David Lowman – Page 3

Hokus Pick – Snappy – 1997

Hokus Pick is apparently a Canadian expression of surprise. And this record continues to surprise. The court jesters of CCM, the Canadian rock band Hokus Pick had a ten year career that, given the quality of their output, should have garnered the band a longer tenure. It is with “Snappy” that the band it its full stride with a complete album of memorable, funny, serious and, well…weird…songs. The track that informed the albums title also sports one of the greatest videos ever. After the more U2 influenced “Faith, Hope and Love” starts the album, it is “I’m So Happy” that steals the show. As mentioned the video is simply hysterical, but deep within the ska grooves is a positive message of hope. This theme will permeate the album. It was really a shame when I was working for Diamante Distribution that we could never really garner the sales and the radio response necessary and that the band deserved. Even touring with Steve Taylor (a perfect fit) could not break the band nationally, another in the long line of disappointments in this industry. “We Are the People” drives a 60’s influenced rock that would later prove successful for the previously reviewed “Rock n Roll Worship Circus.” “The ska influenced “Our God” should have been a late 90’s youth anthem…should have been! A personal favorite is “True Believer,” a song reminiscent of then labelmates, The Kry. A great, straight ahead and emotional song about the struggles of faith and the desire to be a competent follower of Christ. The CD did also contain a hidden bonus track, if you want to call it that. It is more of a radio play called “An Appointment with Stupidity.” Hysterical, but not necessarily meant for repeated listening.

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

Tracklist
1 – Faith, Hope And Love – 3:59
2 – I’m So Happy – 2:51
3 – Naturally – 2:52
4 – Nothing More – 4:58
5 – We Are The People – 3:15
6 – This Time – 4:16
7 – Our God – 3:18
8 – True Believer – 4:18
9 – God For One Day – 3:27
10 – Silver – 2:44
11 – Let Go, Let God – 4:20
12 – Comfort Song – 1:01
13 – (Hidden Track) – 29:49

Credits
Art Direction – Keith Hamilton
Bass Guitar – Dave Strilchuk
Drums [Ayotte] – Rick Colhoun
Engineer – Rick Colhoun
Engineer [Second] – Riley Armstrong
Lead Guitar – Matt Pierrot
Photography By – James Copp
Producer – Hokus Pick
Vocals, Guitar – Russ Smith
Written By – David Strilchuk, Matthew Pierrot, Richard Colhoun, Russell W. Smith

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Soundcastle
Manufactured By – Malaco Music Group
Distributed By – Malaco Music Group

Third Day – Third Day – 1982

A decade before the Mac Powell lead Third Day began owning the Christian radio and album sales charts there was a band from Ontario, Canada with the same name and a distinctly different sound. Once again it was the little, progressive Canadian label, Tunesmith, that delivered the band to the States. The band released one fantastic and completely original album in 1982 and little is known about them other than what I can read on album sleeve and hear in the grooves. Primarily a jazz influenced, progressive rock band with a male lead vocalist and female backing vocals. Great guitar and synthesizer work. “Covenant” kicks off side one with the albums most memorable tune. I vaguely remember playing this one for a short while on KYMS back in 1982. The album is often filled with straight scripture. It is also filled with very good guitar solo work. The opening track has both. I have always enjoyed a band that is not afraid to stop singing and actually play their instruments, something they do quite well. In fact, there is a nearly 7-minute instrumental on an album only containing 8 songs. Outside of the one token cheesy ballad (His Yoke Is Easy) most of the album rocks pretty hard within the progressive constraints. This would be more for fans of early Genesis, with more folk and rock influences. In fact, I read a review once that described them a “prog-folk,” and the label kind of works. In 1982 there was Resurrection Band and a few “metal” bands, but very few progressive rock band in the vein of Third Day and, as a result, they stood out. They also stood out initially because of the great artwork and “gate fold” LP packaging Tunesmith provided. If only the label would have spent a few more pennies on the production of many of their releases. But here Third Day stands out again with great production.

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

Tracklist
1 – Covenant – 3:53
2 – The Real You – 5:30
3 – It’s A New Day – 6:30
4 – His Yoke Is Easy – 2:47
5 – Revelation – 5:20
6 – The Word – 4:55
7 – Without Love – 4:54
8 – He Holds The Sun – 4:37

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Al Tiernay, Lazarus Varla
Art Direction, Photography By – Tom Fenney
Artwork [Signed] – D. Rieger
Backing Vocals – Beth Hudson, Esther Hudson, Sharon Hudson
Bass – Geoff Taylor, Lazarus Varla, Steve Kennedy
Cover, Illustration – Adolph Rieger
Drums – Frank Difelice, Paul Quinton
Electric Guitar – Al Tiernay, Lazarus Varla
Electric Piano [Rhodes] – David Geldart
Engineer [Assistant] – Lori Taylor, Paul Templeman
Engineer [Second] – Cam Shearer, Frank Kitson
Engineer, Mixed By – Paul Massey
Flute, Piccolo Flute – Bev Joel
Guitar – Lazarus Varla
Lead Guitar – Lazarus Varla
Lead Vocals – Lazarus Varla
Mixed By – Doug McKenzie
Percussion – Paul Quinton
Producer, Arranged By – Lazarus Varla
Rhythm Guitar – Al Tiernay
Synthesizer – Lazarus Varla
Synthesizer [Oberheim O B X] – David Geldart, Lazarus Varla
Synthesizer [Prophet 5] – Bob Federer
Vocals – Al Tiernay, Lazarus Varla
Written-By – Al Tiernay, L. Varla

Companies, etc.
Published By – Noteworthy Publishing
Recorded At – Master’s Workshop
Mastered At – Greg Lee Processing

Caedmon – Caedmon – 1978

Not to be in any confused with CCM stalwarts, Caedmon’s Call, this is Caedmon, a progressive, medieval folk, blues, Celtic, jazz quintet from Edinburgh University that unleashed a completely original and creative project embraced a both sides of the pond and both sides of the music realm, garnering great reviews in Christian and mainstream publications. The group started off as a trio of veterinary students that primarily performed traditional British folk tunes and Church hymns and spirituals. The group expanded, as did their repertoire. They played with Water Into Wine, After the Fire, Larry Norman among other Jesus Music artists of the 70’s in Britain. But like many contemporaries…they disappeared quickly. Though the desire for the music has prompted a few re-releases over the years. Whether it’s the Celtic like folky number, “Ten Maidens fair” that kicks off the album or the moody, folky jazz tune, “Man Maker” that follows, the production is top notch, the quality of musicianship, originality and harmonies are simply compelling. Male and female lead vocals trade off with each song and often within each song. But one of the more compelling aspects is the vocal arrangements. There is really a lot going on here. “Sea Song” starts off like an old British shanty, then moves into a progressive rock like instrumental section with a killer guitar solo. The beautifully returns to its roots. Other true stand out tracks include “Living in the Sunshine” and “Columbas’ Song.” This a truly a brilliant gem that most likely would appear much higher on this list of I didn’t come to it so much later in life. I assume if I had owned this throughout its life cycle it would appear much higher on this list. I expect complaints from many claiming it deserves a higher ranking and an equal amount revealing they have never heard of it. The latter would do well to track it down as a phenomenal re-release with vastly improved sonics took place in the past year or so.

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

Tracklist
1 – Ten Maidens Fair – 4:17
2 – Maker Man – 3:25
3 – Death Of A Fox – 4:18
4 – Sea Song – 5:35
5 – Aslan – 4:15
6 – Living In The Sunshine – 3:27
7 – Storm – 6:06
8 – Columba’s Song – 2:21
9 – Smile On Your Face – 4:35
10 – Caedmon’s Hymn – 4:15
11 – Give Me Jesus – 6:45
12 – Beyond The Second Mile – 4:15

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Jim Bisset
Acoustic Guitar, Spoons [Spoon And Teacup] – Ken Patterson
Vocals – Angela Naylor
Vocals, Bass Guitar – Sam Wilson
Vocals, Electric Guitar – Jim Bisset
Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin, Other [etc] – Simon Jaquet
Vocals, Piano, Cello – Ken Patterson

Companies, etc.
Manufactured For – Nimbus

Wayne Watson – Giants In The Land – 1985

I once coined a phrase called “WayneWatsonitis.” I used it in retail to describe artists that everyone loved their songs, but no one knew there name. It happened when I took my sister to see Wayne Watson at Melodyland in Southern California (across the street from Disneyland). She mentioned before the concert that she was unfamiliar with Watson, but midway through the concert leaned over and said, “I know every one of these songs!” Watson is a prolific artists with mountains if hits, popular church songs and some actual classics and yet is often forgotten when discussing the best of late 70’s and 80’s music. Many may remember his truly classic, “Touch of the Master’s Hand” or even the popular wedding song, “Somewhere in the World” that appears here, but his legacy is much broader and more impactful. This album brought Watson into the mainstream of CCM, moving from a smaller label to Dayspring Records and receiving distribution from mega company Word. But the album is filled with radio favorites and many songs that lasted for decades. “Narrow Way” starts of the album with a safe, CCM pop radio hit. But it was “Lookin’ Out for Number One” that KYMS jumped on and made it into a monster hit. Upbeat and approachable it became the song that brought Watson into the forefront in Southern California. It also allowed the follow up single to become the classic it is now regarded as. “Somewhere in the World” could have easily been just another song about parenting until listeners discovered it was a song about praying for the future spouse of their own child. The emotional chord it struck would only be duplicated a few years later by a song like “Butterfly Kisses.” It became a wedding classic and sold truck loads of accompaniment tracks. Even typing to this as I listen I am struck by the emotional tug that hopefully someone out there is praying for my own young daughter to be the Godly woman fit for their Godly son. The sentiment is emotional, but authentic, and I believe why it struck such a powerful chord with listeners. The album bounces between mid-tempo pop rock and stirring, inspirational ballads. But Watson’s vocals are so pure and naturally emotive that even the most formulaic CCM numbers never come across as trite. It’s fair to say that Watson possessed a voice that ranks among the best in CCM. Most of the album fits quite nicely within the framework of the CCM world at the time and served as a wonderful set up for his classic album that would follow (to be discussed much later).

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

Tracklist
1 – The Narrow Way – 4:05
2 – Lookin’ Out For Number One – 3:08
3 – Heart Of Hearts – 3:57
4 – Peace That Passes Understanding – 4:02
5 – Somewhere In The World – 3:29
6 – Giants In The Land – 4:18
7 – Born In Zion – 4:23
8 – Look Me In The Heart – 3:16
9 – Changed In A Moment – 3:07
10 – Holiness – 3:52

Credits
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar – Greg Jennings
Arranged By – Phil Naish
Arranged By [Strings] – Alan Moore
Arranged By, Keyboards [Electronic] – Shane Keister
Art Direction – Buddy Jackson, Jackson Design
Bass Guitar – Mike Brignardello
Drums, Electronic Drums, Programmed By [Percussion] – Dennis Holt
Engineer [Assistant] – Alan Henry, Bill Whittington, Chris Hammond, Danny Mundhenk, J.T. Cantwell, Keith Penney
Executive-Producer – Neal Joseph
Keyboards [Electronic & Moog Bass Lines] – Phil Naish
Mastered By – Doug Sax
Percussion – Terry McMillan
Photography By – Mark Tucker
Producer, Arranged By – Wayne Watson
Producer, Engineer, Mixed By – Scott Hendricks
Saxophone [Solo] – Sam Levine
Strings – The Nashville String Machine

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Copyright © – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – Bullet Recording
Recorded At – OmniSound Studios
Mixed At – Bullet Recording
Mastered At – The Mastering Lab

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

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

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

Paul Field – Restless Heart – 1983

Many readers may be more familiar with Paul Field as a member of Nutshell for four albums, with two different incarnations. A very popular British folk trio, Nutshell was referred to by some as the British Second Chapter of Acts. But Field is quite the prolific songwriter, including writing a number one CCM single for pop group Avalon called “Testify to Love.” Winona Judd would actually cover song as it was used on the popular “Touched By An Angel” television series and made it a Top Ten Billboard Hit! But here we are discussing his first solo album, and the one that most may be familiar. He would later record a few other solo projects and spend much of his time writing musicals. Field is a prolific songwriter and has produced scores of albums though many reached widespread distribution in the US. Immediately “Restless Heart” sounds like it could just have easily been released by Cliff Richard. It also reminds me of the “Now You See Me, Now You Don’t” album by Richard, and not only because Richard would cover a song from this album (“Has to Be You, Has to Be Me”). Like the previously discussed Mark Williamson composition, Richard’s version is a bit more upbeat. The album kicks of with what would be the one single KYMS in Southern California really jumped on. “Rock with the Best of Them” is a fun song to start the album with a great horn section a la Chicago. If the world of CCM radio at the time had any justice, this would have been a monster hit! “Radio” follows with a much more mid-tempo feel very reminiscent of the sound for that day. Darker, more somber, I always saw the metaphor of the radio as being related to the Holy Spirit. The song always reminds me more of what the late 70’s Steve Winwood music was like. The album’s 12 songs (quite a few for the day) bounces back and forth between uptempo pop/rock and ballads. One stand out in the Loggins & Messina vein is “The Storm Is Over.” Something that perhaps Scott Wesley Brown would have done at the same time, it may be the most obviously evangelical song on the album. At the same time, it should have been a hit. The whole album is filled with great songs, but the last song I would like to highlight is the most upbeat song on the album, “Fair Fight.” This could just as easily fit on an album from Mark Williamson/Lyrix or even Morgan Cryar or David Edwards, both musically and lyrically. Never released on CD that I know of (at least in the US) and missing from virtually every streaming service (like much of early 80’s Myrrh releases), the album is worth tracking down. I have seen it for a reasonable price on Amazon and Ebay.

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

Tracklist
1 – Rock With The Best Of Them – 3:23
2 – Radio – 3:56
3 – Has To Be You, Has To Be Me – 4:42
4 – Solo – 3:48
5 – Positive – 2:57
6 – The Storm Is Over – 3:51
7 – Fairfight – 2:46
8 – Stranger In Your Eyes – 3:45
9 – Just Around The Corner – 3:04
10 – You’re The One – 5:12
11 – Nearly Midnight – 3:48
12 – Restless Heart – 3:46

Credits
Paul Field – Vocals, Guitar and Piano
Graham Jarvis – Drums
Mark Griffiths – Bass
Martin Jenner – Guitar
Dave Cooke – Piano, Keyboards, Guitar and Backing vocals
Luís Jardim – Bass
Linda Jardim – Backing vocals
Marilyn David – Backing vocals
Tom Blades – Guitar
Colin Larne – Drums
Bill Thorpe – Violin
Martin David – Percussion
Barry de Souza – Drums
Ray Russell – Guitar
Henry Lowther – Horn
Nick Pentelow – Saxophone
Nick Firkle – Trumpet
Steve Jones – Violin
Penny Thompson – Viola
Jan Sharpe – Cello

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Copyright © – Word, Inc.
Produced For – Friday Productions
Recorded At – Riverside Recordings
Mixed At – Riverside Recordings
Mastered At – Liberty Recording Studios
Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co. – △26054

The Crimson Bridge – The Crimson Bridge – 1972

When the concept of important groundbreakers in Jesus Music and CCM is discussed, the names most often considered are Larry Norman, Randy Stonehill, Phil Keaggy and maybe even Bill Gaither and Ralph Carmichael. But one name that should be mentioned in the same breath is the legendary Thurlow Spurr. Spurr served as Music Director for Youth for Christ International, and in that capacity created several travelling “youth music pioneers.” Most notably the Spurrlows, the group that bore his name. But also birthed from his outreach work was a group called Re’Generation. And born out of members of both groups came the psychedelic, folk, pop, jazz, Latin, funk band Crimson Bridge. Horns, guitars, driving bass and pounding drums and cymbals, the church in 1972 was not ready for Crimson Bridge. Not only was the music way ahead of the average church music, the lyrics were also at times a little edgy for the day, incorporating terms like “baby,” “blow your mind,” and “havin’ a good time.” There are also plenty of grunts, screams and “all rights” thrown into the mix, especially in the lead off track, “Better Times.”. Think touches of Blood, Sweat and Tears and incorporating a Mamas and the Papas harmony. The latter comparison is most notable on the ballad, “Easy Ways.” The next few songs maintain a mellower, folk like sound. But then the funk returns with “Birthright,” a funky, soulful tune with plenty of bass and trumpet driving the track. But it’s side two that eventually would garner Crimson Bridge their greatest accolades. Three lengthy psychedelic, progressive “suites” or movements, that walk through the conversion experience using both lyrics and musical composition to provide the mood and passion. Not only are the three movements vastly different, there are multiple changes within each movement that make it sound more like a rock opera the pop album. Lasting about 20 minutes combined, this truly set the group apart, especially so early in the Jesus Music experiment. Myrrh must have been a bit uneasy releasing such a progressive and creative album. Fortunately for us, they did.

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

Tracklist
1 – Better Times – 3:15
2 – Easy Ways – 2:34
3 – Comin’ – 4:07
4 – He’s Alive – 4:10
5 – Birthright – 3:45
6 – First Suite – 1st Movement (Searching In Reality) – 6:16
7 – First Suite – 2nd Movement (Experience) – 5:26
8 – First Suite – 3rd Movement (The Beginning Of Joy) – 8:26

Credits
Norm Bakker – Trumpet
Dave Dyer – Bass
Russ Gregory – Songwriter, Guitar, Vocals
Carol Healy – Flute, Vocals
Billy Ray Hearn – Producer
Roger Heuser – Trombone
Gary Rand – Songwriter
Trish Rattan – Vocals
Carolyn Shafer – Keyboards, Vocals
Gary Shafer – Drums
Terry Winch – Songwriter, Trumpet

Companies, etc.
Printed By – West Brothers Printers Limited
Published By – Word (Uk) Ltd.