Apparently After The Fire played 3 years in a row at the BBC Paris Theatre, London, England. Luckily these appearances were recorded but they stayed on a shelf somewhere until Angel Air Records released them in 2009. You can buy the CD on their website below. ATF were an excellent live band and this is a great release. Thank you Angel Air Records.
1 – Joy – 3:17 2 – A Little Sun, A Little Rain – 3:11 3 – Laser Love – 3:05 4 – Time To Think – 3:31 5 – One Rule For You – 3:15 6 – Suspended Animation – 4:52 7 – Check It Out – 3:06 8 – Like The Power Of A Jet – 2:50 1980 In Concert 9 – Laser Love – 3:26 10 – Life In The City – 4:04 11 – Can You Face It? – 3:50 12 – Who’s Gonna Love You? – 4:14 13 – Billy Billy – 6:07 1981 In Concert 14 – Frozen Rivers – 4:06 15 – Dancing In The Shadows – 2:53 16 – Sailing Ship – 3:39 17 – Bright Lights – 4:09 18 – Take Me Higher – 7:06 19 – Starlight – 5:03
This band/album are one of the strangest stories in Christian music. Sonseed were a Christian band formed in 1978 at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn, New York. Yes this was a catholic band. They came together to play songs at the 75th anniversary of the church. Several members from that day continued on and in 1981 recorded and self released this album. Okay nothing strange there but in 2009 someone uploaded to YouTube an appearance the band had made on a local religious television show. The song they uploaded was “Jesus Is A Friend Of Mine” which is a real catchy ska track and the YouTube video took off with millions of views. The Arena Rock Recording Company soon put out an EP featuring 5 tracks from the album. They subsequently re-released the entire album in 2023. There was apparently some argument as to whether the album even existed in 2009 but indeed it did and here it is today. There are countless articles all over the internet about the band and if you’re interested it makes some great reading. As for the album it mainly has a great 70’s sound and I loved it instantly upon listening to it. It even has a really good cover of “Sail On” by the Imperials. I assume it never really got any attention in the industry as the band were catholic which is too bad, people would have loved it.
Tracklist 1 – Born Of The Flesh – 2:27 2 – Another Kind Of Love Song – 3:15 3 – Jesus Is A Friend Of Mine – 2:43 4 – The Gospel Ship – 3:01 5 – Sonseed – 2:52 6 – The Opened Door – 2:58 7 – Sail On – 2:12 8 – Oh Happy Day – 3:37 9 – Gettin’ Back – 2:36 10 – And The Father Will Dance – 2:48 11 – Say Yes – 2:21
Credits Acoustic Guitar – Frank Esposito Backing Vocals – Anne Lessing, Jimmy Archer, Joe Ciccone, Melody M. Sorrentino Design – Angela Marie Franco Design [Logo] – Joe Ciccone Drums – Nicky Sciarra Engineer – Audie Lebensfeld, Joe Marciano Lead Vocals – Steve Musso Percussion – Tommy Zawacki Producer – Patricia Costagliola Twelve-String Guitar – Karen Archer
A quick confession right off the bat. I had no idea Bruch Arbor existed in the 80’s. I don’t know how this is even possible as they were relatively huge. Sure their sound was not what we really liked but we had lots of albums from artists that weren’t really our style. So how did they slip past us? I have no idea. I guess it was just a product of growing up in a small town with one Christian music store so we got what we got. Anyway this is their album for 1981. It’s mainly easy listening with hints of country. All in all a pretty good album.
Tracklist 1 – Only For The Love Of The Lord – 2:42 2 – Come Back Home – 3:56 3 – Witness – 2:36 4 – All I Want To Be – 3:08 5 – Hero – 2:10 6 – Hey There Stranger – 3:42 7 – Running – 3:07 8 – Trust In The Lord – 1:58 9 – God Is Good – 2:58 10 – St. Peter – 2:19 11 – Rescue Me – 3:10
Credits Acoustic Bass – David Rose Arranged By – Brush Arbor, John D’Andrea Art Direction – Paul Gross Banjo – Jim Rice Bass Guitar – David Rose Design Concept – Bill Lightner Drums – Kevin Watkins Engineer – Carmine Rubino Engineer [Assistant] – Jim Crosby Guitar – Jim Rice, Joe Rice Lead Guitar – Dale Cooper Lead Vocals – Jim Rice, Joe Rice Mandolin – Joe Rice Mastered By – Bill Lightner Percussion – Kevin Watkins Photography By – Lisa Diamond, Phil Fewsmith Producer – Michael Lloyd Sleeve – Dennis Hill Vocals – Dale Cooper, David Rose, Kevin Watkins
This is the second album from a band hat I never heard of. Yes there are lots of bands I never heard of but these guys albums were released on Canadian label “New Born Records” sister label to Tunesmith. I thought my group of friends and I had every release by them but we sure didn’t have either of these guys albums. Anyway all that aside I can’t find any info on this band other than they were out of the Spokane WA area. That’s it, that’s all I got. The album is a pretty good 70’s sound and is well worth a listen if that’s your preferred genre. Sorry but that’s all I have for this one.
Tracklist 1 – One Way Road – 3:00 2 – Born To Fly – 4:20 3 – You Shall Be Saved – 3:00 4 – Falling – 3:15 5 – The King and the Lion – 4:58 6 – Undercover Christian – 4:15 7 – Love Won’t Stop – 5:40 8 – Down On Your Knees – 4:44 9 – Psalm 151 (Instrumental) – 2:56 10 – Through My Tears – 2:28
This album was an interesting story. Louis Johnson was a member of Brothers Johnson and he decided to do a solo album, kind of. I say kind of because he actually did vocals for 4 tracks, his wife Valerie did vocals for 3 tracks, and Richard Heath did lead vocals for 2 tracks. Louis was under contract with A&M records so this is one of those rare moments when A&M released a gospel album. Strangely Impact records also had a release of this album. I’d love to hear the story on how that came about. The album single “Open Up Your Heart” made it to #13 which is pretty good for a soul track in 1981. This is a top notch soul album by a genre king that you should listen to if you like your music with a little soul.
Tracklist 1 – Have You Heard The Word – 4:34 2 – You Can’t Be Livin’ – 4:55 3 – Faith Walking People – 3:39 4 – I See The Light – 4:36 5 – The Great Flood – 3:42 6 – Open Up Your Heart – 3:55 7 – Power – 4:11 8 – Love Eyes – 3:37 9 – The Son Will Come Again – 4:03
Credits Acoustic Guitar – Louis Johnson Arranged By [Horns] – David Diggs, Louis Johnson Arranged By [Strings] – David Diggs, Gerald Lee, Louis Johnson Backing Vocals – Louis Johnson, Richard Heath, Valerie Johnson Bass – Louis Johnson Drums – John Robinson, Ricky Lawson Electric Piano [Rhodes] – Louis Johnson Engineer, Mixed By – Jack Joseph Puig Flute – Michael Perkins Guitar – Curtis Nolen, David Williams, Greg Moore, Louis Johnson Keyboards – David Wolinski, Louis Johnson, Raymond Crossley, Rene Moore Lead Vocals – Louis Johnson, Richard Heath, Valerie Johnson Percussion – Richard Heath Piano [Acoustic] – David Wolinski, Raymond Crossley Producer – Louis Johnson Saxophone [Solo] – Michael Perkins Steel Guitar – Al Perkins Synthesizer [Bass] – Louis Johnson Vocals – Louis Johnson, Richard Heath, Valerie Johnson
If you’re a fan of the current or recent offerings from NewSong you might be surprised by this album. This was their first album but it wasn’t on a label. Instead they actually self released it. It is almost all covers so there is no way a record company would have even touched it. The band was founded at Morningside Baptist Church in Valdosta, Georgia and I am guessing they never knew what they would become. Like I said this album is almost entirely covers and it is rather obvious they were going for that Imperials sound and feel. This album is a bit of a contrast from their later stuff but it’s nice to hear where it all started for them.
Tracklist 1 – I Will Glory In The Cross – 3:46 2 – Oh Buddah – 3:05 3 – Something Right – 2:18 4 – God’s Way – 3:41 5 – Swing Low/Swing Down Chariot – 2:41 6 – Rise Again – 3:28 7 – Questions – 3:26 8 – You Are My Everything – 3:18 9 – No Shortage – 3:10 10 – Your First Day In Heaven – 1:24
This is the first album form David Baroni. I didn’t hear of him in the 80’s so this is my first exposure to him. He actually had 11 albums so I’m kind of surprised I hadn’t at least heard of him. His style is not my preferred genre so I’m not surprised I hadn’t listened to him but I should have at least heard of him. His albums were on relatively small labels so I guess that could be the reason. As for this album it appears it was initially released on Gary Paxton’s own label but then appears to have been picked up by LifeStream Records which was a division of Calvary Records. Anyway that’s the history of the album ad as for the album it is a very Easy Listening effort but is pretty well done. The one upbeat track “Mr. Money” actually isn’t too bad and quite frankly I would have loved to hear Stonehill cover it. The album did have a charting single, “We Need To Meet Them There” made it to #24.
Tracklist 1 – From The Heart – 3:42 2 – Are You Reachin’ Out – 3:23 3 – It Won’t Be Long (‘Til We’re Home) – 4:40 4 – Soldier Of The Light – 3:59 5 – The Man You Thought You Already Knew – 4:39 6 – Port In The Ragin’ Storm – 3:25 7 – We Need To Meet Them There – 4:27 8 – At Your Door Knockin’ – 4:25 9 – Mr. Money – 3:14 10 – The Light That’s Always Burning – 5:08
Credits Arranged By – David Baroni, Gary Paxton Art Direction, Layout – Smokehouse Studio Engineer – Bob Whyley, Gary Paxton, Gene Rice, John Erickson, Mike Poston Photography By – Dill Beaty Producer – Gary Sanford Paxton Written-By – David P. Baroni
Here’s another 70’s band I can’t really find much info on. They were out of Hollywood PA and actually recorded 5 albums including this one. This was their last album and was not on a label. They are a very high quality 70’s band and I am again mystified by the lack of info about some bands from this era. It looks like they had a good run through the 70’s and even had a CCM single in 1979. But I think the title of this album summed up what they were feeling as they slipped out of the industry. As far as a favourite track goes it’s hands down “Lead On” which is a great 70’s rock tune that I wish I had heard back in 1981.
Tracklist 1 – Lead On – 3:57 2 – Jonathan – 4:15 3 – Pavilion – 5:45 4 – Feelings – 4:10 5 – Fear Not – 3:20 6 – Wrapped Up Tight – 3:45 7 – Because It’s True – 5:40 8 – And Comes A Time – 5:10
Credits Bass, Vocals – Don Swartzentruber Drums – Fred Miller Engineer – Don Horst Guitar, Vocals – Steve Walker Horns – Mike Crotty Keyboards, Vibraphone [Vibes], Vocals – Mark Adamy Producer – Daybreak
Companies, etc. Published By – Daybreak Inc. Published By – Between The Lines Music Recorded At – Atlantic Sound Productions Mixed At – Atlantic Sound Productions
From the outset it should be duly noted that this is my all time favorite album…ever! And now that the disclaimer has been provided let’s get on with the review. Before DA sounded the Alarma. Before Taylor built a Clone. Before the Choir, Lifesavers, Altar Boys or Undercover. There always has to be a first. And most often, the first is either soon forgotten or remains unknown for decades. This happens more often in Christian music because an artist is not only breaking down musical barriers, but spiritual and self-righteous one as well. If there was a Top 50 “Albums You Should Own, But Probably Don’t” this one would top the list. David Edwards’ self-title debut topped Campus Life Magazine as one of the best releases of the year at a time when Christian music was dominated by Amy Grant, Evie and the Sweet Comfort Band. Then along comes this little album on Myrrh Records with a pink rising sun backdrop and a guy wearing a loosened thin tie, looking either quite tired or possibly stoned. I was a Freshman in High school when the album came out and it was life changing. I wasn’t familiar with David Edwards’ history in Christian music at the time as I later discovered he played bass for J.C. Power Outlet and was friends with Keith Green, Larry Norman and Randy Stonehill. All i knew was that he looked pretty cool on the cover and Campus Life Magazine compared him to Elvis Costello. I bought the album as soon as I found a Christian Bookstore that was willing to carry it. I ended working at that same store a couple of years later. After listening to the first song I lifted the needle of the record and put in a tape to record it as I knew right away I would want to listen to this album everywhere I went. Three years later after the release of his follow-up album, “Get the Picture” I wrote a letter to him and told what an impact his first album had on me and that his lyrics had encouraged me to start publishing my poems and I sent a few of them along in the letter. Not only did he respond but began an occasional correspondence that continued for some time. Later that same year he performed at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa during one of their famous Saturday Night Concerts. I went up afterward and introduced myself and he in turned introduced me to the rest of his band who he had mentioned my letters to. I was overwhelmed. My wife and I even went to visit him in upper state New York several years ago on his farm and introduced me to a great recipe for scrambled eggs that remains a favorite in our household.
Contributor – David Lowman https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Best Friend – 2:13 2 – Rather Be Wrong – 2:26 3 – Commercial Suicide – 4:26 4 – Nagging Optimism – 2:39 5 – Hollywood High – 2:54 6 – The Getaway – 3:36 7 – Kicks – 2:44 8 – Disposable Love – 2:25 9 – The Tongue Is A Fire – 3:25 10 – Don’t Ever Say – 3:18 11 – Not Going To Fall Away – 3:11 12 – Song Of Wholeness – 3:24
Credits Art Direction – Art Hotel, Leo McIntire Drums – Craig Krampf Electric Bass – Eric Nelson Electric Guitar – Dan Jacob Electric Guitar, Sitar [Electric] – Ira Ingber Layout [Inner Sleeve], Design – Dennis Hill Organ [Hammond & Vox] – Dave Garland Piano, Synthesizer, Arranged By – Barry Kaye Producer – Buddy King Recorded By, Mixed By – Bill Bottrell, David Marquette, Mitch Gibson Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Arranged By – David Edwards
I knew Fletch better as a producer than a performer. In fact I had no idea he had even released any albums until I stumbled on this one. While I absolutely love his work as a producer I’m not so excited with his performer role. It’s not that this album is bad it’s just that it’s not that good. I have seen this quite a few times when a producer tries to release their own album. That said the album is a little more easy listening than the cover would imply though the trumpet should have gave it away. The album has covers of both “Are You Ready?” by Pacific Gas & Electric and People Get Ready by The Impressions/Curtis Mayfield. Both covers are okay but nothing special. Of course after Darrell Mansfield covered People Get Ready all other covers pale in comparison.
Tracklist 1 – Fiesta – 6:30 2 – Are You Ready – 3:53 3 – Started Right – 4:01 4 – I Am That I Am – 3:51 5 – Nightwatch – 6:14 6 – People Get Ready – 4:30 7 – Joy Dance – 4:31 8 – On My Way Home – 5:53
Credits Backing Vocals – Andrae Crouch, Charity McCrary, Howard McCrary, Linda McCrary, The McCrary’s Bass – Abraham Laboriel Drums – Bill Maxwell Engineer – Brian Tankersley Flugelhorn, Trumpet, Flute, Clavinet – Fletch Wiley Guitar – Hadley Hockensmith, Jerry McPherson Keyboards – Harlan Rogers, Larry Muhoberac Mastered By – Greg Calbi Mixed By – Brian Tankersley, Fletch Wiley Percussion – Alex Acuña Producer, Arranged By – Fletch Wiley Synthesizer – Paul Mills
