1978 – Page 3 – Real 80s CCM

Limpic & Rayburn – Caught In The Crossfire – 1978

Released just as the rage of male duo pop acts was waning, Limpic and Rayburn’s sophomore and final release as a duo hit the CCM marketplace. Bridging the gap of Jesus Music and CCM, Gerry Limpic and Mark Rayburn, created a record that both pointed back to the simplistic sounds and messages of acoustic Jesus Music while also pointed forward toward Gerry Limpic’s future solo work. Immediately recognizable as a late 70’s folk/pop duo replete with wide collars and leisure suits, the duo would fit in quite nicely with Loggins & Messina and England Dan & John Ford Coley. The music contained in this now classic is immediately likable and recognizable. Christian radio was very favorable to “Good News,” “Crossfire” and the popular wedding song, “Time for Joy.” The latter would become a very good seller in the fledgling accompaniment track industry and a top seller for sheet music. Limpic was the primary songwriter and would soon leave to pursue a solo career. Gerry got his start in music as a member of the band, The Random Sample, along with his brother Ted. The Random Sample recorded on Tempo Records, the contemporary arm of Impact Records in the early to mid 70’s. Side two is a bit more progressive musically with “Coming Soon” and the album’s closer, “How Long.” The standout, though, is the passion play song, “Mary’s Song (He is Alive).” A slow building story song, the first chorus is a powerful admission that many of us would be equally guilty of joining the crowd calling for Christ’s crucifixion. The final chorus is equally powerful, but the words are changed to declare the resurrection. A great song that should have been an Easter classic, but I honestly never recall anyone performing it. For fans of 70’s acoustic rock with the California country vibe (Poco, Eagles) mixed with radio friendly ballads, this one has the markings of a regular listen.

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

Tracklist
1 – Crossfire – 3:40
2 – Mr. Good News – 3:21
3 – Domino – 4:19
4 – Time For Joy – 2:50
5 – Guide My Steps – 2:44
6 – Mary’s Song (He Is Alive) – 5:17
7 – Coming Soon – 3:48
8 – Love Songs (To the Father) – 3:41
9 – How Long – 5:35

Credits
Bass – Dave Pollard
Design, Illustration – Craig McNair Wilson
Drums – Semaja
Photography By – John Jordan
Piano – Jim Crow
Producer, Guitar, Vocals, Backing Vocals – Gerry Limpic, Mark Rayburn
Producer, Orchestrated By, Engineer, Mixed By, Mastered By – Ron Compton

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Produced For – Home Free Productions
Recorded At – Fanfare Studios, El Cajon, California

Sweet Comfort Band – Breakin’ The Ice – 1978

If there was one group that bridged the gap between the Jesus Music of the 1970’s and the introduction of what is known as CCM, it is the Sweet Comfort Band. Four immensely talented musicians, songwriters and a future superstar in the making in lead vocalists Bryan Duncan. Borrowing directly from the funk/soul sounds of the late 70’s without falling into the trap of disco, Sweet Comfort created an album for the ages with sharp production, killer grooves, monster vocals and some of the most stirring ballads for the day. The style was much more Chicago and Steely Dan than just about anything else. Kicking it off with a long time live favorite, Got to Believe, Duncan shares the lead vocal duties with guitarist Randy Thomas who really shines on guitar later in the song. And the horn section just takes the song to a level comparable to the aforementioned Chicago. At the time CCM was really lagging behind in the production quality world (this based more on minuscule budgets than musicianship) and the band really created a new standard here. The title track also shines with Thomas also taking on vocal duties and the horn section again driving the song. Other rockers that shine include: Melody, Harmony, Searchin’ For Love and possibly the best song song on the whole project, Good Feelin’. Good Feelin’ really shows Duncan’s range and Thomas’ guitar prowess. But I would be remiss to discount the strength of the ballads on this album. I Need You Love Again is a beautiful call to the Lord for His graciousness toward a fallen soul. But it’s the albums closer, I Love You With My Life, that remains a true classic and a song many believe (myself included) is the finest song the band ever performed. This beautiful reminder of Jesus’ final words to the disciples is comforting and inspiring. It also contains the trademark Duncan powerful ballad vocals. Breakin’ the Ice will not be the last of the Sweet Comfort albums listed as the band was incredibly important in the burgeoning CCM scene and made several exceptional albums. Breakin’ is simply one of them.

Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/

Tracklist
1 – Got To Believe – 3:56
2 – Breakin’ The Ice – 3:40
3 – Young Girl – 3:15
4 – Melody, Harmony – 3:20
5 – I Need Your Love Again – 4:30
6 – Good Feelin’ – 4:00
7 – Searchin’ For Love – 4:06
8 – The Lord Is Calling – 3:56
9 – I Love You With My Life – 4:01

Credits
Arranged By [Horns] – Kim Hutchcroft
Bass – Kevin Thomson
Design [Cover Design], Artwork – Kernie Erickson
Drums, Vocals – Rick Thomson
Engineer [Maranatha Studios] – Dan Willard
Engineer [Martinsound Studio] – Jack Joseph Puig
Engineer [Mastering] – Ken Perry
Engineer [Mix Down] – Mike Stone
Guitar, Vocals – Randy Thomas
Horns – The Seawind Horns
Horns [The “Seawind Horns”], Alto Saxophone, Organ [Flute Organ], Synthesizer [Oberheim Mini Moog], Synthesizer [Prophet 5 Synthesizers] – Larry Williams
Horns [The “Seawind Horns”], Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Kim Hutchcroft
Horns [The “Seawind Horns”], Trombone – Bill Reichenbach
Horns [The “Seawind Horns”], Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Jerry Hey
Keyboards, Vocals – Bryan Duncan
Percussion – Steve Foreman*
Photography By – Linda Dillon, Mark Worthington
Producer, Arranged By [Horns] – Bob Wilson

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Recorded At – Martinsound
Recorded At – Maranatha! Studio
Mastered At – Capitol Studios
Published By – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Published By – Sojourn Music

John Fischer – Johnny’s Cafe – 1978

This was John’s last album with Light though Light did release a Greatest hits album in the mid 80’s. Light threw a lot of money at this album including hiring an entire horn section. Though recorded in 1978 it wasn’t released until Mar of 1979. I suspect this was partly due to ongoing production as at times it’s over produced. To be clear let me say right away that I enjoyed this album but I have some criticism. First of all the horn section adds nothing to the album and really should have been left off and money saved. My other complaint is the varying styles. At time it’s disco, at time 70’s Jesus Music, and at times classic rock. Not a good flow. That said all the tracks are well done and I like each of them individually but I just don’t feel they should be stuffed onto the same album. I do love the title track and it will be going in my regular rotation.

Tracklist
1 – Johnny’s Cafe – 4:10
2 – One Lane Road – 4:02
3 – Nothin’ In This World – 3:32
4 – Circle Of Blessing – 3:50
5 – Talking Faces – 4:15
6 – Pawn In The Game – 3:36
7 – Right On Time – 3:05
8 – Hard Line – 3:55
9 – Blessed – 3:12
10 – Midnight On Main Street – 3:30

Credits
John Fischer – Songwriter, Vocals
Dan Collins – Producer, Background Vocals
Dan Ferguson – Guitars
Steve Forman – Percussion
Leon Gaer – Bass
Clark Gassman – Arrangements, Keyboards
David Kemper – Drums
Paul Leim – Drums
Tim May – Guitars
Don Menza – Saxophone
Jack Joseph Puig – Engineer
Tom Rotella – Guitars
Rick Vito – Guitars

Bryn Haworth – Grand Arrival – 1978

This was Bryn’s 3rd album but his first to be released in North America. It’s a rather typical 70’s Jesus music album but Bryn’s vocals do help it stand out. It’s no secret that Bryn is one of my favorite artists so I’m biased in saying this is a fantastic 70’s album. Quick point of trivia is that the Imperials provided some background harmonies which I find odd as this album was actually on A&M records and the Imperials were on Dayspring (Word). Generally speaking Christian labels and secular labels didn’t mix so well but it worked here.

Tracklist
1 – Come See What Love – 4:28
2 – Nothing Without You – 3:41
3 – Woman Friend – 3:00
4 – Moments – 3:00
5 – We’re All One – 4:13
6 – The Grand Arrival – 4:42
7 – Sing To The Lord – 3:42
8 – Full Day – 3:28
9 – Summer Wine – 4:28
10 – Beans On Toast – 4:43

Credits
Backing Vocals – Don Everly
Banjo – Courtney Johnson
Bass – Jessie Boyce, Joe Osborn, John Cowan, Nick Rather, Tommy Cogbill
Claves – Jerry Carrigan
Drums – Buddy Harmon, Jerry Carrigan, Karl Himmel
Engineer – Ronnie Light
Guitar – Bill Sandford, Curtis Burch
Guitar [High String, Gut String] – Harold Bradley
Guitar [High String] – Ronny Light
Guitar, Mandolin, Strings [Harpolek], Vocals – Bryn Haworth
Keyboards – Bobby Woods, Ron Oates
Mandolin – Sam Bush
Percussion – Farrell Morris
Piano – Bobby Woods, Hargus “Pig” Robbins
Producer – Audie Ashworth
Remix – Chris Kimsey
Saxophone – Andrew Love, Billy Puett
Steel Guitar – Buddy Emmons
Strings – Shelley Curland Strings
Trombone – Dennis Goode
Trumpet – George Tidwell, Wayne Jackson
Vocals – Halladay Sisters
Vocals [Harmony] – The Imperials
Written-By – Bryn Haworth

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – A&M Records Ltd.
Produced For – Audigram Inc.
Published By – Signalgrade
Published By – Island Music Ltd.
Recorded At – Crazy Mama’s Studios
Remixed At – Olympic Studios
Remixed At – Basing Street Studios

James Vincent – Waiting For The Rain – 1978

Hot off the world renowned success of 1976’s “Space Traveler” James Vincert embrace Christianity and set a distinctly different course than the one he had previously been on. Considered one of the best jazz guitarists of his generation James Vincent would record two very directly Christian album, the first being the one in question. Because of the immense success of the previous album “Waiting for the Rain” received a very strong distribution (normally lacking for CCM artists) through his mainstream record company. Filled with some amazing jazz and rock tunes with the emphasis on jazz and Vincent’s brilliant guitar work and the Seawind horn section. Musically in the vein of George Benson or the mellower side of Earth, Wind and Fire with a soulful and rich voice and stellar guitar work. There are two strong radio songs in “What Does It Profit a Man” and “People of the World.” I remember working at KYMS radio some five to 10 years later and still playing these two songs. But really it is the more obscure and less commercial songs that make the album so amazing. Resistance is a progressive jazz piece with limited vocal and several changes throughout while the guitar in Daniel, Daniel will remind many of Keaggy’s guitar styling. How Can I Thank You is a pure delight as Vincent scats over the top of his guitar solo. Though the follow up release, Enter In, may have contained some better and more mature lyrics there is a simplicity and joy to this release that makes it such a treasure.

Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/

Tracklist
1 – What Does It Profit A Man? – 4:50
2 – Resistance – 4:52
3 – Etude #20 – 1:16
4 – Daniel, Daniel – 3:10
5 – People Of The World – 4:39
6 – How Can I Thank You Enough – 4:55
7 – Soon Comes The Son – 3:48
8 – Waiting For The Rain – 3:12
9 – The Seventh Day – 6:11
10 – Babylon Is Fallen – 3:09

Credits
Arranged By [Horns] – Seawind Horns
Backing Vocals – Carla Vincent (tracks: A5)
Bass – Steve Evans
Congas – Pat Murphy
Drums [Hand & Trap] – Tom Donlinger
Guitar – James Vincent
Keyboards – Ron Stockert
Marimba – Tom Donlinger
Percussion – Pat Murphy
Percussion, Congas – Carla Vincent (tracks: B5)
Producer – James Vincent
Saxophone – Kim Hutchcroft, Larry Williams
Synthesizer [Roland Guitar, Roland 5h-5] – James Vincent
Trombone – Bill Reichenbach
Trumpet – Jerry Hey
Vocals – James Vincent
Whistling – Vincent Dondelinger (tracks: B3)

Companies, etc.
Copyright (c) – CBS Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – CBS Inc.
Published By – Big Elk Music
Published By – Caleb Music
Published By – Swinghouse Music

Gary S. Paxton – Terminally Weird But Godly Right – 1978

This was Gary’s 3rd solo album. It continues his somewhat bizarre style with varying styles and strange theme’s. The album has a five song series subtitled “Prelude To Destruction”. None of these songs seem to follow theme and I’m really not too sure what he was trying to do here. I really enjoyed the first and second listen to the album but grew a little tired of it after that and I doubt it will get a third listen. The humour on some tracks is fun and perhaps his trademark but I find the more serious tracks to be lacking. That said I would definitely give it a listen as it’s well worth listening to at least once.

Tracklist
1 – (I’m) Anchored In The Rock Of Ages – 2:53
2 – Lord How’d I Get So Old So Fast – 4:23
3 – Mental Pollution (Prelude To Destruction Part 1) – 3:52
4 – Ode To The Outlaw (That Prison Called Freedom – Prelude To Destruction Part 2) – 4:47
5 – I Can’t See Me Servin’ Nobody But Jesus – 2:30
6 – Will There Be Hippies In Heaven? (Prelude To Destruction Part 3) – 3:13
7 – Blessed Assurance – 5:28
8 – Images (Prelude To Destruction Part 4) – 4:00
9 – Progress (Prelude To Destruction Part 5) – 4:01
10 – Fat, Fat Christians – 3:01
11 – The Clone Affair – 4:28
12 – The Big A = The Big M – 3:44
13 – Anchored In The Rock Of Ages (Reprise) – 0:19

Love Chapter Band – Livin’ In The Sonshine – 1978

This was the first of 3 albums from Love Chapter Band. Again I am having a difficult time finding out anything about the band. I do know they were from British Columbia Canada and the album was released on New Born Records, a sister label to Tunesmith. Of note on the album is the title track which is a cover of 1976 Gentle Faith (Darrell Mansfield) song “Livin in the Sonshine”. Other than that I have nothing I can tell you about them or the album.

Tracklist
1 – Where Will You Go – 4:48
2 – The Sacrificed Lamb – 4:56
3 – Joy Comes – 3:34
4 – No More Reasons – 5:01
5 – Jump In – 1:53
6 – Just A Prayer Away – 3:00
7 – God’s Will – 3:21
8 – Make Me An Instrument – 4:11
9 – Livin’ In The Sonshine – 2:39

Richie Furay – Dance a Little Light – 1978

This was Richie’s first album on David Geffen Asylum Records. Richie told David that the album would not be obviously Christian and more mainstream. So this album gets filed as an album by a Christian as apposed to a Christian album. The album was very reminiscent of his Buffalo Springfield and Poco days. It has a great 70’s sound and there’s even a few tracks where you might hear an Eagles sound. In a bit of foreshadowing bassist Timothy B. Schmit would go on to play with the Eagles. There is an interesting cover of “This Magic Moment”. It doesn’t really work for me but it’s well done. The album was well received and many considered it to be his best solo work.

Tracklist
1 – It’s Your Love – 3:50
2 – Your Friends – 2:45
3 – Ooh Dreamer – 5:06
4 – Yesterday’s Gone – 3:13
5 – Someone Who Cares – 3:50
6 – Dance A Little Light – 2:55
7 – This Magic Moment – 3:06
8 – Bittersweet Love – 3:45
9 – You Better Believe It – 2:55
10 – Stand Your Guard – 8:10

Credits
Arranged By [Strings and Horns], Conductor – David Diggs
Backing Vocals – Chris Hillman (tracks: B3), David Cassidy (tracks: A2, A4, B5), Ed Cobb (tracks: B2), George Grantham (tracks: B3), Richie Furay (tracks: A1 to B2, B4, B5), Timothy B. Schmit (tracks: A1 to A4, B3 to B5), Virgil Beckham (tracks: A1 to B1, B5)
Bass – Billy Batstone*
Concertmaster – George Poole
Congas – Victor Feldman (tracks: A1, A2)
Design – Johnny Lee (4)
Drums – John Mehler
Engineer – Eric Prestidge
Engineer [Assistant] – Chris Desmond, Nighttime Dave Ruffo, Eric Drew Feldman, Leonard Kovner, Lon Neumann, Ralph Osborn, Skip Cottrell Handclaps – Jim Mason (tracks: A2) Keyboards – Gabriel Katona Lead Guitar, Harmony Vocals – Virgil Beckham Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar [Acoustic], Rhythm Guitar [Electric], Harmony Vocals – Richie Furay Mastered By – Doug Sax Mixed By, Engineer – Eric Prestidge Mixed By, Engineer [Assistant] – Bill Gazecki, Dave LaBarre, Rick Hart Photography [Liner] – Scott Lockwood Photography By [Front/Back Cover] – Henry Diltz Producer – Jim Mason Saxophone – Jim Coile, Jim Horn Shaker – Alex MacDougall (tracks: B2) Trombone – Jack Redman
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Chuck Findlay*, Steve Madaio
Vibraphone [Vibes] – Victor Feldman (tracks: B3)

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Elektra/Asylum Records
Copyright (c) – Elektra/Asylum Records
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Asylum Records
Manufactured By – Elektra/Asylum/Nonesuch Records
Produced For – Free Flow Productions
Recorded At – Davlen Sound Studios
Recorded At – Producers Workshop
Recorded At – Wally Heider Recording Studio, Los Angeles
Recorded At – A&M Studios
Mixed At – Producers Workshop
Mastered At – The Mastering Lab
Pressed By – PRC Recording Company, Compton, CA
Copyright (c) – Song Mountain Music Publishers
Copyright (c) – Richie Furay Music
Copyright (c) – Fort Knox Music Co.
Copyright (c) – Instant Joy Music
Copyright (c) – New Harmony Music
Copyright (c) – Rumbalero Music, Inc.
Published By – Song Mountain Music Publishers
Published By – Richie Furay Music
Published By – Fort Knox Music Co.
Published By – Instant Joy Music
Published By – New Harmony Music
Published By – Belinda Music

Barry McGuire – Cosmic Cowboy – 1978

Barry McGuire regularity put out an album a year and sometimes two. Generally when an artist does this we end up with albums full of “Filler” material. This is especially true when the artist is writing their own material. In this case i is quite the opposite. The album has lots of great tracks and Barry wrote every track except “Good News Shoes”. This album spawned the #1 hit “Cosmic Cowboy” which holds the record for most weeks at #1 on both the AC and CHR charts. Point of trivia, I did not know is that his guitarist and song writing partner Mike Deasy was actually a member of The Coasters (Yakety Yak). Not many guest stars this album but Michael Omartian did play some keyboards.

Tracklist
1 – Cosmic Cowboy – 4:45
2 – What Good Would It Do – 3:21
3 – The Presence – 2:55
4 – Walkin’ – 3:58
5 – Flying Merry-Go-Round – 4:03
6 – Mystery Of Life – 3:05
7 – Good News Shoes – 2:28
8 – My King – 3:15
9 – You An’ Me – 2:39
10 – White Swan – 3:23
11 – Face To Face – 3:05

Credits
Arranged By – Mike Deasy
Arranged By [Strings] – David Diggs
Artwork – John Lykes
Backing Vocals – Barry McGuire (tracks: B5), Bili Thedford (tracks: B5), Mike Deasy (tracks: B5), Sherlie Matthews (tracks: B5), Venetta Fields (tracks: B5)
Baritone Saxophone – Fred Selden
Bass – Abraham Laboriel
Design – Stan Evenson
Drums – Bill Maxwell
Engineer, Mixed By – Wally Duguid
Guitar – Mike Deasy
Pedal Steel Guitar – Al Perkins
Percussion – Fred Petry
Piano – Harlan Rogers
Producer – Billy Ray Hearn
Synthesizer [Oberheim] – Michael Omartian

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Sparrow Records, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Sparrow Records, Inc.
Distributed By – Prim
Manufactured By – Prim
Printed By – General Printing AB
Recorded At – Buckskin Studio
Mixed At – Buckskin Studio
Mastered At – Capitol Mastering

Salmond & Mulder – Special Limited Edition – 1978

This was the first album from Canadian duo Salmond & Mulder. It is a rather typical 70’s Jesus music album where you will hear Simon and Garfunkel like duets, a country song, a Rock song and a Reggae cut. Many albums in this period had styles that were all over the map and this one followed that trend. I don’t offer this as a criticism but just a description of the eras thinking. The rock tune on this album is actually quite good and at the time would have made it’s way into my regular rotation. While they were mainly known in Canada this album was released in the United States but I believe it was a very short run. Strangely the last track “Stumbling Heavenward” would also make it onto their next album as the title track. I found that rather odd. The album cover was a bit of genius too. It consisted of a blank entirely white Jacket with a sicker applied that simply said “Salmond & Mulder Special Limited Edition”. A novel idea that made the album stand out but must have also kept the costs way down.

Tracklist
1 – Hearthungers – 3:54
2 – Silent Lady – 3:13
3 – Tumbleweed – 3:51
4 – Here I Am – 4:15
5 – You In My Heart – 2:42
6 – Like A River – 4:33
7 – Greatest Lover – 2:49
8 – Bear The Burdon – 2:10
9 – Sunshine In The Rain – 4:16
10 – Most Of All – 2:33
11 – Stumbling Heavenward – 0:31