Tag: 1976

The Alpha Band – The Alpha Band – 1976

The Alpha Band rose out of the ashes of the backup band from Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue tour in 1976. T-Bone Burnett, Steven Soles, and David Mansfield had worked so well together on the tour they decided they should head top the studio and this album is the result. The album has a strong T-Bone fell but that’s going to happen as his vocals are so distinct. But musically this is definitely a T-Bone album and is much more in the style of T-Bone than Soles or Mansfield. The album features T-Bone’s signature songwriting but Soles was also heavily involved in songwriting. If you’ve listened to a T-Bone album then you will know what to expect from this album. If the first track doesn’t work for you keep listening as it gets much better. I’m not disrespecting “Interviews” but I just don’t think it was a good choice for the lead track. Track 2 “Cheap Perfume” is much better and set’s the album on a good path.

Tracklist
1 – Interviews – 3:52
2 – Cheap Perfume – 2:49
3 – Keep It In The Family – 4:34
4 – Ten Figures – 4:09
5 – Wouldn’t You Know – 3:51
6 – Madman – 4:23
7 – The Dogs – 4:20
8 – Arizona Telegram – 4:25
9 – Dark Eyes – 3:34
10 – Last Chance To Dance – 3:18

Credits
Art Direction, Design – Nancy Greenberg
Bass – David Jackson (4)
Drums – Matt Betton
Lacquer Cut By [JG etched in runouts] – John Golden
Management [Personal Representation] – Jonathan Taplin
Photography By [Cover] – Deborah Turbeville
Photography By [Sleeve] – Camera 5, Ken Regan
Piano – K. O. Thomas* (tracks: A3)
Recorded By – Larry Hirsch
Violin, Mandolin, Guitar – David Mansfield
Vocals – Rosanna Taplin (tracks: B2), Roscoe West (tracks: A1)
Vocals, Guitar – Steven Soles
Vocals, Guitar, Piano – T-Bone Burnett

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Arista Records, Inc.
Copyright © – Arista Records, Inc.
Recorded At – Paramount Recording Studios
Mastered At – Kendun Recorders
Pressed By – PRC Recording Company, Richmond, IN

The All Saved Freak Band – For Christians, Elves, And Lovers – 1976

The story of the All Saved Freak Band is a fascinating one and I would urge you to read up about them and everything that stood in their way of getting their music out to the populace. But here we will concentrate on their second album. At some point the band discovered that J.R.R. Tolkien was a Christian. He was actually the Catholic brand of religion but a pretty devout one apparently. Anyway the band was a fan and they brought together the fantasy world of The Lord Of The Rings with Evangelism and this album was the result. This album helped the band branch out to a whole new audience and was a big hit due to this invented theme. A copy of this album has actually been added to the Tolkien Collection at Marquette University. This album is best listened to it in it’s entirety and in the original order as the album definitely has a conceptual feel and flow.

Tracklist
1 – Stephen – 2:37
2 – Our Feast Of Love (A Merry Go Round) – 3:25
3 – By The Fire – 3:03
4 – The 100th Psalm – 5:21
5 – You Haunt My Mind – 3:38
6 – Water Street – 3:03
7 – Theme Of Fellowship Of The Ring – 3:59
8 – Elfin Chimes – 2:02
9 – Big Race – 3:23
10 – Great Victory – 3:30
11 – The Lord Is My Shepherd – 2:30
12 – Old Man Daniel – 3:07
13 – Valley Of Decision – 2:02
14 – Larry’s Song – 1:25

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Mike Berkey
Acoustic Guitar, Keyboards, Bells, Producer, Arranged By – Rob Galbraith
Acoustic Guitar, Keyboards, Violin, Cello – Kim Massmann
Acoustic Guitar, Keyboards, Violin, Cello, Arranged By [Special String] – Pam Massmann
Artwork, Photography By – Gary Allen, Joe Markko, John Davies, Mike Bishop
Artwork, Photography By, Engineer – Ken Hamman
Bass – Morgan King
Drums, Percussion – Tim Hill, Tom Eritano
Harp – Cindy Ratzloff
Keyboards – Carole King
Keyboards, Producer, Arranged By, Artwork, Photography By – Larry Hill
Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar – Glenn Schwartz
Rhythm Guitar – Ed Durkos
Violin, Viola – Jane Massmann, Richard Massmann

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – Windy Distributor Company
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Rock The World Enterprises
Copyright © – Rock The World Enterprises
Recorded At – Cleveland Recording Company
Lacquer Cut At – Cleveland Recording Company
Mastered At – Nashville Record Productions

Messenger – The New Has Come – 1976

Well it’s time for some Jazz infused seventies soul again. I’m still unable to find any background on the band but this album included member Rick Riso who is relatively well known as far as CCM goes. So we will have to stick to talking abut the album. I actually prefer this one to their second album as it seems a little mo0re raw which makes this style sound a little more interesting. If you like your CCM a little funky and pretty soulful this is the one for you.

Tracklist
1 – The New Has Come – 4:01
2 – I Feel Secure – 4:05
3 – Jesus Died For Me – 3:49
4 – I Love My Jesus – 3:39
5 – My Savior’s Love – 4:20
6 – Set Your Mind – 4:03
7 – Take My Yoke Upon You – 3:24
8 – Fill Me With Your Spirit – 3:53
9 – Wings Of Salvation – 3:54
10 – Live In Jesus’ Light – 4:03

Credits
Rick Riso – Vocals & Guitars
Si Simonson – Keyboards
Jim DeLong – Drums & Percussion

Companies, etc.
Record Company – Light Records
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Published By – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Pressed By – Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Santa Maria
Mastered At – Capitol Mastering

Scott Wesley Brown – I Am A Christian – 1976

This is the second album from Scott. His first album was self released but this one was a one album deal with Gary Paxton’s Newpax records which led to a more lucrative deal with Sparrow records for his next album. While Scott was very successful on the CCM charts this album didn’t have any charting singles. This has more to do with it being on Newpax records than the quality of the record. Had this been released on Sparrow “I Am A Christian” would have easily been a top 10 single. This song is actually still a favourite of his fans all these years later. The album as you can imagine has an easy listening sound which is Scott’s style. The album also has seventies feels on several tracks and for the time and genre was a great album.

Tracklist
1 – Rejoice – 3:53
2 – Excuses – 3:39
3 – The Lone Ranger – 3:20
4 – He Has Returned – 3:22
5 – Super Star – 4:53
6 – I Am A Christian – 3:53
7 – Walk Your Talk – 3:08
8 – I Love You – 2:58
9 – Ride The Wild Horses – 3:14
10 – Love One Another – 6:29

Credits
Art Direction, Design – Michael Harris
Bass – Jack Williams, Steve Schaffer
Drums – Jerry Carrigan
Guitar – Dale Sellers, Reggie Young, Steve Gibson
Keyboards – Buddy Skipper, Ron Oates, Shane Keister
Photography By – Craig Sterling
Photography By [Back Cover] – Michael G. Borum
Producer – Bob MacKenzie, Gary S. Paxton
Producer [Assistant], Liner Notes – Randy Matthews

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Sound Stage Studios
Recorded At – Pinebrook Recording Studio
Mastered At – Masterfonics
Pressed By – GRT Record Pressing

The Mighty Flyers – What Kind Of King – 1976

Not much information out there on The Mighty Flyers. It looks like it was a David Rees project as he did vocals and produced the album. I stumbled on this one because it features Nick Brotherwood of The Alwyn Wall Band and After The Fire and also Norman Barratt of the Barratt Band and The Alwyn Wall Band. These were some of the top Christian artists of the period. The album is pretty good as it has a seventies folk sound and feel. I can’t find that David Rees did any other projects but there are 2 more albums from The Mighty Flyers which I’m looking forward to listening to soon.

Tracklist
1 – Egypt – 3:09
2 – Thinking of Mary Tonight – 3:16
3 – I Saw Heaven Open – 3:39
4 – Eyes Like Jewels – 2:51
5 – Love Like An Ocean – 4:22
6 – Let Me Die An Easy Death – 4:25
7 – The Thief’s Song – 4:33
8 – Four Score Years – 4:00
9 – Fair Weather Friends – 4:25
10 – Celebrate The Feast/Salute The King – 4:18
11 – I Looked Down – 1:02

Credits
Bass – Martin Bunyar
Drums – Nick Brotherwood
Guitar – Norman Barratt
Lead Guitar – Nick Stone
Vocals, Producer, Written-By – David Rees

Imperials – Just Because – 1976

This is an album from the Imperials that seemed to slip under the radar. I don’t even remember this one and we listened to the Imperials back in this era. Maybe we did hear it and just ignored it as it’s pretty worship oriented. This was the last album with Sherman Andrus and Terry Blackwood before they went on to their own duo act. Strangely Andrus is not credited on the album but he’s rather obviously there. It’s a little hard to believe this was done in error so there’s a story there for sure. As for the album it’s pretty standard fare for an early 70’s Imperials album. Nothing really stood out on it for me but if you like the Imperials form this era this album will satisfy your ears.

Tracklist
1 – Just Because He Loves You – 4:08
2 – Jesus Came Into My Life – 2:45
3 – Love, It Comes In All Colors – 2:47
4 – Sweet Jesus – 4:10
5 – He Made My Life Come Together – 5:10
6 – He’s Coming Back – 3:23
7 – He Loves Me So – 4:09
8 – David’s Psalm – 4:17
9 – Sunny Day – 4:02
10 – Sometimes Alleluia – 3:55

Credits
Arranged By – Jack Williams
Arranged By [Orchestral Arrangements By] – Buddy Skipper
Arranged By [Track Arrangements] – Gary S. Paxton
Arranged By [Vocal Arrangements] – Terry Blackwood
Art Direction – Bob McConnell
Bass – Jack Williams, Steve Schaffer
Design [Cover Design], Illustration – Michael Harris
Drums – Kenny Malone, Larri London
Engineer – Bob Clark
Guitar – Bobby Thompson, Steve Gibson
Keyboards – Buddy Skipper, Pig Robbins, Ron Oates, Shane Keister
Percussion – Farrell Morris
Photography [Cover Photography] – Dill Beaty
Producer – Phil Johnson

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Impact Records
Copyright © – Impact Records
Recorded At – Starday Sound Studios
Recorded At – Sound Stage Studios
Remixed At – Studio By The Pond
Mastered At – Masterfonics

Deliverance – Give It A Try – 1976

This is the second album from the German/Canadian version of Deliverance. While I am a huge fan of the 2 albums subsequent to this one I didn’t like this one as much as it is way too 70’s for me. I’m not saying it’s a bad album in fact I think it’s a great album but it just didn’t strike a chord with me. The back of the album cover features a testimonial by Joe Moscheo of The Imperials who holds the band in some very high esteem. If your a fan of the Jesus music movement then this is an album you must listen to and if you’re a fan of their later work I’d still suggest a listen but temper your expectations.

Tracklist
1 – Give It A Try – 5:37
2 – Why Cant They Realize? – 2:32
3 – Judgement – 3:18
4 – I Got You – 2:50
5 – How Can I Know? – 2:25
6 – Ive Often Wondered – 2:52
7 – Who Are You? – 4:56
8 – Im Going Away – 3:54
9 – Memories In F # Minor – 9:42

Credits
Paul Janz
Herb Rempel
Vern Giesbrecht
Paul Barnard
Ken Janz
Danny Janz

Companies, etc.
Manufactured By – Word Records Limited

Adrian Snell – Goodbye October – 1976

This was the second album from Adrian and it picks up right up where the last one left off. Adrian was a solid performer of worship / easy listening at this point in his career and few others did it as well as him. Now to be clear this is not my style of music but I know good music when I hear it and this is going to lead to my rant. How on gods green earth did Adrian never have a CCM charting single. He had 23 albums of which I’ve heard several now and I am completely dumbfounded at how he never had a song on the charts. I know I have ranted about the charts being very selective before but this has to be one of the best examples of people being blacklisted from the charts. I have no idea why Adrian was blacklisted but honestly it’s rather obvious that he was. Anyway this is an excellent 70’s vibe worship album and if that’s your style I’m sure you will agree with me that this is an excellent album.

Tracklist
1 – Prelude – 4:25
2 – This Land – 2:47
3 – By The Waters Of Babylon (Psalm 137) – 4:54
4 – Father, Saviour, Lord – 3:32
5 – City Bound – 2:50
6 – Goodbye October – 4:30
7 – Summer Song – 2:52
8 – Jesus, I’m Alone – 3:22
9 – Jesus Is My Song – 2:45
10 – And In The Morning – 3:25

Credits
Art Direction – Phil Thomson
Bass Guitar, Mandolin, Voice [Heathen Shouts], Handclaps – Gerry Page
Clarinet, Flute, Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Ken Parr
Design Concept [Sleeve Concept By], Illustration – Eugene Press
Drums, Percussion – Bernard Shaw, Keith Entwistle
Engineer – Andy Kidd, Dave Cooke, Helmut Kaufmann
French Horn – Gordon Carr
Lyrics By – Adrian Snell
Music By – Adrian Snell
Photography By – David McQuitty
Piano, Electric Guitar, Guitar, Twelve-String Guitar, Keyboards [Elka Rhapsody], Synthesizer [String & Moog Synthesizers], Arranged By – Joe King
Piano, Electric Piano, Guitar, Twelve-String Guitar, Classical Guitar, Keyboards [Elka Rhapsody], Synthesizer [String & Moog Synthesizers], Percussion [Jawbone], Vocals – Adrian Snell
Producer – John Pantry
Vocals [Female Vocals] – Elisabeth Kaufmann

Companies, etc.
Record Company – Dove Records
Recorded At – ICC Studios
Made By – Robert Stace
Printed By – Robert Stace
Published By – Thankyou Music
Lacquer Cut At – Pye Studios

Love Song – Feel The Love – 1976

This album was actually recorded in 1976 after the band split up but I am going to guess that the split was amicable. I say this because this concert was very tight. The band worked together well and didn’t miss a beat the whole concert. This indicates to me that they were well rehearsed. Bands that get back together for a concert that have hard feelings generally don’t rehearse much and often this is reflected in the concert. Generally I categorize Love Song as a worship band but this album does have a few pretty good 70’s rock tunes. Considering several members of the band went on to do Rock & Roll this shouldn’t be as much of a surprise as I found it to be. The album also included several Devotional moments which are all relevant to this day. I have chopped up this album a little different than the record company. I think it flows a little better my way.

Tracklist
1 – Intro/Front Seat, Back Seat 4:08
2 – Little Country Church 2:58
3 – The Cossack Song 4:14
4 – Manila Story (Devotional) 1:58
5 – A Love Song 2:49
6 – Two Hands 3:54
7 – Feel The Love 5:49
8 – So Thankful 3:28
9 – Since I Opened Up The Door 3:59
10 – Our Journey (Devotional) 5:00
11 – Freedom 4:15
12 – Let Us Be One 5:12
13 – Psalm 150 (Devotional) 1:19
14 – Drum Solo 8:46
15 – Jesus Puts The Song In Our Hearts 4:20
16 – Little Pilgrim 5:29
17 – The Path and the Prayer (Devotional)4:45
18 – Sometimes Alleluia 6:57
19 – Psalm 5 3:37

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Chuck Girard
Bass – Jay Truax
Drums – John Mehler
Electric Guitar – Bob Wall, Tom Coomes
Engineer – Bill Schnee
Keyboards – Chuck Girard
Lead Vocals – Chuck Girard, Tom Coomes
Mixed By – Joe Bellamy
Producer – Chuck Girard, Freddie Piro, Love Song
Vocals – Bob Wall, Jay Truax, John Mehler

Companies, etc.
Printed By – Garrod & Lofthouse
Recorded At – Paramount Northwest Theatre
Recorded At – San Jose Civic Auditorium
Recorded At – Warnors Theatre
Mixed At – Mama Jo’s
Distributed By – Word
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Good News Records
Copyright (c) – Good News Records

Mike Warnke – Alive! – 1976

This was Mike’s first album. Strangely I missed this one in the 80’s and just now listened to it. It was quite funny as I always think Mike is.

It should be noted that Warnke was revealed as a liar and fraudster in 1991 by Cornerstone magazine. This recording is offered as a historic record of what was being listened to in the Christian community in the late 70’s and early 80’s.

Tracklist
1 – Preacher Lessons And Cookie Cutters – 3:49
2 – Tennessee Home And Blankety-Blank – 3:00
3 – Catholics And Hell – 1:13
4 – Bible Stories And Jonah – 2:59
5 – Do’s And Don’ts – 2:37
6 – The Occult – 1:39
7 – The Jesus Freaks – 6:33
8 – Scuzball – 3:27
9 – Catholics And Heaven – 2:20
10 – Suicide And The Gospel Trio – 1:57
11 – The Navy’s Number One Grade A Fruitcake – Wow! – 6:18
12 – Three To A Cubicle – 7:01
13 – The Gideon Bible And The Mop Closet – 2:29
14 – Like Yourself – 2:23

Credits
Engineer – Fred Cameron, John Mir
Liner Notes – Honeytree
Other [Introduction] – John Lloyd
Photography By [Photographer] – 20-20 Photographics, Inc., Ron Pinter
Producer – Paul Craig

Companies, etc.
Record Company – Word, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – Superior Sound Studios
Mastered At – EMI

Jacket Front
Jacket Back
Side 1
Side 2