History:

S.P. Foundation was a folk rock band founded in 1970 at St. Paul’s Church in Weirton, West Virginia. The original lineup consisted of four teenagers that attended the church. These teenagers included Don Baker on acoustic guitar and vocals, Paula DeFebbo on 12-string acoustic guitar and vocals, Kathy Barnabei on vocals, and John Larch on bass guitar and acoustic guitar. The band began performing at the church and were soon joined by Larry Brown, an associate pastor at the church. He joined the band on drums.

After nearly two years of performing live in churches, the group set out to record an album. The S.P. Foundation released “Alive At The Sanctuary” in late 1971. The album appears to have been recorded in their church, hence the echoey production and lo-fi drumming. The album contains no original material from the band and sticks to a mix of soft folk rock and acoustic material. 

A few lineup changes occurred in 1972. John Larch departed the band, leaving them without a bassist. Kathy Barnabei began playing acoustic rhythm guitar to help fill the void in their sound. As well, Paula DeFebbo began playing piano and asserting control over the group’s material. She soon began writing new songs for their next album.

In 1973, S.P. Foundation released their second and final album simply titled “S.P. Foundation”. This album was recorded in a professional studio in Pittsburgh which allowed for musical experimentation and overdubbing. This recording is pure folk rock with some Indian raga and hippie influences. Half of the albums tracks are original, with four of them being written by DeFebbo. The opening track “Freedom” was written by Baker, the psychedelic folk tune “I Live By Your Rule” was penned by Barnabei, and all three co-wrote the “Medley” tune on Side A. More percussion was also used on this album compared to their last. 

After this release, the band’s footprint disappears. Larry Brown was later credibly accused of abuse in the church. He was stripped of his duties in the 1980's. Perhaps that had something to do with the group breaking up. He died in 1993. Don Baker went on to become a firefighter for over four decades and is still alive in West Virginia. I believe both Barnabei and DeFebbo have since passed.

Reviews:

Alive At The Sanctuary (1971, Not On Label)

Rating: 5/10

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Average downer folk rock / acoustic folk minus the creativity and enthusiasm put into their second album. Couple of nice dark ballads on Side A. 

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.