Ray Mansfield – Page 11

Delaney & Bonnie & Friends – Motel Shot – 1971

Including this album on our channel is a little bit of a stretch. We are adding it to provide context of where Bonnie Bramlett came from. She was actually had a very successful secular career in “Delaney & Bonnie” which was her and her husband Delaney. This album is one they released of entirely gospel songs so I thought it might be a good fit for the channel. This album actually reached number 13 on the Hot 100 from July 14 to 24, 1971, and was Billboard’s number 67 single of 1971. The band and their marriage ended in 1972 in part, according to Bonnie, due to drug use. Bonnie then had a solo career spanning 4 albums before her Christian release in 1981. I found the following story about Bonnie on Wikipedia and thought it would be fun to share. “While on tour with Stills in 1979, Bramlett punched Elvis Costello in the face at a hotel bar in Columbus, Ohio, after Costello referred to James Brown as a “jive-ass nier” and Ray Charles a “blind, ignorant nier.” Bramlett having brought his remarks to the attention of the press, Costello apologized at a press conference in New York City a few days later, stating he had been drunk and had been trying to be obnoxious in order to bring the conversation to a swift conclusion. According to Costello, “it became necessary for me to outrage these people with about the most obnoxious and offensive remarks that I could muster.”

Tracklist
1 – Where The Soul Never Dies – 3:25
2 – Will The Circle Be Unbroken – 2:42
3 – Rock Of Ages – 2:15
4 – Long Road Ahead – 3:25
5 – Faded Love – 4:03
6 – Talkin’ About Jesus – 6:40
7 – Come On In My Kitchen – 2:43
8 – Don’t Deceive Me – 3:53
9 – Never Ending Song Of Love – 3:20
10 – Sing My Way Home – 4:07
11 – Going Down The Road Feeling Bad – 5:10
12 – Lonesome & Long Way From Home – 4:00

Credits
Alto Vocals – Iva Bramlett
Engineer – Bruce Botnick, Lewis Peters, Richard Moore
Musician – Eddie James, Jim Keltner
Musician, Vocals – Ben Benay, Bobby Whitlock, Bonnie Bramlett, Carl Radle, Dave Mason, Delaney Bramlett, Duane Allman, Gram Parsons, Jay York, John Hartford, Kenny Gradney, Leon Russell, Sandy Konikoff
Photography By, Design [Album Design] – Barry Feinstein, Tom Wilkes
Photography, Design – Camouflage Productions
Producer, Arranged By – Delaney Bramlett

Companies, etc.
Manufactured By – Warner Bros. Records Of Canada, Ltd.
Distributed By – Warner Bros. Records Of Canada, Ltd.
Published By – Delbon
Published By – Cotillion
Published By – Metric
Published By – Hill & Range
Published By – Noma
Published By – Nice Songs
Published By – Tideland
Published By – Skyhill
Produced For – Delbon Productions
Printed By – Ever Reddy
Lacquer Cut At – RCA Studios, Toronto

Al Denson – The Battle Is On – 1988

This is Al Denton’s second album and was self released on his own label same as he did for his first. This album however is as good as anything else available at the time. What I mean is that this album is one of the best self released albums I have ever heard. The material is fantastic, the studio work is excellent, and the production is top notch. The album was produced by Paul Mills and Kemper Crabb and you can hear their talents. I have no idea who was in the studio other than Jerry McPherson but this was a great team of musicians. The albums leans more to light rock but I will say that “This Ice” is headed into my regular rotation.

Tracklist
1 – Nothing Can Separate Us
2 – Thin Ice
3 – As You Are
4 – The Battle Is On
5 – Two Wrongs Tonight
6 – Do The Same
7 – We Can Make A Difference
8 – Cut To The Heart
9 – Burning Bridges
10 – In His Sanctuary

Marcos Witt – Proyecto AA – 1990

Here’s another one for our Spanish listeners. We uploaded his 3rd album last month and it was well received so today we’re visiting his 5th album. This album was widely praised for modernizing Spanish-language Christian music with a pop-rock and ballad-infused sound. To me the album leans more easy listening than his earlier work but he was switch9ing to more of a worship oriented artist. The album was a collaborative effort with musician and producer Cesar Garza, who brought a high level of programming and arrangement to the music. The album also showcases the work of various talented Mexican songwriters.

Tracklist
1 – Te Exaltamos – 4:38
2 – Hoy Levantamos Tu Nombre – 2:19
3 – Yeshúa – 3:12
4 – Me Gozaré – 3:15
5 – Restaurarás El Santo Lugar – 2:07
6 – Él Es Mi Rey – 3:59
7 – Renuévame – 4:05
8 – A Cristo, Solo A Cristo – 3:42
9 – Porque Tú Eres Bueno – 2:46
10 – Maravilloso Dios – 2:21
11 – Al Estar Aquí – 4:03
12 – Quiero Levantar Mis Manos – 4:26

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Jose Perez
Arranged By – Cesar Eduardo Garza, Jose Perez, Marcos Witt
Backing Vocals – Eliezer Gallegos, Elvira Garza, Jose Perez, Lorena Warren, Marcos Witt, Nicky Garza, Nolita Warren, Rodolfo Orozco
Electric Bass, Engineer – Luis Chi-Sing
Executive-Producer, Piano – Marcos Witt
Graphic Design – Raquel Barrientos
Guitar – Gerray West
Mixed By – Cesar Eduardo Garza, Gerray West, Luis Chi-Sing, Raul Angel Taboada “Salomon”
Percussion – Alejandro Díaz, Cesar Eduardo Garza
Producer – Cesar Eduardo Garza, Gerray West, Marcos Witt
Recorded By, Synthesizer, Electric Organ, Drum Programming – Cesar Eduardo Garza
Technician – Raul Angel Taboada “Salomon”

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – CanZion Producciones, Inc.
Copyright © – CanZion Producciones, Inc.
Distributed By – CanZion Group LP

Hoi Polloi – Only Flying – 1996

This is the last thing we got from Hoi Polloi after what I consider a great run. I’m pretty sure the sales numbers wouldn’t consider it a great run but I’m referring to the talent and the songs which I consider a great run. This demo is perfectly situated in 1996. I have heard these guys since their early days as Jamboree up until this album and they progressed over that time with the trends. Anyway so here we have a pretty guitar heavy grunge feel and while not my personal favourite style this album was perfect for the time and I only wish it would have lead to an album. But alas this was it for Hoi Polloi. Some trivia, per the guys over at Christian Tape Underground (https://christiantapeunderground.wordpress.com/) there is also a version of this demo simply entitled “Demo”. According to them “If I Was Juliet” and “Only Flying” are trimmed differently between the two releases. Thanks for the music Hoi Polloi.

Tracklist
1 – Simply Super – 4:14
2 – Only Flying – 3:55
3 – If I Was Juliet – 5:14

Credits
Bass – Andrew Horst
Drums – Matt McGuyer
Guitar – Troy Daugherty
Lead Vocals, Words By – Jenny Gullen

The Living Sacrifice Band – A Call To Brokeness- 1980

This is the third and last album from The Living Sacrifice Band out of Spokane WA. Apparently they went through a few name changes starting out as Last Call of Shiloh, then Living Sacrifice, and finally as Living Sacrifice Band. They also released one album as The Last Call Of Shiloh. They released this album on Shekinah records which was a micro label out of Oceanport, NJ. The album has a progressive seventies Rock sound and feel and features the multiple instruments you would expect on a progressive album. Side one is more Rock oriented while side 2 is a little more mellow. Pretty good album here that you have probably never heard of due to it’s obscurity so if that 70’s progressive style is your thing this one is for you.

Tracklist
1 – Hallelujah
2 – Resurrection
3 – Woman At The Well
4 – Marriage Supper Of The Lamb
5 – Ezekiel 38 & 39
6 – Armegeddon
7 – Raging Sea
8 – A Call To Brokeness

Credits
Rob Neuschwander – drums, vocals, bass
John Murray – vocals, harmonica, guitar, bass
Diane Murray – vocals
Doug Houser – vocals, flute
Heidi Nelson – vocals, piano
John Rosenberry – vocals, guitar

Charles Johnson & The Revivers – There Is A Guarantee In Jesus – 1986

Charles Johnson might have been better known as a member of soul gospel group The Sensational Nightingales who actually started up in the 40’s. This is another group that was huge in the soul side of the industry and unknown on the rock side of the industry. Charles started up this group after he left The Sensational Nightingales in the early 80’s. This album has been classified as Soul but really it had more of a 50’s feel than soul but admittedly sometimes those 2 genres melt together. Anyway needless to say I never heard this one before finding it in our stack which is really too bad because this is a great album with a fun 50’s feel.

Tracklist
1 – There Is A Guarantee In Jesus – 4:45
2 – I’ve Been Sealed – 4:10
3 – I’ll See You In The Rapture – 4:25
4 – It’s Time To Go Back Home – 3:39
5 – My Friend Jesus – 4:32
6 – I Can’t Even Walk – 4:33
7 – Giving You A Warning Sinner – 3:45

Credits
Bass Guitar – Richard A. Luster
Drums – Mark Williams
Keyboards – Roger Fortner
Lead Guitar – Darrell Luster
Producer, Engineer, Mixed By – Tim Greene
Rhythm Guitar – Charles Johnson

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Mountain Top Studios

Imperials – Songs Of Christmas – 1998

This is the Imperials 2nd Christmas album. While their first one was very very popular, this one, not so much. In part it is because they self released it so it probably only sold through their mail order program. This was a period that the Imperials were struggling with record labels. The album is traditional Christmas songs done in a very traditional quartet style. It’s not even in the same ballpark as their first album but I don’t think they wanted it to be.

Tracklist
1 – Sleigh Ride
2 – White Christmas
3 – Silent Night
4 – O Come, O Come Emmanuel
5 – I Have Seen The Light
6 – The Christmas Song
7 – Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
8 – Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
9 – What Child Is This
10 – Hark The Herald Angels Sing

Evie – Come On, Ring Those Bells – 1977

This album probably contains the biggest CCM Christmas song ever. The title track was written by Andrew Culverwell and suited Evie’s vocals perfectly. The album also received a nominated for Grammy Award for best Contemporary Gospel performance. The album is mainly traditional material but Lennart Sjöholm did many of the arrangements. The album has a country feel and is one of the most loved CCM Christmas albums still to this day.

Tracklist
1 – Come On, Ring Those Bells – 3:02
2 – Away In A Manger – 2:37
3 – No Room/Have You Any Room For Jesus? – 3:42
4 – Mary’s Boy Child – 2:45
5 – Silent Night – 3:34
6 – O Holy Night – 3:45
7 – What Child Is This? – 3:35
8 – Some Children See Him – 1:43
9 – One Small Child – 3:04
10 – A Thousand Candles – 2:39

Credits
Backing Vocals – Janie Fricke Singers
Bass – Jack Williams
Drums – Bill Harris, Jerry Carrigan
Guitar – Billy Sanford, Jerry Shook, Pete Bordinella
Harmonica – Charlie McCoy
Keyboards – Lennart Sjöholm, Randy Goodrum
Oboe – Bob Taylor
Percussion – Farrell Morris
Recorder, Clarinet – Billy Puett
Steel Guitar – Weldon Myrick
Strings – Shelly Kurland Strings

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – The Sound Lab, Nashville
Remixed At – Europa Film

Russ Taff – A Christmas Song – 1992

This is Russ’s only Christmas album and I don’t have much to say about it. It is a collection of traditional Christmas carols with very traditional arrangements. Often these albums they lay down the music track with studio musicians then the singer comes in and does the vocals and it’s off to the stores. But credit to Russ here, he used his band for the album and the engineering/production group is his usual team. That makes me respect this album a little more though it’s still not my style. This one is for people looking for traditional songs with traditional arrangements and stand out vocals.

Tracklist
1 – Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – 4:34
2 – Angels We Have Heard On High – 2:57
3 – The Christmas Song – 2:19
4 – God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen – 4:01
5 – I’ll Be Home For Christmas – 4:01
6 – Let It Snow, Let It Snow – 2:39
7 – White Christmas – 3:51
8 – What Child Is This? – 2:41
9 – It Came Upon A Midnight Clear – 4:07
10 – What A Wonderful World – 2:27

Credits
Bass – Byron House
Conductor [Strings Conducted By] – John Darnall
Drums, Bells [Sleigh Bells] – John Hammond
Executive-Producer – John Huie
Mastered By – Hank Williams
Piano, Vibraphone [Vibes] – Matt Rollings
Producer, Arranged By, Guitar, Backing Vocals, Recorded By, Mixed By – James Hollihan, Jr.
Recorded By [Strings Recorded By] – Lynn Fuston
Saxophone – Mark Douthit
Strings – The Nashville String Machine
Trumpet – Mike Haynes

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – The Sparrow Corporation
Copyright © – The Sparrow Corporation
Produced For – Russ Taff Productions
Recorded At – Interociter Studio, Nashville, TN
Mixed At – Interociter Studio, Nashville, TN
Mastered At – Mastermix
Glass Mastered At – Nimbus, Virginia

Various – Noel – 1995

If you do not own this album, you are truly missing out on not only one of the great Christmas albums of all time (Christian or secular) but on one of the great albums. This album was initially listed in the Top 100 before the decision to remove the seasonal albums. Years before “City of a Hill,” short lived Via Records released this brilliant acoustic collection of original and classical holiday favorites. Artists include Derri Daugherty (The Choir), Michael Pritzl (The Violet Burning), Jerry Chamberlain (DA), Kevin Smith (DC Talk), Jenny Gullen (Hoi Polloi), Brent Bourgeois, Riki Michelle (Adam Again), Julie Miller and more. Simply brilliant from first to last and years ahead of the time.

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

Tracklist
1 – Derri Daugherty & Riki Michelle & Steve Hindalong – Babe In The Straw – 3:32
2 – Michael Pritzl & Jenny Gullen – Silent Night – 3:36
3 – Jerry Chamberlain & Sharon McCall & Riki Michelle & Derri Daugherty – I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day – 2:57
4 – Kevin Smith – In The Bleak Mid-Winter – 3:15
5 – Jenny Gullen & Derri Daugherty – Bring A Torch Jeannette, Isabella – 2:52
6 – Stephen & Jenny Gullen – O Holy Night – 4:26
7 – Brian Whitman – Carol Of The Birds – 3:00
8 – Brent Bourgeois & Carolyn Arends & Derri Daugherty – What Child Is This? – 4:30
9 – Riki Michelle & Jerry Chamberlain & Sharon McCall – O Come, O Come, Emmanuel – 2:53
10 – Buddy & Julie Miller – Away In A Manger – 2:57
11 – Carolyn Arends & Stephen Murray & Jenny Gullen – Angels We Have Heard On High – 4:43