Month: March 2020

Mike Warnke – Coming Home – 1981

This is classic Mike Warnke, from what I would consider to be his peak era. His material from around this time was perfectly placed and timed, hilarious and poignant. His Gospel message was perfectly intertwined with his brand of comedy and fun at the expense of himself and his fellow Christians. Despite his later recanting of involvement in occultism, Mike gave us some great stuff. This album includes the classic “Saga of Dougie and Will” which provided no end of entertainment through all my junior high years. Every story has those memorable moments, quotable quips that you can say to your best friend to make them laugh with just a word or two.

It should be noted that Warnke was revealed as a liar and fraudster in 1991 by Cornerstone magazine. This recording is offered as a historic record of what was being listened to in the Christian community in the late 70’s and early 80’s.

Credits
Edited By – Brown Bannister
Liner Notes – Rose Warnke
Photography By – John Miller
Producer – Wes Yoder
Remix – Brown Bannister

Companies, etc.
Mastered At – Masterfonics

The Archers – Celebrate Live – 1980

It was 1980 at the Melodyland Theatre in Anaheim CA when The Archers recorded this live album. The title track was a new song from them and was very well received. Often a easy listening band will turn it up a notch for their concerts but I have to honestly say that The Archers you hear on their studio albums was The Archers you heard at this concert. Humorously they introduce “I’m Gonna Rise” by saying “How many of you like Rock & Roll? Does anybody like Rock & Roll?” and then proceed to do something I sure wouldn’t classify as Rock & Roll even for 1980. A guitar solo does not make a song Rock & Roll guys. That said the horns did a great job on that track. Point of trivia is that the band was introduced by John Styll who was the man that started CCM magazine.

Credits
Arranged By – Bobby Cicso, Clark Gassman, Dan Cutrona, Phil Kristianson, The Archers (3)
Backing Vocals – Stephanie Reach
Bass Guitar – Tim Jaquette
Design, Illustration – Kernie Erickson
Drums – Michael Fickling
Electric Guitar – Tony Sena
Engineer – Biff Dawes
Engineer [Second] – Billy Youdelman
Mixed By – Jack Joseph Puig
Organ [Hammond B-3], Clavinet, Keyboards [Fender Rhodes, Arp], Synthesizer – Phil Kristianson
Other [Concert Introduction] – John Styll
Percussion – Phil Bahn, Steve Archer
Photography By – Gary Null
Piano, Synthesizer, Vibraphone, Marimba – Dan Cutrona
Producer – Bill Cole (2), Steve Archer, Tim Archer
Recorded By – Filmways/Heider Recording
Saxophone, Flute – Gary Herbig
Trombone, Euphonium – Bill Reichenbach (2)
Trumpet – Charles Davis, Larry Hall
Vocals – Janice Archer Cruse, Steve Archer, Tim Archer

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Mastered At – Capitol Mastering
Recorded At – Melodyland Theatre, Anaheim

Joe English Band – Live – 1984

In my opinion this was Joe’s best album as these are the most upbeat version of these songs in his catalog. This album was recorded through the UK from at least 6 different concerts. I actually saw this tour in Canada and I remember it being much more Rock & Roll than this. I suspect that Myrrh records actually hunted out the most mellow version of these song as they could. This brings me to my criticism of this album. I don’t know about everyone else but I like Live albums so I can hear the banter between songs. This album does not include any of that. It was produced like a regular album but with live recordings. This is not what a live album is supposed to be like in my opinion. You in no way feel the concert experience from this album. So let’s be clear, this is not really a Live album by my definition.

Tracklist
1 – To Love Is To Live – 5:08
2 – Midnight Angel Choir – 4:41
3 – Dyin’ – 3:41
4 – Rio Samba – 9:24
5 – Power Of Prayer – 4:24
6 – Let Me Praise You Again – 4:38
7 – Learn To Celebrate – 4:14
8 – Get Ready – 7:05

Credits
Bass Guitar – Tim Smith
Executive Producer – Ray Nenow
Guitar, Backing Vocals – George Cocchini, Paul Brannon
Keyboards – John Lawry
Vocals, Drums, Producer – Joe English

Companies, etc.
Record Company – Word, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – A&M Records Of Canada Limited

Notes
Mobile unit by Manor, London, England and Tape 1, London, England
Recorded at Colson Hall, Bristol, England; Ulster Hall, Belfast, Ireland; Wembley Arena, Wembley, England
Mixed at Great Circle Sound, Nashville, TN and Sound Emporium, Nashville, TN

Farrell & Farrell – Let The Whole World Know (Live) – 1982

Farrell and Farrell were for the main part a easy listening/light rock band but this live album offers a hint to their ability to do some Rock and Roll. Recorded live at the Civic Center Music Hall in Oklahoma City this concert sounds like it was great. I normally wouldn’t normally listen to a Farrell and Farrell very many times but honestly this album is on my regular listening rotation. I actually wish I had been at this concert. Something that most would be surprised to hear me say given my penchant for Rock & Roll. So if you think Farrell and Farrell are a little to easy listening for you give this album a listen, you might be pleasantly surprised. Point of trivia about this album is that it was in part produced by Eddie DeGarmo which probably gives it the sound that I like it so much.

 

Title
1 – All You Need
2 – Let the Whole World Know
3 – After All Those Years
4 – Boundless Love
5 – Make Me Ready
6 – No Need
7 – Homesick Soldier
8 – You Keep Me Holdin’ On
9 – Jailhouse Rock
10 – Let the Whole World Know (Reprise)

Credits
Member Role
Leonard Ahlstrom Songwriter, Electric Guitar, Background Vocals
Brown Bannister Songwriter
John T. Benson Songwriter
Dan Brock Producer
Eddie DeGarmo Producer
Mike Demus Songwriter, Electric Guitar, Piano, Prophet V
Nancy Demus Bass, Background Vocals
Bob Farrell Producer, Songwriter, Acoustic Guitar, OBX, Percussion, Lead Vocals
Jayne Farrell Lead Vocals
Scott Hutsel Rhodes Piano, Arp Axe, Arp Pro, Arp Omni, Moog, Soloist
Alice Keister Songwriter
Shane Keister Songwriter
Bill Landers Songwriter
Dennis Louwen Songwriter
Tim Sheppard Songwriter
Lynn Williams Drums

Twila Paris – Kingdom Seekers – 1985

This was Twila’s fourth album and her first with Star Song. Twila had made a name for herself as far as female vocalists were concerned. Her previous albums had 7 charting singles but this album dominated the charts after it’s release. It had 5 singles with songs peaking at #1, #2, #10, #20, and #32. The lead single, Runner, made it to #1 and was at that position for 9 weeks. It also sat on the charts for 26 weeks, yes 6 months. This has to be one of the most successful CCM albums of all time. I don’t have any stats in front of me but wow, this was an impressive album. The albums had a few different covers, the first and most common was a picture of a golden path to a castle. Subsequent ones featured Twila’a picture. The first was ugly in my opinion and here’s a hint to any aspiring record companies. Put the pretty girl on the cover!!! This is a tried and true method to improve sales. One small piece of trivia on the album is that Twila’s little sister, Starla Paris, sang backup on Runner.

Tracklist
1 – Runner – 4:02
2 – Center Of Your Will – 4:33
3 – Tellin’ The Truth – 4:12
4 – Language Of Disciples – 3:40
5 – Lamb Of God – 4:04
6 – The Child Inside You – 4:04
7 – Breaking My Heart – 3:19
8 – It All Goes Back – 3:51
9 – Release Of The Spirit – 2:10
10 – He Is Exalted – 3:37
11 – Faithful Men – 3:24

Credits
Arranged By – Carl Marsh
Backing Vocals – Starla Paris
Bass Guitar – Leon Gaer
Drums – Keith Edwards
Electric Guitar – Marty Walsh
Keyboards – Carl Marsh
Mastered By – Bernie Grundman
Percussion – Alex MacDougall
Producer – Jonathan David Brown
Songwriter, Backing Vocals – Twila Paris
Synthesizer – Rhett Lawrence

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Star Song Records
Copyright (c) – Star Song Records
Copyright (c) – StraightWay Music
Pressed By – Electrosound Los Angeles – 27059

Isaac Air Freight – In The Air – On The Air – 1979

Presented without any theological commentary, as usual. These albums were a lot of fun to listen to, and hearing the jokes again, and the great comedic performances is a great trip down memory lane.Still fun to listen to now.

Tracklist
1 – Celebrity Cornered – 3:21
2 – P-R-A-Y-E-R – 0:56
3 – Battle Of Invisible Empires – Front Desk Angel – 5:52
4 – Battle Of Invisible Empires – Demon’s Dilemma – 4:34
5 – Lucifer Son Shield – 1:39
6 – The Day After Tomorrow Show – 7:45
7 – The Test – 1:09
8 – Limited Offer – 1:10
9 – The Saving Game – 6:54
10 – Editorial Reply – 2:28
11 – Return Of Christ – 2:25
12 – Prodigal Joe – 13:12

Credits
Art Direction – Neal Buchanan
Engineer – Chris Taylor
Engineer [Assistant] – Thom Roy
Executive-Producer – Tom Coomes
Illustration, Graphics [Logo] – Tim Barela
Mastered By – Bernie Grundman
Mixed By – Chris Taylor
Musician – Darrel Cook, Gabriel Katona, Hadley Hockensmith, Jerry Chamberlain, Keith Edwards, Phil Kristianson
Performer – Dan Rupple, Dave Toole, Mitch Teemley
Photography By [Back Cover] – David J. Pavol
Photography By [Insert] – Tom Obbema
Producer – Dan Rupple, Dave Toole
Producer [Music] – Tom Coomes
Vocals – Bruce Hibbard, Erick Nelson, John Fowler, Lisa Wickham, Mitch Teemley, Tom Coomes
Voice [Additional] – Bob Bennett, Cathy Toole, Harold Taylor, Jim Coye, John Fowler, Larry Watt, Peggy Rupple, The Wheezer Cheesers, Tom Stipe, Wally Grant

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Maranatha! Music
Copyright (c) – Maranatha! Music
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Pressed By – Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Santa Maria
Recorded At – Maranatha! Studio
Mastered At – A&M Mastering Studios

Neon Cross – Neon Cross – 1988

Neon Cross formed in 1984 in Hollywood CA. They produced a five song demo called Frontline Life and then in 1987 they recorded 2 tracks for the California Metal compilation album. The reception must have been good because Regency Records signed them to a record deal that same year and this album came out of that contract. This was their only album in the 80’s but they did get together again in 1995 to release a second album. While they were a Glam Metal band the album has a little more talent than the average Band in this category. I actually find the production to be excellent considering they produced it themselves. Of course the mix being done by Dino Elephante probably helped a lot. Point of trivia is that John Elephante provided some background vocals for the album.

Tracklist
1 – Heartbreaker – 3:45
2 – Frontline Life – 3:31
3 – We Are The Children (Of Our Lord) – 4:40
4 – On The Rock – 2:41
5 – I’m Not Alone – 5:57
6 – Right Time – 4:09
7 – Run Into The Light – 4:30
8 – Far Cry (From Eden) – 4:33
9 – Outta The Way – 3:50
10 – Victory – 4:04

Credits
Backing Vocals – Bob Carlisle, Cherrie Mancaruso, Donna Rood, John Elephante
Bass – Ed Ott
Drums – Michael Betts
Engineer, Mixed By – Dino Elephante
Engineer, Mixed By, Programmed By [Computer Programming] – Mike Mierau
Executive-Producer – David Malme, John Moore
Guitar – Don Webster
Illustration – Greg Zook
Musician [Additional] – Chris Unruh, P.K. Mitchell
Photography – Eric Schmitty
Producer – Neon Cross
Producer, Engineer – Ron Capone
Vocals – David Raymond Reeves

Companies, etc.
Mixed At – Pakaderm Studios
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Regency Records
Copyright (c) – Regency Records

Candy Hemphill – Candy – 1982

This was Candy’s first solo album. She started her music career in her family band who had great success with 13 albums and 6 Dove awards. In the mid 70’s she started a band called Heirloom but they never released an album. That brings us to 1982 when Candy finally got her own record deal and this album is the result. At this point in history all the labels were looking for the next Amy Grant and Candy fit that search. Now I am going to cause some controversy because I think Candy is a better vocalist than Amy. I’m kind of confused as to why she didn’t have a lot more success. That said this album did spawn a single, In A Different Light, but it only made it to #28 on the CCM charts. The best part of this album for me are that there are a couple of country tracks on the album that are very good and could easily be released today. It’s a traditional country but it’s very well done.

Tracklist
1 – In A Different Light – 2:41
2 – The Shepherd – 3:04
3 – The Only Real Peace – 3:31
4 – Cast Your Bread Upon The Water – 3:15
5 – I’m Gonna Hold On To You – 2:49
6 – I’m Yours Now – 3:51
7 – Hold Fast To The Right – 3:17
8 – I Am Not Along – 3:09
9 – The Rock That Never Rolls – 2:37
10 – Make Yourself At Home (In My Heart) – 2:56

Credits
Backing Vocals – Bill Beld, Caroline Traylor, Diane Tidwell, Joel Hemphill, Julie Mouser, Labreeska Hemphill, Lisa Silver, Norman Holland, Sheri Huffman, The Cherry Sisters, Trudy Barker Bass – Jack Williams, Steve Schaffer Guitar – Billy Sanford, Bobby Thompson, Pete Bordonali Keyboards – Bobby Wood, Hargus “Pig” Robbins, Shane Keister
Percussion – Jerry Carrigan, Kenny Malone
Steel Guitar – Pete Wade
Strings – The Nashville String Machine

John Fischer – Naphtali – 1976

John Fischer is known for the quantity of quality albums he released. This 1976 release relied strongly on scripture. On this album five tracks directly quote scripture which was very well received by his audience. Many considered this a Jesus Music album but it is just too Easy Listening for me to categorize it that way. Bottom line, it’s an excellent album if you like this style of music. John truly is an excellent singer/songwriter.

Tracklist
1 – Naphtali – 6:36
2 – We Are His Workmanship – 3:50
3 – Don’t Veil The Door – 3:36
4 – Work Out The Life – 2:48
5 – Naphtali Arise – 2:51
6 – Angel’s Song – 3:38
7 – Mary & Joseph – 4:25
8 – Song For The Good Times – 3:44
9 – Live In The Power – 4:53
10 – Arise My Beloved – 4:01

Credits
Arranged By – Clark Gassman
Artwork, Design – Jim Lamb
Backing Vocals – Dan Collins, Walt Harrah
Bass – Reinie Press
Drums – Hal Blaine, Ron Tutt
Engineer – Jerry Barnes
Guitar – Dean Parks, Jay Graydon
Guitar, Keyboards – John Fischer
Keyboards – Clark Gassman, Joe Sample
Percussion – Joe Piccaro
Producer – Dan Collins
Steel Guitar – Al Perkins

Companies, etc.
Record Company – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Recorded At – United Western Studios

The Call – Reconciled – 1986

This was the 4th album from The Call. The previous 3 were relatively well received but this album was the real break out album for them. I am surprised by the number of CCM fans that do not know that The Call was a band of Christians. They weren’t a Christian Band per say but a band of Christians who did secular music. But if you really listen it’s secular music with Christian undertones. Of course the great single off the album is I Still Believe. The song has been covered by many including Russ Taff. While I was researching The Call I found a quote from Michael Been that sums up a lot of how I felt about CCM music in the 80’s;

“I [wish] Christian musicians wrote more about their life experiences instead of trying to be so ‘on the nose’ with spiritual language. It doesn’t give people room to be who they are at the stage they’re at in life. I like to write with the feel of parables, not in strict language. I’m attracted to people who tell me a story, and then I see what it stirs up in my own life. But putting Psalms to music? Taking 30 lines from the Bible for a song? That’s why I like religious books, for instance, rather than books on religion.”

Tracklist
1 – Everywhere I Go – 4:18
2 – I Still Believe (Great Design) – 5:30
3 – Blood Red (America) – 3:42
4 – The Morning – 4:40
5 – Oklahoma – 4:18
6 – With Or Without Reason – 4:02
7 – Sanctuary – 3:57
8 – Tore The Old Place Down – 4:12
9 – Even Now – 4:37

Credits
Art Direction – Carol Friedman
Design – Janet Perr
Drum Programming – Jimmy Bralower
Drums, Vocals – Scott Musick
Engineer – Rob Eaton
Engineer [Assistant] – Don Rodenbach, Eric Mohler
Guitar, Vocals – Tom Ferrier
Keyboards, Vocals – Jim Goodwin
Management – Gary Heaton
Mastered By – Jack Skinner
Mastered By [Cd] – Barry Diament
Other [Photography Research] – Carol Been
Producer – The Call
Producer, Written-By, Bass, Guitar, Lead Vocals – Michael Been
Programmed By [Keyboards] – Jeff Bova
Written-By – Jim Goodwin (tracks: 2, 8)

Companies, etc.
Manufactured By – Victor Company Of Japan, Ltd.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Elektra/Asylum Records
Copyright (c) – Elektra/Asylum Records
Recorded At – Power Station
Mastered At – Sterling Sound