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
Companies, etc.
Mastered At – Sterling Sound
Engineered At – Rivendell Sound Recorders
Mixed At – Rivendell Sound Recorders
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Star Song Records
Copyright © – Star Song Records
Distributed By – The Benson Company
Manufactured By – Star Song Records
Pressed By – Europadisk
Published By – StraightWay Music, Dawn Treader Music
