Checo Tohomaso was a studio and touring musician for several R&B stars throughout the 70’s and 80’s. He has worked with the likes of Marvin Gaye, The Commodores, and Lionel Ritchie. He was in the band “Nova” who had a successful non gospel album in 1980. In 1985 Checo decided to release his own gospel album. Chico performed all the instruments on the album making it truly a solo effort. The album was well received and in his travels after putting out the album he ended up in Vancouver Canada for Expo 86. He continues his ministry in Vancouver Canada doing both music teaching as well as preaching the gospel.
Tracklist
1 – Come On Children,Let’s Praise The Lord – 3:35
2 – Magnify The Lord – 3:56
3 – If You Ask Anything – 3:46
4 – Love,Joy,Peace,Kindness – 2:40
5 – Keep In Touch – 4:50
6 – True Love – 3:58
7 – Sing Hallelujah,Praise The Lord – 3:02
8 – Psalm 121 – 4:21
9 – Don’t Let The Devil Rip You Off – 3:50
10 – Thank You Jesus,I’m Free – 3:00
Credits
Bass – Checo Tohomaso
Co-producer – Robert Benson
Engineer – Robert Benson
Lead Vocals – Checo Tohomaso
Percussion – Checo Tohomaso
Photography – Rob D’Estrubé
Piano – Checo Tohomaso
Producer – Checo Tohomaso
Synth – Checo Tohomaso
The Awakening were a group of lads from southern Ontario Canada. They came together in 84/85 and started doing some recording. In 1986 they set out to record a demo album later entitled “Two Worlds”. It was recorded in 16 tracks which was rare for a demo of that period by some unknown Canadian Christian band. The whole album was produced for $14,000. The boys went out and supported the album playing gigs where and when they could selling the demo album along the way. In early 1987 Reunion Records contacted the band with an interest in signing them. After a successful signing the band recorded two alternative tracks for the album but the other tracks were all just remixed from their demo. I believe that attests to the quality of that demo. This album is the result of all that work and it is an excellent New Wave/Pop album. This is another one I missed in the 80’s which is a pity because it is so good.
Tracklist
1 – You Can’t Hide – 4:06
2 – All You Need To Know – 3:33
3 – My Only Hope – 2:49
4 – Two Worlds – 5:04
5 – Distant Light – 4:09
6 – Turn Them Away – 3:28
7 – Fireside – 5:16
8 – The Only Way – 4:33
9 – The Forest – 5:32
Credits
Art Direction, Design – Heather Brown
Bass – Allan Powell
Co-producer – Glenn Koehler
Drums, Vocals – Mike Powell
Engineer – Andrew Horrocks, Lloyd Walker
Executive Producer – Dan Harrell, Jeff Moseley, Michael Blanton
Guitar, Vocals – Andrew Horrocks
Lead Vocals, Keyboards – Ian Tanner
Photography By – Deborah Samuel
Producer, Engineer – Richard J. Hutt
Mark Heard produced this Pat Terry album, and if you like Mark’s own albums then you’ll probably like this one too. The harmonies and chorus work is very reminiscent of Mark’s Stop The Dominoes album.
Having said that, Pat Terry has his own contribution to the CCM genre here. He is a witty lyricist and a good musician.
Film At Eleven features a solid collection of songs that can stick with you, starting from catchy, quirky tunes like “Cats and Dogs” and “Yard Sale” to contemplative pieces like “Growing Up and Growing Old.”
Every song on this album is a thoughtful piece if you’re listening.
The style is a little more rock than what the typical country music sound was at the time, but a little less rock than the popular hits. I think this in-between status probably held this album back from broader success.
Pat is an accomplished songwriter, having had songs recorded by Mark Heard, Mylon Lefevre, The Oak Ridge Boys, Tanya Tucker, Kenny Chesney, Travis Tritt, B. J. Thomas and many others.
Pat released seven albums under “The Pat Terry Group” in the 1970s before doing three solo albums in the 1980s.
You can also hear Pat on the Mark Heard tribute album from 1993 “Strong Hand of Love.”
Still going strong, Pat’s most recent album was released in 2018.
Tracklist
1 – Cats And Dogs – 3:18
2 – Yard Sale – 4:20
3 – The World Around Us – 2:58
4 – Change Takes Time – 3:15
5 – In My Dream – 4:32
6 – Common Bond – 3:17
7 – Shadows – 5:12
8 – Growing Up And Growing Old – 3:52
9 – Christ Alone Will Wear The Crown – 4:40
Credits Acoustic Guitar – Pat Terry Backing Vocals – Mark Heard (tracks: A3,B2,B4) Bass – Billy Batstone Drums [And “Giant Hamster Cage Drums”] – John Mehler Electric Guitar – Pat Terry Engineer – Mark Heard Engineer [Assisting] – Mike Ross, Wally Grant Guitar – Mark Heard (tracks: B1) Handclaps – Mark Heard, Pat Terry Harmonica – Pat Terry Mastered By – Steve Hall Mixed By – Mark Heard Musician [Assorted Techno-Musical Contributions] – Mark Heard Organ [Hammond] – Carl Pickhardt (tracks: B1,B3) Percussion – Harry Stinson Piano – Pat Terry Producer – Mark Heard, Pat Terry Programmed By [E-mu Systems Emulator, Voice Programming And Arrangements For Emulator] – Tom Howard Slide Guitar – Pat Terry Snare [Marching] – John Mehler (tracks: B2) Synthesizer [Korg Polysix] – Pat Terry Vocals – Pat Terry
Companies, etc.
Record Company – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – Weddington Studios
Mixed At – Weddington Studios
Mastered At – Future Disc
Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co. – △25998
Copyright (c) – Word, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Published By – Word Music (2)
Published By – Bug & Bear Music
Stryken appeared in 1986 with a self released 12″ of Rock on/Surprise. They followed this up with this self released album in 1987. The band were originally called Stryker but changed their name for reasons unknown. The band was Dale Streiker (vocals, lead guitar), Stephen Strieker (vocals, rhythm guitar), Joey Knight (drums), and Ezekiel Vade (bass guitar) though these names were all apparently stage names. In 2006 the album was released on CD by Girder records with “Surprise” as a bonus track. In 2009 Girder Records in conjunction with Retroactive Records released a CD Collectors Edition with 10 bonus tracks. Personally I liked these bonus tracks more than I liked the original album. The original album was a decidedly heavy metal affair but the bonus tracks had a far more commercial metal sound. In 1987 the band was detained by police at a Mötley Crüe concert in San Antonio, Texas for causing a disturbance. Apparently they went to the front of the stage with a large wooden cross while clad in full body armor attempting to spread an evangelical message. They were released without charge. The lead singer of the band (Stephen Hopkins) went on to be a Pastor in Texas and fathered 16 children.
Tracklist
1 – Crush The Head Of Satan
2 – One Way
3 – The Answer
4 – State Of Emergency
5 – First Strike
6 – Rock On
7 – The Young Men Have A Vision
8 – Riot
2006 CD Bonus Track
9 – Surprise
2009 Collectors Edition Bonus Tracks
10 – Blitzkrieg
11 – Look Away
12 – I’m Alright
13 – Need Your Love
14 – Circus Man
15 – Right Of Way
16 – Cross The Line
17 – Played
18 – It’s Over
In 1986 2nd Chapter of Acts did something a little different for CCM at the time. They released an album of hymns. The hymns were updated so we could enjoy the harmonies of the band. The album was well received and in fact well enough that a second album of hymns was released in 1988. The hymns were updated enough to include more modern instruments but not enough to change the basic structures of them. It sounds strange to say but this was actually a little daring to do in CCM music at the time but it all worked out and actually turned out to be a great idea.
Tracklist
1 – All Creatures Of Our God And King – 2:58
2 – My Jesus I Love Thee – 4:52
3 – Great Is Thy Faithfulness – 4:04
4 – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee – 2:40
5 – Crown Him With Many Crowns – 3:46
6 – Take My Life And Let It Be (Nottingham) – 1:45
7 – Holy, Holy, Holy – 5:33
8 – Fairest Lord Jesus – 3:47
9 – O The Deep, Deep Love Of Jesus – 4:08
10 – How Great Thou Art – 5:22
11 – He Has Formed Me – 1:39
Credits
Arranged By [Instrumental Arrangements] – John Andrew Schreiner
Arranged By [Vocal Arrangements] – 2nd Chapter Of Acts
Art Direction, Concept By [Cover Concept] – Buddy Owens
Artwork [Back Cover] – Marty Justice
Artwork [Calligraphy] – Michael Stevens
Bass – Lee Jones
Design – Bradley Grose
Drums – Dennis Holt
Engineer – Greg Hunt
Guitar – Will McFarland (tracks: B2)
Keyboards – Schreiner*
Mastered By – Bernie Grundman
Photography By [Altered Polaroid Photographs By] – Michael Going
Producer, Engineer – Buck Herring
Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Live Oak Records
Copyright (c) – Live Oak Records
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Made By – Discovery Systems
Recorded At – Easter Song Studios
Mixed At – Easter Song Studios
This is the second solo album from Bryn. He and his wife became Christians in 1974 and his subsequent albums reflected that in some way. This album was on a secular labels so it is not all in Christian content but there are Christian songs on the album. I had never heard any of Bryn’s work before “The Gap” so I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the sound I had heard that I liked so much was present here on his earlier work. This is a great album and I think if you like “The Gap” you’ll love this earlier work of his.
Tracklist
1 – Good Job – 5:00
2 – Pick Me Up – 3:22
3 – Darlin’ Cory – 3:22
4 – Dance – 3:02
5 – Peace Of Mind – 2:55
6 – Give All You’ve Got To Give – 5:10
7 – Heaven Knows – 5:28
8 – The Sunny Side Of The Street – 2:30
9 – Used – 5:17
10 – Thank The Lord – 4:45
Credits
Bryn Haworth – Guitars, Vocals
Bruce Rowland – Drums
Alan Spenner – Bass
Chris Stainton – Piano, Organ
Dave Pegg – Bass
Dave Mattacks – Drums
Pete Wingfield – Piano
Pat Donaldson – Bass
Terry Stannard – Drums
Dave Swarbrick – Fiddle
Alan Munde – Banjo
Jimmy Mullen – Guitar
Tony O’malley – Piano
Arlen Salte is a fantastic Canadian artist. He took a break between albums and it worked well for him. This album is a great Rock/Pop album and Arlen’s ability of writing catch lines that you remember is he greatest musical skill. A quick listen to the opening of “Great Big Noise” will cause it stay with you for the better part of a week lol. If you’re tired of that one rattling around in your head try “Watch What You’re Doing” which is an excellent Larry Norman cover. That one will take a week to forget. I’m not too sure what the distribution numbers were on this album but if you haven’t heard it and you like Rock that pops, this is one you should listen to. Interestingly some other great Canadian artists helped out with backing vocals including, Carson Cole, Connie Scott, and Bob Hanson. The album was produced by Roy Salmond of Salmond & Mulder.
Tracklist
1 – I Don’t Want To Dance – 3:08
2 – She’s So Easy To Use – 3:06
3 – Another Heart Breaks – 4:24
4 – Take Me Through The Fire – 3:40
5 – What About You – 4:13
6 – Great Big Noise – 3:31
7 – Dancing While The House Is Burning – 4:08
8 – Second Wind – 4:15
9 – In The Power Of Love – 3:26
10 – Watch What You’re Doin’ – 5:19
Credits
Arranged By, Guitar, Backing Vocals, Lead Vocals – Arlen Salte
Backing Vocals – Carson Cole, Connie Scott, Joani Bye, Carson’s Friend John, Marc LaFrance, Peter Wisstoff
Bass – Miles Hill
Booking – Dorothy A. Hirch
Design [Cover Design] – Brian Ritchie (3)
Drums – Daryl Bennett
Engineer, Mixed By – Dave Slagter
Guitar – Dane DeViller, Scotti Hall*, Tim Olsen (5)
Mastered By – Tom Baker (3)
Organ, Backing Vocals – Richard Sera
Photography By [Band Shots] – Glenn Sitler
Piano – Dave Pickell
Producer, Arranged By, Engineer, Keyboards, Guitar, Backing Vocals – Roy Salmond
Companies, etc.
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Image 7 Records Inc
Copyright (c) – Image 7 Records Inc
Recorded At – Whitewater Productions, Richmond, B.C.
Recorded At – Mushroom Studios, Vancouver
Mixed At – Whitewater Productions, Richmond, B.C.
Mastered At – Future Disc
Manufactured By – Image 7 Music Inc.
The final album from Allies was a very confusing album. The intro track “In My Life” almost has a 60’s feel. Then we get to a couple of Rockin tunes which are some of the best CCM songs available in 1992. Both “Man With A Mission” and “Feather In Your Cap” are excellent Rock tunes with a blues feel. From there however the album starts to go downhill. Actually it might be uphill depending on what you were looking for when listening to this album. After the first 3 tracks the album takes a turn to AOR and even makes it to straight out easy listening at times. I guess the album is good in that it can appeal to such a diverse audience. That said it’s a good album but just a little confusing.
Tracklist
1 – In My Life – 3:28
2 – Man With A Mission – 3:57
3 – Feather In Your Cap – 4:55
4 – Grand Facade – 4:18
5 – Devoted To You – 5:24
6 – The Deepest Part Of Me – 3:23
7 – Heaven – 6:32
8 – Just Like A Father To Me – 3:31
9 – I’m Crying – 4:40
10 – Last Chance Cafe – 6:05
Credits
Art Direction – Amy Linde, Ed Goble
Bass, Vocals – Mark Hill (2)
Design – Tufts Design Studio
Drums, Percussion, Programmed By [Programming] – “Shoeless” Brian Fullen*
Edited By [Digital Editing] – Carlos Grier
Executive-Producer – Bubba Smith (2)
Guitar, Soloist [Guitar Solos], Vocals – Randy Thomas (2)
Keyboards, Vocals – Scott Sheriff
Lead Vocals – Randy Thomas (2) (tracks: 8)
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Guitar – Bob Carlisle (2)
Mastered By – Denny Purcell
Mixed By – Rodney Good
Mixed By [Assistant] – Steve Ledet
Photography By – Russ Harrington
Producer, Arranged By [Vocal & String Arrangements] – Bob Carlisle (2)
Producer, Recorded By – Randy Thomas (2)
Recorded By [Assistant] – Kirk Eberhard
Soloist [Solo Violin] – Chris Fullen (tracks: 9)
Vocals [Choir On] – Bob Carlisle (2) (tracks: 7), Dawn Thomas (4) (tracks: 7), Londell Ivan Alvestad (tracks: 7), Lori Cotton Thomas (tracks: 7), Scott Sheriff (tracks: 7)
Vocals [Co-Vocal] – Randy Thomas (2) (tracks: 6)
This was the introductory album from The 77s and many consider it to be one of the most important albums in the history of CCM music. This album premiered a new wave sound listeners were waiting for though there are a couple songs that lean more to Rock and Roll. Lyrically this album was way ahead of the curve in CCM music which I believe was one of the reasons it was so well received. In 1995 the album was re-released on CD with 6 bonus tracks. Those tracks are represented here.
Tracklist
1 – A Different Kind Of Light – 4:17
2 – How Can You Love – 4:38
3 – It’s So Sad – 5:04
4 – Falling Down A Hole – 4:18
5 – Someone New – 4:21
6 – Renaissance Man – 3:35
7 – Ping Pong Over The Abyss – 4:13
8 – Time Is Slipping Away – 5:04
9 – Denomination Blues – 4:54
1995 CD Bonus Material
10 – A Different Kind Of Light (Live) – 3:25
11 – How Can You Love (Demo) – 4:33
12 – It’s So Sad (Live) – 5:04
13 – Falling Down A Hole (Live) – 3:53
14 – Ping Pong Over The Abyss (Demo) – 4:17
15 – Denomination Blues (Live) – 5:05
Credits
Backing Vocals – Jan Eric Volz
Bass – Jan Eric Volz
Drums – Mark Proctor
Engineer – Daryl Zachman, Larry Hirsch
Guitar – Jan Eric Volz, Mark Tootle, Mike Roe
Keyboards – Mark Tootle
Mastered By – John Golden
Mixed By – Larry Hirsch
Producer – Steven Soles
Vocals – Mark Proctor, Mark Tootle, Mike Roe
This is a rather mysterious release from Lex Rex. While researching this album I found a variety of stories behind this album. Some said it was a copy of a demo and some say it was recorded but not released and someone found a cassette. Yet another story is that Pantrax Records released it in 1990 on CD from a cassette copy. Also apparently there are another 3 tracks out there somewhere. I have no idea what version of these stories is the truth. Here’s what I do know. It’s a great album with some more great Rock & Roll. To me the album sounds like it was recorded before their “Beat The Heat” but who knows. It has a more raw sound and I can hear some early Van Halen vibes. If you liked “Beat The Heat” you’ll love this one.
Tracklist:
1 – The Physician
2 – Gotta Friend
3 – Love King
4 – Run Horse Run
5 – Bad Blood
6 – Ya Gotta Move
7 – Heart Soul and Mind
8 – Black Day
9 – Another Son
