Ephraim were a 5 piece band out of Minnesota and this sums up everything I know about them. This was their only album and none of its members ever appeared to go on and do anything recorded. So let’s move on to the album. It’s great!!! As far as format goes it is your typical Jesus music album but very well done. It has the usual assortment of Rock, Country, Bluegrass and a funk tune mixed in for good measure. Quite frankly it’s so well done I am amazed I have never heard of these guys. The album appears to have been a very limited release so I guess that’s the reason but surely someone at the big CCM labels heard this album. Anyway if you’re a fan of early Daniel Amos I think you’ll love this album. Oh and the cover is excellent!!!
Tracklist
1 – Long Hard Ride
2 – Round Like A Donut
3 – He Loves Me
4 – Closed On Sunday
5 – He’s the One
6 – Night Life
7 – The River Song
8 – The Lone Ranger
9 – Breakdown
10 – Psalm 117
Credits
Bass – Dean Nelson
Drums, Percussion – Rick Naylor
Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Percussion, Twelve-String Guitar – John “Woody” Manias
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Lead Guitar, Classical Guitar – Daren John Hastings
Piano, Synthesizer, Organ, Harmonica, Percussion, Backing Vocals – Tim Oberg
Anyone know how I can get their album . . . I don’t have a record player, but might get one and start collect LPs again if I can obtain this one. I remember listening to it back then. Absolutely loved it/them. I assume it was never released on CD.
Mark Wernimont
markw@co.mower.mn.us
I am the sister of the lead singer, Daren Hastings. Actually the high voice on the harmonies on this song is me, though whoever the author is did not credit me. I AM listed on the back of the album. You can contact Daren Hastings at: djhastings@comcast.net I believe they have several albums left.
thanks for sharing. I was trying to get a hold of someone who was part of the band. I do a Jesus Music podcast and want to do a couple of episodes focusing on Minnesota groups. call if you might have any info to share on the history of the group. dave 320-761-1632
David, I helped operate a Christian Coffeehouse in Rochester, MN back in the late 1970’s, early 80’s. It was called the Lighthouse. When Ephraim came, they packed the place out. There were a couple more bands that filled it up too, but I think Ephraim had the biggest crowd (we were probably well above the fire capacity). I was fortunate enough to get their album at that time. I wish it was available on Apple so I could put it on my phone. I have a combo turntable and CD player, and hope to make a CD, and then transfer to my phone. Hopefully Apple won’t delete it.
I just finished watching A Band Called Love Song, and it brought back memories of my time at the Lighthouse. I sent a note to a bunch of my friends here in North Carolina about the show, and also included links to Ephraim.
There were a couple of other groups I wish I could get music from. Daylight, and Jerry Esno’s Original Country Gospel Blues Band. They were really good too.
I hope you were able to get an episode of Ephraim on your podcast.
Terry Jorgenson