This is Scott’s first album and while it is lesser known artist this was a great album. I really don’t know much about how Scott got into CCM but I have spoken to him very briefly about his current work. Some tracks have a great blues feel that I have been told becomes more prominent on his next album. The album also has a great sense of humour and while 80’s humour doesn’t always translate to today it stands well on this album. Some times I try to point out a best track but in this case the album really works best when listened to as a whole.
Tracklist 1 – Somebody Loves You – 3:58 2 – I Ain’t Clowning Around (No More With God) – 3:12 3 – I Believe In Him – 4:55 4 – Give It All You Got – 3:53 5 – I Forgot – 4:25 6 – Penny Arcade – 1:55 7 – Too Cool For Sunday School – 5:11 8 – I’m Not That Kind Of Guy – 4:56 9 – Peanut Butter And Jelly – 3:12 10 – What I’m Living For – 3:42 11 – I Belong To You – 4:45
60’s crooner Ketty Lester actually retired from the music industry in the early 70’s after a pretty successful career including 5 charting singles with “Love Letters” making it to #2 on the R & B charts. She actually quit music to concentrate on her acting career where many remember her as Hester-Sue Terhune on Little House on the Prairie. She did however return to the studio to produce this gospel album in 1984. While this is a pretty run of the mill 80’s soul gospel album with excellent vocals it is actually a very important album in the CCM industry. Hidden in the soul tracks is the track “Let’s Talk About Jesus” which is the first female gospel rap song. Now admittedly she is not a rap artist and this is not a rap album but this one track is unlike anything on this album and unlike anything she had ever done before. It is my firm belief that of this album had been released on a CCM label and not a soul label we would all know this track as it is an excellent example of early rap that was not being done in the CCM industry. So if your listening to this album as a whole you’re going to be a bit surprised when you get to track 10.
Tracklist 1 – One Day At A Time – 3:49 2 – Jesus Laid His Hands On Me – 2:33 3 – The Children – 3:09 4 – Jesus, You Touched Me – 3:20 5 – She’d Never Heard Of Anyone Called Jesus – 3:17 6 – I Saw Love – 3:19 7 – Have You Heard – 2:10 8 – When I Saw Jesus – 3:32 9 – Jesus Here I Am Again – 2:42 10 – Let’s Talk About Jesus – 3:40
This is Gary’s 3rd album and my personal favourite. While his wife at the time, Amy Grant, was with Myrrh Records, Gary cut this album for Reunion Records. Reunion was trying to turn it up a notch at this point in history and this album was a huge help. This album showed a rockier side of Gary and there are some great pop tracks on this album. The album is still a little heavy on the ballad’s but this is Gary Chapman so he’s forgiven. Ballad’s after all were his cash cow. “I Love That Girl”, written by Randy Stonehill, could have easily singled on commercial radio but unfortunately Gary didn’t have the crossover success of his wife. I should also point out that this is a prime example of why you don’t ever put out a song with your girls name in it because like the internet, music is forever and you’re stuck with it for life. All joking aside that song is begging for a country cover as I think it has top 20 written all over it. Anyway if you avoided this on back in the 80’s like I did give it a listen now, it’s pretty good.
Tracklist 1 – Everyday Man – 3:33 2 – When Where Together (Love’s So Strong) – 3:42 3 – Love History – 4:55 4 – Breakin’ Hearts – 4:47 5 – Love Like Blood – 4:09 6 – Around The World – 3:52 7 – The Hurt Is Worth The Chance – 3:52 8 – Love That Girl – 4:41 9 – Cecil, (Life Goes On) – 6:09 10 – Your Love Stays With Me – 3:07
Credits Art Direction – Bill Brunt, Mary Hamilton Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Amy Grant, Chris Harris, Gary Chapman, Ricky Skaggs, Wayne Kirkpatrick Bass – Mike Brignardello Coordinator [Production Coordinator] – Kimberly Smith, Steve Lindsey Drums, Percussion – Keith Edwards Engineer [Assistant] – Ben Williams, Billy Whittington, Carey Summers, Dave Parker, Jean Kinney, Jeff Coppadge, Keith Odle, Michael Koreiba Executive-Producer – Dan Harrell, Michael Blanton Guitar [Guitars] – Jerry McPherson Guitar [Guitars], Pedal Steel Guitar – Gary Chapman Keyboards – Michael W. Smith, Phil Naish, Shane Keister Mandolin – Mark O’Connor Mastered By – Bob Ludwig Mixed By – Brent King, Frank Filipetti, Jeff Balding Overdubbed By [Overdubs Recorded By] – Brent King, Gene Eichelberger, James Baird, Jeff Balding, Joe Scaife Percussion [Additional] – Terry McMillan Photography By – Chuck Kuhn Producer – Brown Bannister, Gary Chapman, Mark Wright Recorded By – Gene Eichelberger, Jeff Balding, Joe Scaife Stylist – Mary Beth Felts Written-By – Gary Chapman
Here we go with another band I can’t find any info about. This album was released on Tunesmith who were well known for finding obscure artists and this one is no exception. Though a Canadian label this is most likely a U.S. based band due to the Spanish content on the album. They were managed out of Colorado so that might be a clue also. The album has a seventies rock feel to it with, as I said, a Spanish flair to it in spots including a Spanish track. I really liked the album and am surprised I didn’t see it back in the 80’s as we were Tunesmith addicts and with this cover I know we would have bought this one if we had seen it. Too bad we missed it back then because this is an excellent album and definitely deserves to be listened to.
Tracklist 1 – Cruisin With My Lord – 3:36 2 – Lori’s Song – 3:10 3 – Where Is The Love – 3:21 4 – Prepara Tu Alma – 3:59 5 – Jesus That I Know – 3:28 6 – You’re Blind – 3:23 7 – He Is The Light – 4:39 8 – I Can Do – 3:01 9 – Riding The Line – 3:28 10 – You’re His Puppet – 2:45
Credits Producer – Bobby Murrieta Executive Producer – Jim Stengel & Brian Van Cleave Keyboards & Synthesizers – Bobby Murrieta Lead & Rhythm Guitar – Armando Nunez & Kenny Milton Bass Guitar – Bobby Murrieta & Kenny Milton Drums & Percussion – Jim DeBilzan, Linn-Drum Computer Vocals – The Rhythm Praise Band Additional Background vocals – Neal Burum
Companies, etc. Recorded & Mixed at Scott’s Music & Prosound Clovis, New Mexico ; Eaglear Productions, Greeley, Colorado Mastered by LRS
What if I told you there was an album with Joe English on drums, Dann Huff on guitar, and Steve Camp on Keyboards you would be very interested right? Well believe it or not this is that album but don’t get too excited because this album features three pretty well unknown artists. As near as I can figure out vocalists Kevin Thiel, Diane Thiel, and Joan Anderson were background vocalists for Steve Camp and Steve decided to produce an album for them. Most of the crew for this album were from Steve’s crew and I can only imagine this was all envisioned by Steve. All that said regardless of this recipe for success this was a one off album that didn’t really sell all that well. First of all the name they chose was pretty poor. I assume it was some sort of play on there being 3 members in the “band”. The album is very strongly Easy Listening and is nothing remarkable. I don’t deny they are great vocalists but the album just doesn’t have a hook to keep you listening. It is a fairly good album but nothing remarkable.
Tracklist 1 – In All Your Ways – 3:28 2 – Break Away – 3:04 3 – Lead Me To Life – 3:43 4 – Stolen Love – 3:12 5 – One Heart – 2:45 6 – Light Your Candle – 4:10 7 – Faith By Faith – 3:02 8 – Strong Love – 3:10 9 – Capture My Heart – 3:28 10 – Down The Road – 2:36
Credits Basses – Tim Smith Drums & Percussion – Joe English Engineered by – Hank Newberger, Wally Grant, Peter Braden & Paul Klingberg Executive Producer – Steve Wyer Guitars – Dann Huff, Jeff Oliver, George Cocchini & Paul Brannon Produced by – Steve Camp Sax Solo – Dennis Solee String Arrangements – John Rosasco Synthesizers – Rhett Lawrence, John Rosasco & Steve Camp Vocals & Vocal Arrangements by Kevin Thiel, Diane Thiel & Joan Anderson
Companies, etc. Recorded at The Gold Mine, Nashville, TN & Chicago Recording Co., Chicago, IL. Additional Recording at Weddington Studio, North Hollywood, CA Mixed at Chicago Recording Co., Chicago, IL. Mastered by Steve Hall at Future Disc, North Hollywood, CA
The 9th studio album from Michael Card is another like the others. That’s not as negative as it sounds as this was the magic that Card did. He put out albums very consistently and every one had great tracks so his fans constantly had new material to listen to. This album was successful with 3 charting CCM hits. Jubilee made it to #1, Lift Up The Suffering Symbol to #5, and They Called Him Laughter to #15. You just can’t argue with the success Card had. Anyway not much more to say about the album, if you like Card you will like this album. If you’re not a fan of easy listening than this one isn’t for you.
Tracklist 1 – The Beginning – 5:03 2 – In The Wilderness – 3:11 3 – Jubilee – 2:42 4 – Lift Up The Suffering Symbol – 3:32 5 – The Word Is So Near – 2:17 6 – Meditation #3 Shema – 4:13 7 – God Will Provide A Lamb – 4:06 8 – They Called Him Laughter – 3:05 9 – Asleep On Holy Ground – 5:15 10 – A Face That Shone – 3:21 11 – Barocha – 2:43
Credits Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Alan Moore, Bergen White Art Direction – Barbara Hearn Concertmaster, Directed By [Director] – Gavyn Wright Conductor [The Ambrosian Singers And Orchestra] – Bergen White Design – Larry Vigon Engineer [Assistant Engineer] – Barry Dixon, John Kunz Mastered By – Denny Purcell Musician, Acoustic Guitar – Michael Card Musician, Bass – Craig Nelson, Gary Lunn Musician, Drum Programming – Gary Lunn Musician, Drums, Percussion – Paul Leim Musician, Piano – Michael Card, Phil Naish Musician, Synthesizer – Phil Naish Photography By [Front Cover Photography] – Merlyn Rosenberg Photography By [Photography Of Michael Card] – Mark Tucker Producer – Norbert Putnam Recorded By, Mixed By – JB , Norbert Putnam, Willie Pevear Vocals [Vocalists] – Ashley Cleveland, Bergen White, Michael Card, The Ambrosian Singers
This is Paul’s 3rd solo album after leaving the Imperials and his 5th solo album over all. While he had tons of success I think this might be his most successful album as far as chart positioning goes. The album had 4 charting singles, “Back To Who I Am”, “It’s Alright”, “Bigger Than Life”, and “Beat Of A Different Heart”, all of which singled at #2 or #3. To have 4 singles in the top 3 is absolutely stunning. He also had a great studio band for this album including Paul Brannon (Joe English Band) and Gary Lunn (White Heart). As for the album well it’s a rather light Pop album in the similar vein as the Imperials at the time. When I see an album titled “Back To Who I Am” I always wonder what the artist was thinking at the time. This was well after he left the Imperials and he had a good relationship with them so I don’t think it referred to that so I’m just left to wonder. So this is a pretty good album, not really my style but I appreciate a good album in any style.
Tracklist 1 – Back To Who I Am – 5:36 2 – Beat Of A Different Heart – 5:17 3 – Bigger Than Life – 5:31 4 – Silence Isn’t Golden Anymore – 6:08 5 – Homesick For Eden – 4:47 6 – The Lion Roars – 5:15 7 – It’s Alright – 5:21 8 – Comforter – 4:44 9 – Hunger And Thirst – 5:01 10 – So Satisfied – 4:44
Credits Arranged By – Joe Hogue Art Direction – Terri Short Backing Vocals – Joe Hogue, Marabeth Jordan, Marsha Wells, Michelle Wagner, Paul Smith Bass – Gary Lunn Design – Bill Brunt Designs Drums – Jonathan David Brown Executive-Producer – Lynn Keesecker Guitar – Paul Brannon, Tom Hemby Keyboards – Joe Hogue Mastered By – Hank Williams Percussion – Eric Darken Photography By – Russ Harrington Producer, Recorded By, Mixed By – Jonathan David Brown
To say I was surprised by this album is an understatement. This is a funk-jazz album which is most definitely not my preferred genre but I love this album. The production on this album is one of the best I have heard from this era which is why I think the album appeals to me so much. Scott is an all around musician but he really stands out on trumpet on this album. This is one of those odd albums where the titled artist doesn’t provide vocals. All the vocalists are guest performers and I think every one of them nailed it. Even though Scott would appear on over 100 albums this is his only personal album. This is such a great album I am amazed they didn’t try it again but I don’t know how well it sold so maybe low sales were the problem. Too bad because I for one would like more.
Tracklist 1 – Leave It Up To Him – 4:59 2 – You’re Too Late – 3:54 3 – The Vision – 4:07 4 – Face To Face – 4:58 5 – What Happened – 4:08 6 – Give Him Thanks – 3:45 7 – Set Free – 4:16 8 – The Prince Of The Dark – 4:20 9 – What You Mean To Me – 4:58
Credits Acoustic Guitar – James Harrah Background Vocals – Alfie Silas, Carvin Winans, Debbie McClendon, Edith Lyons, Howard McCrary, Howard Smith, Ivory Stone, Linda McCrary, Ronald Winans, Shari Larson Bass – Abraham Laboriel Sr, Leon Gaer Drums – Bill Maxwell, Lynn Coulter, Willie Ornelas Drums (programming) – Scott V Smith Guitar James Harrah, Snuffy Walden Keyboards – Kevin Bassinson, Michael Ruff, Scott V Smith Percussion – Alex Acuna, Bill Maxwell, Lynn Coulter Programming – Rhett Lawrence Sax – Eric Marienthal Synthesizer – Rhett Lawrence Trombone – Alan Kaplan, Andy Martin Trumpet – Charles Davis, Larry Hall, Scott Smith Vocals – Benjamin Winans, Howard Smith, Marvin Winans, Michael Ruff, Stephen Tavani, Vonda Shepard Woodwinds – Kim Hutchcroft
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Lexicon Music, Inc. Published By – Lexicon Music, Inc. Published By – Libris Music
This is the second self released album from Kevin Brandow recording as Divine Right. Again he played all of the instruments and recorded it himself. He had Dave Hoffis help him with the mix and while the mix is good the final production is not that great. We have done our best to make it a little better quality but there’s only so much you can do with a 30 some year old cassette. As for the album I think it’s better than his first album showing some maturity in his guitar playing and if I had to pick a favourite track I would go for the title track as it has the most commercially viable sound. Kevin would go on to do a stint with Petra so his skills were recognized in the industry but for some reason he couldn’t get together with a record company for his own work. Really too bad because I would have liked to hear a polished commercial album from him. There is one odd thing about this album in that the final track, that is just a series of guitar solos, did not appear on all copies of the cassette. I don’t know if this was a technical error or something intentional but it’s interesting.
Tracklist 1 – White Hammer 2 – All I’ve Got 3 – Powerchange 4 – The Force Within 5 – Love Won Another 6 – Too Hot To Touch 7 – Lumen Naturale 8 – On My Way 9 – The Pearl 10 – Holy Smokes
Credits Instruments and vocals – Kevin Brandow Vocals on “Love Won Another” – Dave Hoffis Producer – Kevin Brandow, Dave Hoffis Recorded and mixed – Dave Hoffis, Kevin Brandow, Cover design – Mike Bennet
As Trace’s first album started to hit the charts Dayspring got her back in the studio ASAP. They could tell the first album was going to take off so they wanted a second album out there as quick as possible. This album proved she wasn’t a one album wonder as this one also hit the charts. It had 3 top 20 singles with “Well Done” making it to #10, “Never Let It Be Said” to #19, and “Eye Of The Hurricane” to #8. Not quite as successful as her debut but nothing to sneeze at. The album is very similar and I’m relatively sure the record company chose the songs from their library but Trace did get some cowriting credits this album. That said the songs were solid pop choices and it’s another great album if you enjoy female pop. Funny that history would hold Trace out as a great blues singer but at this point in her career it was all pop all the time. That said I am listening to her albums in order so maybe I’ll start to hear a transition in the next two albums.
Tracklist 1 – Here And Now – 3:50 2 – Well Done – 4:55 3 – If I Don’t Have Love – 4:11 4 – Eye Of The Hurricane – 3:47 5 – Never Let It Be Said – 4:31 6 – When The Well Runs Dry – 5:15 7 – Jesus At The Heart – 3:54 8 – Just Between You And Me – 3:50 9 – All Hail The Power – 4:44 10 – Why Me – 3:33
Credits Arranged By – Carl Marsh Art Direction [Cover Coordination] – Amy Linde Backing Vocals – Greg X. Volz, Greg Hall, Michael Sandifer, Trace Balin Bass Guitar – Gary Lunn Design – McConnell Graphics Drums, Drum Programming – Jonathan David Brown Engineer – Jonathan David Brown Executive-Producer – Lynn Keesecker Guitar – Paul Brannon, Tom Hemby Keyboards [Fairlight 3] – Carl Marsh Management – Richard Painter Mastered By – Ken Love Percussion – Eric Darken Photography By – Russ Harrington Producer – Jonathan David Brown
