepped down. It wasn’t until 2 years later that Bob and Kevin decided to record on their own, some of the songs that they had written and were writing. When the recording was nearly complete, God sent them David Morgan, who just happened to be a worship leader at his church in Tracy and a lead singer. He stepped in and immediately recorded several of the lead parts on the unfinished project. Finally, just before they had called it a “wrap”, Gary Ferguson rejoined the group and finished the lead on the last couple of songs. In late 2006, they released their 7th recording entitled, “You’re My Rock”.

Though it has been a long road, it seems that “Sweet D” has not missed a beat. Shortly after their last release, they added another new member. Their newest member is David’s younger brother, Stephen Morgan. Both David and Stephen have an extensive singing background, as they have been singing a cappella music in their own family group for many years. Now, with six men and a new recording, they are lifting their voices for God’s glory, in full force. Looking back, it is obvious that God has seen them through good times and bad, and they know that it is He who has given them the voices to praise Him. They continue to offer Him their lives, their songs, and their voices for the encouragement and the uplifting of Christ’s church.

Discography

You're My Rock

You're My Rock I Just Want to Celebrate Thank You It's Alright God of Hope and Love The Only Way We Sing Holy I Need You Broken Heart Think About His Love Show Me Your Ways Amazing Love (You are my King)

We have just enjoyed a wonderful performance by all-male Contemporary Christian quintet Sweet Deliverance at the '08 Harmony Sweeps Bay Area Regional, which earned them a very close 2nd place finish (to winner Where's Gesualdo?). "You're My Rock" includes 8 originals by the group, Bass Bob Allsup collaborating with 1st tenor Kevin Percival on the title tune, the Beach Boys-inspired "Thank You," the rocking "It's Alright," the inspirational "God of Hope and Love" and "The Only Way," the foot-tapper "We Sing Holy," the testifying "I Need You." Allsup gets together with tenor Gary Ferguson on the final original, the touching "Broken Heart," before finishing with a very fine 3-song medley, Walt Harrah's "Think About His Love," Russell Fragar's "Show Me Your Ways" and Billy James Foote's "Amazing Love" (You are My King). Every one of these songs uplifts and celebrates the faith of these talented singers, especially their excellent original material. Treat yourself to "You're My Rock," one of the best albums we've heard this year!

Listen to You're My Rock in Real Audio.

Walk On

Jesus Is Just Alright Walk On We Were There With Her Eyes My Ship Came In Amazing Grace Open Mind, Open Bible Peace, Be Still Missionary Man His People

Listening to Sweet Deliverance's "Walk On" was a pleasant experience. This four part Christian a cappella group is blessed with harmonious talent and solid blending. Apart from "Jesus is Just Alright" and "Amazing Grace," this entire effort is all original music which is something to be proud of . The entire CD has a pop tendency, but also demonstrates the influences of jazz and doo-wop, with a speckling of reggae. The arrangements are perfectly suited to their vocal styles, giving the entire work a smooth, balanced and light authenticity. Sweet Deliverance sing with great rhythmic and lyrical inflection, focusing on the importance of the words and the message they are sending.

2212 CD $14.98

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