Month: October 2021

Deliverance – River Disturbance – 1994

Deliverance returns with their 6th album and it continues their more commercial thrash sound. Actually there are several tracks that aren’t thrash at all and are better described as Grunge. Though Deliverance had been developing this sound for a couple of albums they perfected it on this one. This is probably due in part to the all-star team helping behind the mixing board. Gene Eugene mixed the album and also produced it along with Ojo Taylor and Terry Taylor . There was certainly no shortage of talent both in front of and behind the mixer. It was reissued in 2007 by Retroactive Records with 4 bonus tracks (included in our playlist) and a different cover. Track 10 “I Thought” was a previously unreleased track. Track 11 “On The Fritz” is their cover of a Steve Taylor song that was released on the Steve Taylor tribute album “I Predict A Clone”. Track 12 is a rather odd remix of “Belltown” which I’m betting people either love or hate, I doubt there’s much wiggle room on an opinion. Finally they added a track of founding member Jimmy P. Brown talking about the album. Interestingly the album name comes from a C.S. Lewis quote “how the believer is able to find peace within the river disturbance”. Deliverance was bringing something new to CCM music and though it’s not my preferred style it is well done and worth listening to.

Tracklist
1 – Belltown – 4:39
2 – After I Fell – 4:22
3 – River Disturbance – 6:36
4 – Now & Then – 4:33
5 – Speed Of Light – 4:54
6 – A Little Sleep – 3:44
7 – Map – 4:52
8 – You Still Smile – 7:06
9 – Breathing Still – 8:01
Bonus Tracks
10 – I Thought – 3:33
11 – On The Fritz – 3:35
12 – Belltown (Hyper Remix) – 5:04
13 – A Word From Jimmy P. Brown (Spoken) – 12:08

Credits
Arranged By [All Songs] – Jimmy P. Brown II, Terry Taylor
Bass [5-String & Fretless] – Manny Morales
Design, Layout – Court Patton, Tom Patton
Drums, Percussion – Jeff Mason, Jon Knox
Edited By – Dave Hackbarth
Engineer [2nd] – Mark Rodriguez
Executive-Producer – Gene Eugene, Ojo Taylor
Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Guitar [Treatments], Guitar [Noise Guitar] – Jonathan Maddux
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar [Where Noted], Keyboards, Twelve-String Guitar – Jimmy P. Brown II
Mastered By – Chris Bellman
Mixed By – Gene Eugene
Photography By – Lia Lavaggi
Piano – Gene Eugene
Producer [Produced By] – Jimmy P. Brown II, Terry Taylor
Recorded By – Gene Eugene, Terry Taylor

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Brainstorm Artists International
Copyright © – Brainstorm Artists International
Distributed By – Diamante Music Group
Produced For – Stunt Productions
Recorded At – The Green Room
Mixed At – The Mixing Lab
Mastered At – Bernie Grundman Mastering
Published By – River Disturbance Music
Published By – B-1 Music
Published By – Chenka, Chenka Music
Pressed By – Disctronics USA – 127988

Seawind – Light The Light – 1979

Seawind’s “Light the Light” broke through the Christian and mainstream world with original rhythms, world class horn section, Pauline Wilson’s piercing, soulful voice and a collection of musicians that are comparable to no one. Added to that, a very strong selection of songs and killer production. Many of the band members would later be the driving force behind the epic CCM band, The Front. The horn section would play with everyone Michael Jackson to George Benson. Formed in Hawaii, the island theme would show itself throughout along with soul, funk, jazz, disco (they would later score a charting disco hit) and world music. The album starts off with a monster hit, “Hold On to Love.” More progressive Christian radio stations (like KYMS) added them to their playlist, helping them garner the following in the Christian music circles at the time. “Free” pre-dated Gloria Estefan by nearly a decade, but the sound created here would later be a forefront of the Miami music sound of the 80’s. Cool, smooth and yet rhythmically funky. Bass lines driving Larry Williams great keyboard work and Wilson’s powerful voice. It’s also one of the most Biblical Worldview enhanced songs on the album. The sound throughout is consistent and unforgettable. Bob and Pauline Wilson would later do a solo project that will be discussed later.

Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/

Tracklist
1 – Hold On To Love – 4:23
2 – Free – 4:21
3 – Sound Rainbow – 3:47
4 – Follow Your Road – 5:43
5 – Light The Light – 3:33
6 – Morning Star – 5:23
7 – Imagine – 4:10
8 – Enchanted Dance – 5:06

Credits
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Flute [Alto], Electronic Wind Instrument [Computone Wind Synthesizer] – Kim Hutchcroft
Bass – Ken Wild
Drums [Pearl] – Bob Wilson
Guitar – Bud Nuanez
Keyboards [Oberheim Polyphonic, Prophet 5, Mini-moog], Saxophone [Tenor], Flute, Piccolo Flute – Larry Williams
Mixed By – Al Schmitt
Producer – Tommy LiPuma
Recorded By – Al Schmitt, Armin Steiner
Trumpet, Flugelhorn, French Horn – Jerry Hey
Vocals – Pauline Wilson
Written-By – Bob Wilson

Companies, etc.
Record Company – Horizon Records & Tapes
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – A&M Records, Inc.
Copyright © – A&M Records, Inc.
Published By – Seawind Music Inc.
Published By – Sojourn Music
Mastered At – The Mastering Lab

Jan Groth – Circle Of Love – 1982

This was Jan’s second album and his first released outside of Norway. He was picked up in North America by tiny label Pilgrim America and in the U.K. by Marshalls. It was recorded in Nashville and they used the Joe English band, including Joe English, for the backing band. Someone important must have helped put this together as Jan was a relatively unknown at this point. Sometimes I would just love to hear how projects like this came together. The album has an early 80’s Pop feel and is a little heavy on Easy Listening tracks. Considering what Jan would do in the future it’s a pretty mellow album. But at this point in his career I suspect the record labels were pretty well dictating what he would do. Anyway it’s a good album and deserves a listen.

Tracklist
1 – So Glad – 2:57
2 – The King Has Come – 3:16
3 – Circle Of Love – 3:37
4 – Wait For Me – 3:19
5 – Take Me – 3:36
6 – Peace Like A River – 4:25
7 – Count On Me – 3:34
8 – Shine Your Light – 4:35
9 – I’m All Alone – 3:39
10 – He Really Loves You – 3:11

Credits
Backing Vocals – Carolyn Brandt, Donna Gillie, Mo James, Pam Wolfe, Scott Roley, Suzy Mac, Tom Douglas
Bass – Tim Smith
Drums, Backing Vocals – Joe English
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Paul Brannon
Executive Producer – Ray Nenow
Guitar, Slide Guitar – George Cocchini
Horns – Harvey Thompson, Jay Coble, Mike Haynes, Ronnie Eades
Keyboards – John Lawry
Percussion – Mike Feller
Producer – Joe English, Ray Nenow
Vocals, Backing Vocals – Jan Groth

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Pilgrim Records (2)
Copyright © – Jan Groth Music
Published By – Jan Groth Music
Recorded At – Master’s Touch

Fortress – Hands In The Till – 1981

I’m guessing you didn’t know that 3 members of Darrell Mansfield’s early 80’s band came together with Jim West to put out an album. Producer Freddie Piro cut the album and started shopping it around. Atlantic records jumped at the album and here it is. The album has Christian songs on it so I find it a little odd that Atlantic grabbed it. Anyway it was released with no fanfare and did appropriately well and this was the last we heard from Fortress. I doubt it was helped by the Christian overtones and the outright Christian track “Back On The Path”. I really wish a Christian label had grabbed this album. I’m guessing that almost none of you ever heard this album which is a real pity because the album is actually really good. Eric’s guitar work reflects his style of that era though you won’t feel any Darrell Mansfield influences. This is a straight up commercial sounding album that I stumbled on and boy am I glad I did. You have to at least give the first track a listen which was also the single.

Tracklist
1 – Hands In The Till – 3:20
2 – How Do I Exist – 3:42
3 – Comin’ After You – 3:46
4 – Requiem – 4:25
5 – Kisses – 3:51
6 – Let’s Do It Again – 3:24
7 – Breakin’ Free – 4:31
8 – Carry Me Back – 4:05
9 – Back On The Path – 5:16
10 – Mystery – 3:51

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Snuffy Walden
Bass, Backing Vocals – Charlie Souza
Coordinator [Production] – Teri Piro
Drums, Percussion – Donny Vosburgh
Guitar, Backing Vocals – Eric Turner
Illustration – Tina Nichols
Illustration [Concept], Producer – Freddie Piro
Keyboards – Gabriel Katona
Keyboards [Additional] – Duane Hitchings, Rich Gibbs
Layout [Back Cover], Design [Logo] – Dan Lienart
Mixed By, Recorded By, Percussion [Additional] – Larry Brown
Mixed By, Recorded By, Producer [Additional] – Win Kutz
Percussion [Additional], Producer – Larry Brown
Photography By – David Alexander
Vocals [Additional] – Gary Falcone, Ronn Price
Vocals, Backing Vocals – Jim West

Companies, etc.
Record Company – Atlantic Recording Corporation
Record Company – Warner Communications
Manufactured By – Atlantic Recording Corporation
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Atlantic
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Atlantic Recording Corporation
Copyright © – Atlantic Recording Corporation
Pressed By – Specialty Records Corporation
Published By – Piro Music
Published By – Base Ball Music
Published By – Piccasso Publishing Company
Published By – Rubicon Music (2)
Recorded At – Mama Jo’s
Recorded At – The Pasha Music House
Mixed At – Mama Jo’s
Mastered At – The Mastering Lab

September – September First – 1981

I remember when I was first hired at the Pink Lady Christian bookstore I kept seeing this album in the demo LP section and never bothered to listen to it because the cover looked liked a late 70’s adult contemporary cover. That was my loss. September was a band comprised of three siblings, Russ, Dale and Doug Kirkland. Their music output lasted three decades with seven releases that maneuvered in and out of the current musical landscape of the time. This was their finest work. Fans of Servant, Anthem, Prodigal and the more progressive edge of CCM at the time will find much here to appreciate. The album starts off with “Prelude/Jester” a more than 6 minute song that if I only gave it the first two minutes (Prelude) it may have not made it into my consistent musical rotation. Prelude sounds like the album cover looks, but it is when “Jester” kicks in that every about the album (and the band) changed for me. Where “Prelude” sounded similar to Annie Herring, “Jester” was much more Prodigal and Barnabas. Great transition and killer guitar work! “Why Did I Wait” has touches of Farrell and Farrell and Seawind, but with a heavy rock tinge as the guitar solo kicks in. Fans of Jesus Music band, Parable,” will be very please with what they hear here. Again, like “Jester,” the guitar work here is fantastic. The more I listen the more I hear Parable’s “The City.” “Can’t Be Right” is way more Ambrosia and even Steely Dan than the rest of the album. Fans of the Prodigal debut along with the Doobie Brothers will really appreciate this song. There are a few straight ahead CCM radio songs that will remind listeners of The Archers and Second Chapter of Acts. Unfortunately, Christian radio just didn’t jump on what was an independent release, though it did receive moderate distribution. The album has become a pretty sought after vinyl collectors item, for a good reason.

Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/

Tracklist
1 – Prelude / Jester – 6:07
2 – Relate It To Me – 3:23
3 – Why Did I Wait – 5:17
4 – Can’t Be Right – 4:17
5 – I Owe You Everything – 3:23
6 – Sorry – 4:36
7 – Empty Love – 3:52
8 – Island Song – 3:29
9 – Hallelujah – 3:17

Credits
Carl Albrecht – Drums, Percussion
Wayne Boosahda – Producer
Jim Bullard – Bass
Doug Flagg – Drums
John Hayes – Guitars
James Hollihan – Guitars
Billie Kessler – Recording Engineer
Kent Kesterson – Engineer
Doug Kirkland – Vocals
Russ Kirkland – Songwriter, Piano, Minimoog, Rhodes, Prophet 5, Organ, Vocals
Michael James Murphy – Songwriter
Jan Parker – English Horn, Oboe
Scott Payne – Guitars
Dan Peek – Production Assistance, Guitars, Percussion
Steve Peistrup – Assistant Engineer
Bobby Price – Songwriter
Darwin Seidel – Bass
Curt Taipale – Engineer, Mixed
Dale Kirland Tiemann – Piano, Organ, Vocals
Bobby Wilson – Songwriter

Dave Kelly – Crowning Of A Simple Man – 1980

Dave Kelly was a member of a great band called “Ark” that released one incredible album that will be featured later on this list. Ark was a wonderful band that escaped the attention of most fans but critics loved for very good reason. Dave Kelly was an integral part of Ark and his songwriting prowess shows on this solo debut. Fans of British pop will love it immediately with a Beatlesque quality and an overall sound comparable to Alwyn Wall and Cliff Richard. Very catchy hooks and memorable melodies from start to finish and a message that was upfront but without a “preachy” quality to it. The albums closer is worth a mention here. A Scottish inspired acoustic number with violin and bagpipes accentuate a story of kings and dragons and knights in a castle. Lyrically sounding like something Kemper Crabb may have written, but musically closer to Van Morrison. All the imagery points to the redemptive work of Christ. Anyone even remotely interested in the early days of CCM in England and the influence of the birth of a more legitimate musical expression in the states should try and obtain a copy of this great album.

Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/

Tracklist
1 – King of Love 02:39
2 – God Knows 03:46
3 – Tonight 02:25
4 – Turn Your Back 02:49
5 – Dead Or Alive 02:13
6 – Trouble 02:49
7 – Love Night and Day 01:56
8 – Supernatural Man 02:21
9 – Sandy 02:19
10 – Ballad of J.C. 02:32

Credits
Background Vocals – Mary Russell, Mona Lisa Young
Bagpipes – Alex McGilvery
Bass – Dennis Belfield
Drums – Jim Keltner
Harmony Vocals – Jim Seatter
Lead Guitar – Billy Joe Walker
Lead Vocals, Acoustic and Electric Guitar – Dave Kelly
Organ, Piano, Background Vocals – Terry Young
Penny Whistle, Fiddle – Stewart Hamilton
Prophet Synthesizer – Dale Ocherman

Darrell Mansfield Band – People Get Ready – 2009

This album was also released an a DVD video release. It was recorded on February 7, 2009 at the Orange County Pavilion in California. The title track from this album is my favourite track from Darrell ever and I’ve watched the video (It’s on YouTube) at least 1000 times. Darrell and Eric (Turner) were on it this night in fact of all the live albums Darrell has released I think this is his best one. He covers some of his biggest hits dating all the way back to “Jerusalem” from his Gentle Faith days. He also performs several secular songs including his expanded version of Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower”. This is a must listen if you’re a fan of Darrell and in my opinion is probably his best album ever.

Tracklist
1 – The Mission – 5:08
2 – Got To Be a Change – 4:43
3 – Walk with Me Jesus – 6:10
4 – Stand by Me – 10:59
5 – Tell the Truth – 5:28
6 – Jerusalem – 4:13
7 – Million Dollar Feeling – 6:32
8 – Born To Be Wild – 4:34
9 – Walkin’ Blues – 5:43
10 – Crossroads – 7:03
11 – People Get Ready – 5:27
12 – All Along the Watchtower – 12:54

Credits
Lead Vocals. Harmoninca – Darrell Mansfield
Guitars, Vocals – Eric Turner
Drums – Mitch Ross
Bass – Rick Baptista
Keyboards – Raphael Degiorgio
Bass – Jonny Ray Bartel
Lead Guitar – Kenny Hale
Harmonica – Larry David Cohen
Percussion – Josh Schreiner
Vocals – Dexter Espinoza
Saxophone – Greg Vail

Vengeance Rising – Destruction Comes – 1991

This is the third album from Vengeance Rising and at this point the only original member left in the band was Roger Martinez who apparently was very difficult to work with. Joining him on this album are Derek Sean who worked with Mortification, and Chris Hyde the former drummer of Deliverance and Holy Soldier. Neither of them made it onto the next album almost confirming that Martinez was in fact nuts. I will cover his bizarre behaviour in the late 90’sd when I review their next and last album. As for the album it’s a rather typical thrash album. Other reviewers have panned it as having poor production but I’ll be honest I have no idea how you can tell as it all sounds like screaming and strumming to me.

Tracklist
1 – You Can’t Stop It – 3:13
2 – The Rising – 5:11
3 – Before The Time – 2:57
4 – The Sword – 3:15
5 – He Don’t Own Nothing – 3:07
6 – Countless Corpses – 5:31
7 – Thanatos – 5:04
8 – You Will Bow – 4:09
9 – Hyde Under Pressure – 1:08
10 – Raegoul – 6:51

Credits
Bass – Roger Martinez
Drums – Chris Hyde
Engineer [Assistant] – Brandon Harris, Craig Brock
Engineer [Tracking] – Doug Beiden
Engineer, Mixed By – Gil Morales
Guitar – Derek Sean, Roger Martinez
Mastered By – Eddie Schryer
Producer, Mixed By – Roger Martinez
Synthesizer – Roger Martinez
Vocals – Roger Martinez

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Intense Records
Copyright © – Intense Records
Distributed By – FMG Distribution
Mixed At – Conway Studios
Mastered At – Future Disc
Engineered At – Mixing Lab B
Glass Mastered at – Nimbus, Virginia

Sandi Patti – Morning Like This – 1986

As regular readers of this and the previous blog can attest, Adult Contemporary and Inspirational titles do not find themselves here very often. The album itself has to be more than just a collection of praise and worship, hymns and traditional gospel favorites. Something has to set the album apart more than just possibly the greatest voice on the planet. Sandi definitely has the latter. But fortunately, the album also has some great songs that make it stand out against most of the other albums in the genre. The opening track sound like it could have easily fit on a Twila Paris from the same timeframe, with “Let There Be Praise” sounding more like a pop worship/hymn than Patti’s more traditional big songs. “Hosanna” follows suit with the same sort of sound. Like most of the album, there is limited, over-dramatic anthems, but rather more pop infused inspirational music. This song also benefits from a guest appearance from Matthew Ward (who may be able to sing higher). “Love in Any Language” may be Patti’s finest song. Though not as big and dramatic as “Via Dolorosa” and “We Shall Behold Him,” this song of unity has more of a “We Are the World” feel throughout. “King of Glory” sounds more like Farrell and Farrell while “Face to Faith” starts off sounding like Amy Grant’s “Fat Baby,” but ends up sounding more like something from First Call. “Morning Like This” serves to be the most contemporary pop album, which makes it the obvious choice for inclusion on this list.

Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/

Tracklist
1 – Let There Be Praise – 3:03
2 – Hosanna – 3:37
3 – Unshakeable Kingdom – 5:48
4 – Shepherd Of My Heart – 4:01
5 – Love In Any Language – 4:51
6 – King Of Glory – 2:35
7 – Face To Faith – 4:21
8 – Was It A Morning Like This – 3:22
9 – In The Name Of The Lord – 5:00
10 – There Is A Savior – 4:42

Credits
Arranged By [Strings], Conductor – Alan Moore
Arranged By, Orchestrated By, Conductor – David T. Clydesdale
Bass – Craig Nelson (tracks: A3, B4, B5), Mike Brignardello
Brass – Barbara Hutchins (tracks: A3, B4), Eberhard Ramm, Michael Buckwalter, Richard Ricker, Robert Heuer, Tom McAnich
Drums – Mark Hammond, Paul Leim
Executive Producer – John Helvering
Guitar – John Darnall, Jon Goin
Keyboards – Phil Naish, Shane Keister
Leader, Strings – Carl Gorodetzky
Percussion – Farrel Morris
Piano – David Huntsinger
Producer – Greg Nelson, Sandi Patti Helvering
Strings – Carol Walker, Cathy Umstead, Charles Everett, Chris Teal, Connie Heard, Craig Nelson, David Boyle, David Vanderkooi, Dennis Molchan, Edgar Meyer, Gary Vanosdale, George Binkley, Grace Bahng, Inez Boyle, Jack Jezioro, Janet Hazen, Joann Cruthirds, John Borg, Katherine Plummer, Lee Larrison, Linda Alosco, Mark Tanner, Mary Katherine Parker, Nathan Kahn, Pam Sixfin, Pauli Ewing, Phyllis Mazza, Rosemary Harris, Roy Christensen, Sara Fogel, Stephanie Woolf, Teresa Fream, Nashville String Machine, Virginia Christensen
Vocals – Beverly Darnall, Bonnie Keen, Craig Patty, David Maddux, Jane Sherberg, Jon Mohr, Jon Sherberg, Leah Taylo, Lynn Hodges, Marty McCall, Melodie Tunney, Mike Patty, Rick Gibson, Sandi Patti Helverin, Steve Taylor, Tammy Boyer, Tammy Taylor, Keith Moore

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Copyright © – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word (Uk) Ltd.
Distributed By – Word Records Limited

Cliff Richard – Walking In The Light – 1984

In over 3 years we failed to upload a single Cliff Richard album so we decided to start out with a compilation album. This album features tracks from 1976 to 1984 from 6 different albums. Strangly the US version of this release only had 10 tracks but everywhere else it had 12 tracks with the addition of “Under The Influence” amd Cliff’s excellent cover of Larry’s “Why Should The Devil Have All The Good Music”. Of interest on the album is that there are 3 B Sides from various singles. If you hadn’t been buying 45’s you wouldn’t have had these 3 tracks which would have made this album a must own for Cliff Richard fans. Here is the list of what songs came off what albums;

Better Than I Know Myself – Wired For Sound
Such Is The Mystery – I’m Nearly Famous
Every Face Tells A Story – Every Face Tells A Story
Love And A Helping Hand – B Side Little Town
You Got Me Wondering – Every Face Tells A Story
Walking In The Light – B Side Hot Shot
Why Should The Devil Have All The Good Music – Small Corners
Under The Influence – The Only Way Out
Lost In A Lonely World – Wired For Sound
You Me And Jesus – B Side Little Town
Summer Rain – Wired For Sound
Thief In The Night – Now You See Me… …Now You Don’t

Tracklist
1 – Better Than I Know Myself – 3:43
2 – Such Is The Mystery – 5:10
3 – Every Face Tells A Story – 3:20
4 – Love And A Helping Hand – 3:06
5 – You Got Me Wondering – 3:35
6 – Walking In The Light – 3:15
7 – Why Should The Devil Have All The Good Music – 4:35
8 – Under The Influence – 2:49
9 – Lost In A Lonely World – 4:03
10 – You Me And Jesus – 2:17
11 – Summer Rain – 4:18
12 – Thief In The Night – 3:56