Jamboree are back with their 2nd EP and this one is even better than their first one. If you don’t know Jamboree is an early version of Hoi Polloi without Jenny on vocals. The title track of this EP is actually a cover of a 1980 The Comsat Angels track that didn’t chart. Quite frankly this version is much better. Anyway, the other 2 tracks are equally good and this is an EP I would have loved in 1987 but alas it was only released in New Zealand so there’s no way I would have heard it. Strange printing error on the album, the cover calls track 3 “Cloak & Sickle” but the vinyl label says “Hammer & Sickle”.
Tracklist 1 – Independence Day – 3:47 2 – The Longing – 4:49 3 – Cloak And Sickle – 4:18
Credits Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals – Andrew Horst Drums – Josef Fityus Guitar, Synthesizer – David Steunebrink, David Ball Vocals – Brent Tasker
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Hit Singles Recorded At – Mandrill Studios
I’ll be honest I’m a little confused by this compilation album. It’s a collection of songs from Mark’s 5 albums on the Home Sweet Home label. I am confused because generally one doesn’t put out a compilation album in the same year as one releases one of the albums featured. I am wondering if this album was a legal matter as it was released as he was completed his deal with Home Sweet Home and actually moved on to create his own record label. Another thing that confuses me is why include “Acoustic” in the title. It’s not an acoustic album it’s just regular cuts from his albums. Personally I think it was a little disingenuous to use the word acoustic in the title as it could have fooled people into thinking they were getting new acoustic versions of these songs. The album does feature one new track, “Family Name”, which is a new song written by Bill Batstone and is really good but it’s inclusion on the album makes me even a little more suspect to the whole thing. Anyway all that aside I am positive this had nothing to do with Mark and we have a great compilation album here.
Tracklist 1 – Family Name – 4:06 2 – Eye Of The Storm – 3:00 3 – Castaway – 3:16 4 – In The Gaze Of The Spotlight’s Eye – 3:57 5 – Call Me The Fool – 3:12 6 – To See Your Face – 3:35 7 – I’m Crying Again – 3:29 8 – Some Folks’ World – 4:35 9 – Can’t See Light – 4:58 10 – True Confessions – 3:30 11 – Well-Worn Pages – 2:44 12 – In Spite Of Himself – 3:09
This is Wayne’s 7th studio album and the follow up to his wildly successful “Watercolour Ponies” album. It had 3 top 10 singles on the CCM charts. “Untouched By Human Hands” #6, “The Long Arm Of The Lord” #9, and “We Belong To Him #9. It might as well have had 4 as “That’s Not Jesus” made it to #11. As for the album it is what you would expect from Wayne Watson. Mainly easy listening and somewhat dull in spots for me. That said just because it’s not my style doesn’t mean it’s a bad album and if you are a fan of your CCM a little on the mellow side then this one is for you.
Tracklist 1 – The Long Arm Of The Lord – 4:40 2 – That’s Not Jesus – 4:45 3 – The Fine Line – 6:02 4 – Yesterday’s News – 5:59 5 – Every Now And Again – 5:20 6 – Untouched By Human Hands – 4:28 7 – Before My Very Eyes – 5:52 8 – No Other Gods – 6:53 9 – We Belong To Him – 4:49 10 – I Could Live Without You – 3:41 11 – The Fine Line (Reprise) – 1:15
Credits Acoustic Guitar [Additional], Percussion – Wayne Watson Arranged By – Paul Mills, Wayne Watson Art Direction – Bill Brunt Designs Artwork [Art Coordination] – Terri Short Backing Vocals – Susan Rae Hill, Toni Raider, Wayne Watson Bass Guitar – Gary Lunn Choir – Adam Watson, Alan Carpenter, Ann Barbor, Biff Adam, Callie Sills, Carol Snipes, Carolyn Christian, Claude Hand, Jere Luck, Jim Pruitt, John Armor, Kara McGee, Linda Hudgins, Lois Chambliss, Michael Burt, Mike Hudgins, Neal Watson, Paul Farrington, Phil Beck, Sallie Sills Drums, Electronic Drums, Programmed By [Percussion] – Mark Hammond Electric Guitar – Jerry McPherson, Mark Baldwin Engineer – Paul Mills, Smitty Price, Carry Summers, Steve Dady, Mike Clute Executive-Producer – Lynn Keesecker Harmonica – Buddy Greene Keyboards – Mark Heimermann, Smitty Price Mastered By – Hank Williams Mixed By – Paul Mills, Wayne Watson Photography By – Larry Dixon Producer – Paul Mills, Wayne Watson Steel Guitar, Guitar [Gut String] – Mark Baldwin Synthesizer – Paul Mills, Wayne Watson Vocals [Duet] – Toni Raider Words By, Music By – Jeff Nelson, Wayne Watson
Kemper Crabb’s own biography states that he may have been born 700 years too late. That is nor more correct than on his classic Celtic/progressive/folk rock classic, The Vigil. Inspired by the Crusades and the music from nearly that same era, The Vigil is a masterpiece that is admittedly not for everyone. He has played with Caedmon’s Call and Atomic Opera. He fronted the amazing Progressive Rock band, Arkangel (reviewed later) and has a list of credits a mile long. He is also an ordained minister in the Reformed Episcopal Church and lectures on a diverse selection of theological and sociological subjects. How truly magnificent is this work? Consider that every review on Amazon is 5 stars and that sealed original copies can go for as much as $200 without a problem of finding a buyer. The combination of worshipful baroque, Celtic hymns, classical instrumentals and brilliantly conceived and crafted lyrics make this beyond anything resembling an AYSO. Litanies and liturgies are not the normal fair for Christian rockers and many may stumble through upon first listening. But as these brilliant works swirl and envelope an initial appreciation may soon become an obsession. Crabb’s stunningly beautiful rendition of “Be Thou My Vision” is utterly captivating. “The Danse” would later appear on the first Caedmon’s Call worship album.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com
Tracklist 1 – Sunset Before The Vigil – 1:21 2 – The Vigil – 2:03 3 – They That Go Down To The Sea In Ships – 4:12 4 – Tannin – 3:03 5 – Doulos – 3:32 6 – All Father Litany – 2:09 7 – Be Thou My Vision – 2:45 8 – Outremer – 1:16 9 – Salarello – 1:16 10 – The Danse – 4:50 11 – Thigpen’s Wedding – 2:00 12 – Taking The Cross – 1:35 13 – Candle Flame – 2:34 14 – Te Deum – 1:47 15 – Fairest Lord Jesus (Crusader’s Hymn) – 2:59 16 – The Vigil – 2:04 17 – Sunrise After The Vigil – 2:13
Credits Art Direction – Dave Rogers Bagpipes – Andy White Engineer [Assistant] – Cathy Mills Engineer [Assistant], Backing Vocals – Rick Thigpen Guitar – Lee Ann Turner* Harp [Troubador] – Barbara Goodrich Illustration – Randy Rogers Mandolin – Jerry McPherson Mastered By – Greg Calbi Mixed By – Paul Mills Mixed By, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Recorder, Tin Whistle, Guitar, Dulcimer, Bells, Psaltery – Kemper Crabb Percussion – John Witte, Russell Dunlap Photography – Frank White Photography [Front Photo Concept], Backing Vocals – Bekah Crabb Producer, Arranged By, Engineer, Organ – Paul Mills Written-By – David Marshall, K. Crabb, P. Mills Written-By, Timpani – C. Mills
Geri Baird (Karlstrom) was a PK from British Columbia Canada. She was drawn to the performing world at young age and started performing in pop bands at the age of 16. She has a video on YouTube with her band “The Next” performing “Accuser” and it’s actually pretty good. In 1980 she went into the studio with Canadian musician Donnie Gossett (Salvation Air Force) to record this album. Donnie produced and performed on the album as did his brother Michael. The track “Backside of the Desert” actually had some success but unfortunately my memory fails me and I can’t remember what that was. Personally I think the best track is “Taking Baby for a Ride” which has a fun 50’s feel. The album was released in Canada with limited distribution in the U.S. so it is relatively unknown. This is one that I really enjoyed in the 80’s and still enjoy listening to today. Geri pursued a career in the tech industry but always took time to make music. She had 3 self released albums and was heavily involved with bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa recovery and much of her later music was centered on this topic. Unfortunately Geri passed away in early 2025 but her musical legacy is something she will be remembered for.
Tracklist 1 – Super Heroes – 3:41 2 – Backside of the Desert – 3:59 3 – Cool Age – 3:02 4 – Somebody Loves Me – 3:21 5 – Family – 2:36 6 – Taking Baby for a Ride – 2:50 7 – Living on Broken Hearts – 3:07 8 – Visions – 3:30 9 – Just a Heart – 2:26 10 – I Know – 4:39
Credits Alto Saxophone – Garth Kent Backing Vocals, Bass Guitar, Drums, Lead Guitar, Synthesizer – Donnie Gossett Backing Vocals – Judy Gossett Bass Guitar – Rick Adams Bass Guitar – Michael Gossett Drums – Ron Stelting Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Geri Baird Piano – Gary Schellenberg Producer, Engineer, Arranged By – Donnie Gossett
Companies, etc. Recorded at – The Gossett Brothers Studio, Blaine, WA
This is some sort of promotional EP released by Reunion Records to promote Michael W. Smith & Kathy Troccoli. Side A features an eight minute medley of tracks from both artists pieced together. This is actually pretty well done because Michael came back into the studio to write and perform the bridges. Many of these medley tracks from other companies are just faded together but in this case there are actual bridges from one track to the next. Side B has a track from each of their most recent albums at the time.
Tracklist 1 – Medley: Michael W. Smith – Friends Intro Kathy Troccoli – Stubborn Love Michael W. Smith – I’m Up Kathy Troccoli – Long Distance Letter Michael W. Smith – You Need A Saviour Kathy Troccoli – Once In A Lifetime Love Michael W. Smith – Be Strong And Courageous Kathy Troccoli – Holy Holy Michael W. Smith – I Am Sure Michael W. Smith – Friends 2 – Michael W. Smith – A Way 3 – Kathy Troccoli – Long Distance Letter
Paul Clark was one of the most prolific CCM artists of the 1970’s through the 90’s. Strangely he only ever had 3 CCM singles which is absolutely absurd considering the quantity and quality of his work. I think this is my favourite album from him yet. I haven’t listened to then all yet but this one really is my kind of music. Many artists in the CCM industry get more mellow as they go along but not Paul. This is his 10th album and it is a solid pop effort with a great 80’s sound. On the mellow end “As Long As I’m Still Breathing” should have easily singled on the CCM charts especially in 1989. Somehow I missed Paul in the 80’s but I sure like him now.
Tracklist 1 – More Heat Than Light – 5:54 2 – Everywhere I Turn – 3:04 3 – You Can’t Accuse Me – 2:53 4 – I Can Feel Your Heartbeat – 3:02 5 – Marianna – 3:11 6 – So They Say – 4:04 7 – 1NA100 – 3:37 8 – Foxhole Confession – 3:36 9 – Don’t Let Go Of My Heart – 3:36 10 – As Long As I’m Still Breathing – 3:03
Credits Acoustic Guitar – Paul Clark Backing Vocals – Baby Lee, Donald Brown, Don Harris, Paul Clark Bass – Don Harris Drum Programming – Paul Clark, Rod Lincoln Drums – Rod Lincoln Graphics – Network Graphics, Inc Guest [Guest Appearance] – Pat Mastelotto, Steve Farris, Steve George Guitar – Don Harris, Paul Clark, Kevin Rogers Keyboards – Don Harris, Paul Clark Lead Vocals – Paul Clark Mixed By [Mixdown], Engineer – Bill Schnee Percussion, Programmed By – Paul Clark Photography – Paul Clark, Jessica Clark Producer – Paul Clark Programmed By – Don Harris Recorded By, Engineer – Craige Lindesay, Dan Garcia, Gary West, Paul Clark
After three decades of crafting memorable, significant and compelling blues and rock, Resurrection band created a swan song of the highest order. Due in part to reaching out beyond their normal Jesus People USA community for creative support and enlisting Kings X’s Ty Tabor, the band created their one and only “concept” album and it was a striking artistic success. It would be their last. The Kings X influence can be found in the creative process, the vocal delivery and the fuller and more diverse guitar sounds. The album would also feature less of vocalist Wendi Kaiser than any other project. Glenn kaiser takes the reins nearly exclusively and delivers some of his most emotionally compelling performances. Wendi’s limited appearances end up being her best since Mommy Don’t Love Daddy. Lyrically focusing on one man’s realization of the hopelessness around him as he recognizes the decaying world’s fall into the abyss. This leads him on a journey of spiritual awakening and realization of the exclusive hope found only in Christ. Similar to the Old testament Laments, the listener is not spared the descriptions of the ugliness of life. This darker introduction makes the brighter hope even more stunning. One stand out track that cannot be ignored is the impressive acoustic driven Lands End. Limited to a simply acoustic guitar and percussive musical support, Kaiser’s vocals soar above the Celtic leaning melody. A soft recorder’s subtle inclusion is flawless and stirring in its simplicity. The conceptual nature of the album forced the band to perform the album live in its entirety while touring in support of the album. This left some “older” fans longing for some of the earlier “hits,” but worked masterfully live. This would be the last tour in support of an album and now the band plays very limited dates, primarily exclusively at the Jesus People USA directed Cornerstone Festival.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com
Tracklist 1 – Parting Glance – 1:10 2 – Across These Fields – 4:20 3 – On The Move – 2:09 4 – Summerthrow – 4:12 5 – At Land’s End – 4:08 6 – Song And Dance – 4:46 7 – In Change – 3:15 8 – The Road – 3:49 9 – Dark Carnival – 2:54 10 – Mirror – 3:57 11 – Another Look – 0:35 12 – Surprised – 5:23 13 – Richest One – 4:07 14 – Across These Fields Reprise – 3:39
Credits Artwork [Cover Art – Detail From Painting By] – Gaylen Stewart Bass, Backing Vocals – Roy Montroy Design – Cornerstone Graphics, Janet Cameron Drums – John Herrin Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Keyboards – Stu Heiss Engineer [Assistant] – Marty Phillips (2) Engineer [Engineered By] – Brian “Full Slab” Garcia*, Ed Bialach, Roger Heiss Executive-Producer – Tom Cameron Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Wendi Kaiser Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Dulcimer, Harmonica – Glenn Kaiser Musician [Additional], Panpipes – Eric Clayton Musician [Additional], Percussion [Various Percussion] – Ed Bialach, Roger Heiss Producer [Produced By] – Ty Tabor
We have a great live album from Steve here. While most live albums are a compilation of the best takes from several concerts this one was recorded in just one take in October 1994 in Lancaster Pennsylvania. Even the tracks are in the order played except for “Jim Morrison’s Grave” and “On The Fritz” which were switched around to allow for proper timing on the cassette. Steve even played a couple tracks from his Chagall Guevara band. The fire alarm incident that closes out the album actually occurred at Judson College and was dubbed in. As for the album there’s not much to say other than it’s another example of Steve’s live brilliance and is pretty well engineered for a live album.
Tracklist 1 – Jim Morrison’s Grave – 3:19 2 – The Lament Of Desmond R. G. Underwood-Frederick IV – 4:37 3 – I Want To Be A Clone – 2:05 4 – Escher’s World – 3:33 5 – On The Fritz – 6:31 6 – Bannerman – 3:19 7 – Hero – 5:14 8 – Jesus Is For Losers – 4:13 9 – The Finish Line – 5:41 10 – Violent Blue – 4:29
Credits Art Direction – Buddy Jackson Bass – Wade Jaynes Drums – Chris Kearney Guitar, Backing Vocals – Greg Wollan, Mark Townsend Booking – Jeff Roberts & Associates Crew [Driver] – Dave Fancey, Doug Rioux, Guy Johnson Crew [Merchandise] – Curtis Swartzentruber Design – Karinne Caulkins Engineer [Engineered By], Engineer [Sound], Mixed By – Russ Long Lighting [Design] – Scott Moore Lighting [Operator] – Anthony Kordyjaka Management – Proper Management Management [Proper Management] – Amy Kyker, Glenda McNalley, Jeff Quistad, Nancy Kronemann, Norman Miller Management [Road Manager] – Joe Nero Mastered By – Hank Williams Photography By – Ben Pearson Producer – Russ Long, Steve Taylor Production Manager – Mike Jones Recorded By [Recording Assistance], Engineer [Monitor] – Marc Chevalier Written-By – Steve Taylor
Randy’s star studded 15th album is the one he has said is his proudest moment. It was also the start of his very short lived music label “Street Level Records”. Unfortunately the label didn’t work out and only had one other release from Julie Miller. Helping Randy with his album were Michael W. Smith, Phil Keaggy, Gary Chapman, Riki Michelle, Jerry Chamberlain, Rick Elias, Jerry McPherson, Phil Madeira, Cheri Keaggy, Charlie Peacock, and many others. What a great line up for a new label album. The album has excellent engineering and production and really is a memorable album and I think Randy’s writing and vocals on this albu might be his peak. The album is a little more mellow than I am used to by him but the writing is so good you should barely notice. Definitely a must listen. Editors note – We’ve removed the silence on the closing track so if it sounds different than you remember your memories are correct.
Tracklist 1 – A Promise Made Is A Promise Kept – 5:46 2 – I Turn To You – 3:28 3 – In Jesus’ Name – 4:27 4 – Under The Rug – 3:39 5 – Remember My Name – 4:56 6 – That’s Why We Don’t Love God – 5:17 7 – When I’m Afraid – 3:38 8 – Shadow Man – 3:35 9 – Zurich In The Snow – 0:19 10 – Troubles – 3:22 11 – The Lazarus Heart – 4:26
Credits Acoustic Guitar – Jerry McPherson, Randy Stonehill Acoustic Guitar [Chet Atkins Solid Body Acoustic Guitar/Nylon String] – Randy Stonehill Art Direction [Cover Art Direction], Design – Dietsch & Associates Backing Vocals [Additional Background Vocals] – David Robertson, Gordon Kennedy, Jerry Chamberlain, Phil Madeira, Randy Stonehill, Rick Elias, Riki Michele, Sharon Chamberlain Bass Guitar, Electric Piano [Wurlitzer] – Jimmie Lee Sloas Bass [Fretless] – Mark Hill Drums – Steve Brewster Electric Guitar – Jerry McPherson, Phil Keaggy Engineer [Engineered By] – Richie Biggs Executive-Producer – Ray Ware Layout [Insert Layout], Design – Michael Scanland Communications, Inc. Mastered By – Ken Love Mixed By – Craig Hansen, Richie Biggs Musical Assistance [Production Assistance] – Chris Ross, Pam Kistler Organ, Dobro, Accordion [Squeeze Box] – Phil Madeira Percussion – Eric Darkin Photography By [Cover Photography] – Thunder Image Group Piano, Keyboards – Rick Elias Producer [Produced By] – Jimmie Lee Sloas Soprano Saxophone – Mark Douthit Vocals – Randy Stonehill
