RPM falls in the category of a band of Christians as opposed to a Christian band. The band consisted of Jimmie Lee Sloas (Dogs Of Peace & Imperials), Mark Gendel, Robert White Johnson, Tommy Wells (First Gear). Jimmie and Tommy had already been headliners in the Christian music industry while Robert & Mark had been studio musicians in the Christian industry. I have no idea how this album ended up getting backing from EMI records but all 4 were well established studio musicians so maybe they were one of those groups put together by the record company. That’s just a guess. The album was well received and the first single “A Legend Never Dies” apparently charted but I was unable to find the position. “Rendezvous” also singled but gained further recognition when covered by the British band Tygers of Pan Tang on their 1982 album The Cage who did a great version. Their first major live performance was at the KLOL Rockfest at Houston’s Astrodome complex before 20,000 fans. Apparently they had four encores which is pretty impressive. I can easily see why they would be so popular live. The album leans a little more AOR but as I understand it their live performances were far more rock oriented. I wish I had heard of and heard these guys back in the day but alas I missed them somehow. They did get a second album deal from Warner and that one is coming to our channel soon.
Tracklist 1 – A Legend Never Dies -4:13 2 – 2 + 2 -3:19 3 – It Don’t Feel The Same -4:08 4 – Rendezvous -3:28 5 – Envy -4:52 6 – You -3:46 7 – Firestarter -4:41 8 – Don’t Make It Hard -3:07 9 – Video Games -4:20 10 – I’m A Wreck -4:30
Credits Art Direction – Bill Burks Bass, Keyboards, Backing Vocals – Jimmie Lee Sloas Cover, Design – Amy Nagasawa Drums, Backing Vocals – Tommy Wells Guitar, Guitar [Synthesizer], Backing Vocals – Mark Gendel Lead Vocals – Bob Johnson Management – Norman Epstein Mastered By – Ken Perry Photography By [Band] – Allan Messer Photography By [Cover] – David Brandt Producer, Engineer – Brent Maher Synthesizer [Programming] – Kevin Kent
There was a huge Gospel soul music scene in LA in the 80’s that is not often spoken of by the mainstream CCM movement. Several LA groups released self produced albums and they sold well in the soul music community. This is one of those oddball albums. It was self produced but appears to have been well known at the time. Most of the musicians on this album were/are accomplished studio musicians so there’s no shortage of talent here. Unfortunately any more information on this group has been lost to time. This was the only full length album we would get from Prophecy but they did have a 3 track single released in 1984 which is even more obscure. Anyway this is a great soul album and if that’s your style of music this is one to listen to.
Tracklist 1 – Never Be Ashamed – 4:38 2 – He’s My God – 4:07 3 – Do You Keep His Commandments – 4:04 4 – The Race Of Life – 4:38 5 – Oh How I Love That Name – 5:12 6 – Take It To The Streets – 2:58 7 – He Died For You And I – 5:15 8 – Somebody’s Watching You – 4:31
Credits Drums – George Bell Electric Piano – Rodney Friend Engineer – Tony Modster Engineer, Mixed By – Monty Seward Executive-Producer, Design [Cover] – David Moch Guitar – Ernie Jefferson Horns – Arthur Manley, Reggie Young, Rodney Taylor Mixed By – Phillip Nicholas Percussion – Nathan Alford Piano – Beverly Calvin Producer – Karvin Johnson Producer, Written-By, Bass, Mixed By – J.R. Edmonds Strings – Gail Winn, John Sims, Joseph Taylor, Yvette Devereaux Vocals [Extra] – Brenda “Halloway” Davis, “Nicholas”
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Creative Gospel Inc. Published By – Mojeco Published By – Cojemo Recorded At – C.B.A. Recording Studios Lacquer Cut At – K Disc Mastering
This is the 6th album from David & The Giants and strangely they hadn’t released a self titled album yet so this one got that treatment. This was the first of a 2 album run with CBS Priority Records but I wonder if they had a deal for more. The Priority label was shut down shortly after the bands second album with them so I guess we’ll never know. The Huff’s both engineered and produced this album and I don’t think they were quite ready for that role as personally I find the mix on this album to be a bit questionable. That said the album was very successful within the genre and many of their fans consider this their best album. The album still has a pretty strong 70’s sound which is a little surprising for 1982 but this was a transition album for them and they would have a more 80’s pop sound on their next album. I really enjoy this album and think there are several tracks here that deserve to be in peoples playlists if you like the traditional sound.
Tracklist 1 – One Less Stone – 4:00 2 – God Is Love – 4:32 3 – America (In God You Used To Trust) – 3:09 4 – I’m Gonna Go Fly Away – 3:15 5 – Noah – 4:10 6 – The Well (Will Never Run Dry) – 4:16 7 – Who In The World – 3:18 8 – Thunder And Lightning – 3:15 9 – Rock ‘N Roll Blues – 2:57 10 – Highway To Heaven – 4:10
Credits Backing Vocals, Bass Guitar – Clayborn Huff Backing Vocals, Clarinet, Organ, Electric Piano [Rhodes], Piano, Engineer, Synthesizer – Rayborn Huff Design – Bob McConnell Drums, Percussion – Keith Thibodeaux Engineer [Assistant] – Dennis Ritchey Guitar – David Huff Guitar, Percussion, Vocals, Engineer, Mixed By – David Huff Horns – Muscle Shoals Horns Illustration – Mike Drake Mastered By – Glenn Meadows Organ – Rayborn Huff Strings – Jackson Strings
This was the last gasp for Found Free. They had a one record deal with Greentree but this album appears to have been self released. I’m a little unsure who was in the band at this point and the liner notes are a little fuzzy. We do know that Greg Sparks and Rebecca Ed were there, but I don’t believe they were married yet and also Keith Lancaster. These 3 would go on to form Bash-n-The Code so I’ve seen it said that this version of Found Free was an early version of Bash. I can’t tell you much more about the history of this album so lets turn to the music. The album is very well produced has a great funk/soul sound. The album is heavy on the harmonies which it hurts it a little in my opinion because there isn’t a stand out vocalist. The album would have been better if they had just let Rebecca sing. Anyway I quite like the album though I don’t think there’s anything here to go in my regular rotation.
Tracklist 1 – It’s So Good – 4:15 2 – Hope – 4:21 3 – Front Lines – 3:59 4 – I Need You Lord – 4:00 5 – Just Like a Child – 3:43 6 – Individually Wrapped – 4:12 7 – Don’t We Need To Know – 4:44 8 – Hold On To Me – 3:21 9 – Sing Solo – 3:25 10 – Miracles – 3:25 11 – It’s So Good (Reprise) – 0:54
Credits Band – Greg Sparks Band – Rebecca Ed Band – Keith Lancaster Art Direction, Cover – Randy Rogers Engineer – David Starobin, Glen Barrett, Travis Turk
This is the second album from David. I think it’s a little more upbeat than his first album but this is still a pretty easy listening affair. It had one CCM charting single with “Move Up On The Mountain” making it to #34. Interestingly Dann Huff helped out with Guitar on the album and you can hear his work on a few tracks. I swear Dann Huff was on 10% of all Christian albums in the 80’s. Anyway this is a pretty good album and if you prefer your CCM on the easy listening side this one is for you.
Tracklist 1 – Follow Him – 3:37 2 – Joy’s Coming In The Morning – 3:59 3 – Keep The Flame Burning – 4:35 4 – Isn’t It Just Like Jesus – 3:15 5 – Look Up (Redemption Draweth High) – 3:30 6 – Pilgrim’s Song – 3:05 7 – Move Up On The Mountain – 3:48 8 – Willing – 4:22 9 – Find A Hurt And Heal It – 2:33 10 – All For The Glory Of God – 4:00
Credits Bass Guitar – Craig Nelson Drums – Mark Hammond, Tommy Wells Engineer [Recording & Remix] – Jeff Balding Engineer [Recording] – Jim Baird Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar – Dann Huff Percussion – Lesa Cates* Photography By – Jim Price Producer – Bubba Smith Synthesizer – Jerry Evans Vocals, Piano, Electric Piano – David Baroni
Companies, etc. Recorded At – Goldmine Recording Studios Recorded At – Bullet Recording
I do believe the only artist on this list to be officially “knighted” is Cliff Richard. Not bad for a pop star and teen heart throb from the 1950’s and 60’s. Then again John Lennon was a fan and he is said to be the first real “rock star” from Great Britain. Sir Cliff Richard has also been a devoted Christian and has recorded several Gospel themed albums. The one in question here is the very best as it is simply a pop album with Gospel themes rather than a Gospel album that tries to sound pop. The album is also unique in that it also generated a comeback of sort for the artist in his native land after several years of unsuccessful pop albums. NYSMNYD went Gold in England and had several radio hits on both side of the Atlantic. Released in 1982 Christian music was constantly gravitating toward “pop stars” who professed a Christian belief (Bob Dylan, Joe English), but this album never saw Christian distribution and many missed this great album. Thief in the Night is much heavier song musically than the normal Richard bubble gum and is the center piece to the whole project. It rocks and like the rest of the albums sounds like it was influenced by Mark Williamson and Chris Eaton. The album has a bit of an Ambrosia feel with silky, pop driven rockers and big ballads meant for radio consumption. But the rockers stand out like the previously mentioned Thief in the Night and the bombastic Son of Thunder. “Little Town” Chris Eaton arranged version of O Little Town of Bethlehem would also be recorded by Amy Grant and Michael W Smith. Richard’s version would be the best. One last song of note is the song Christian radio gravitated to; Water is Wide is a stunningly beautiful remake of the traditional tune. Simply, if not a bit over-produced, the song would chart on CCM radio and be Richards only real CCM hit. He would later do a duet with Van Morrison that would also hit CCM radio.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com
Tracklist 1 – The Only Way Out – 3:20 2 – First Date – 3:33 3 – Thief In The Night – 3:50 4 – Where Do We Go From Here – 2:53 5 – Son Of Thunder – 3:58 6 – Little Town – 4:03 7 – It Has To Be You, It Has To Be Me – 4:17 8 – The Water Is Wide – 3:50 9 – Now You See Me, Now You Don’t – 3:00 10 – Be In My Heart – 4:38 11 – Discovering – 4:50
Credits Autoharp – Craig Pruess Bass Guitar – Andy Pask, Mark Griffiths, Mo Foster, Paul Westwood Bells [Sleigh Bells] – Craig Pruess Design – Cream Drum Programming – Craig Pruess Drums – Dave Mattacks, Graham Jarvis Electric Piano – Graham Todd Electric Violin – Paul Hart Engineer Assistant – Tony Richards Engineer – John Kurlander Engineer – John Walker Engineer Assistant – Steve Cook Engineer [Strawberry] – Keith Bessey Guitar – Bill Roberts, John Clark, Mart Jenner Harmonium – Craig Pruess Mastered By – Gordon Vicary, Keith Bessey Mixed By – Keith Bessey Mixed By [Assisted By] – Howard Gray Photography By – Brian Aris Piano – Craig Pruess, Graham Todd, Peter Skellern Producer – Cliff Richard, Craig Pruess Saxophone – Mel Collins Sequenced By – Craig Pruess Synthesizer – Craig Pruess, Dave Cooke Vocals, Backing Vocals – Cliff Richard Wind Chimes – Craig Pruess
Companies, etc. Marketed By – EMI Distributed By – EMI Manufactured By – EMI Phonographic Copyright ℗ – EMI Records Ltd. Printed By – EMI Services Benelux B.V. Recorded At – Abbey Road Studios Recorded At – Strawberry Studios Mastered At – The Town House Mixed At – The Town House
Kemper Crabb’s own biography states that he may have been born 700 years too late. That is nor more correct than on his classic Celtic/progressive/folk rock classic, The Vigil. Inspired by the Crusades and the music from nearly that same era, The Vigil is a masterpiece that is admittedly not for everyone. He has played with Caedmon’s Call and Atomic Opera. He fronted the amazing Progressive Rock band, Arkangel (reviewed later) and has a list of credits a mile long. He is also an ordained minister in the Reformed Episcopal Church and lectures on a diverse selection of theological and sociological subjects. How truly magnificent is this work? Consider that every review on Amazon is 5 stars and that sealed original copies can go for as much as $200 without a problem of finding a buyer. The combination of worshipful baroque, Celtic hymns, classical instrumentals and brilliantly conceived and crafted lyrics make this beyond anything resembling an AYSO. Litanies and liturgies are not the normal fair for Christian rockers and many may stumble through upon first listening. But as these brilliant works swirl and envelope an initial appreciation may soon become an obsession. Crabb’s stunningly beautiful rendition of “Be Thou My Vision” is utterly captivating. “The Danse” would later appear on the first Caedmon’s Call worship album.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com
Tracklist 1 – Sunset Before The Vigil – 1:21 2 – The Vigil – 2:03 3 – They That Go Down To The Sea In Ships – 4:12 4 – Tannin – 3:03 5 – Doulos – 3:32 6 – All Father Litany – 2:09 7 – Be Thou My Vision – 2:45 8 – Outremer – 1:16 9 – Salarello – 1:16 10 – The Danse – 4:50 11 – Thigpen’s Wedding – 2:00 12 – Taking The Cross – 1:35 13 – Candle Flame – 2:34 14 – Te Deum – 1:47 15 – Fairest Lord Jesus (Crusader’s Hymn) – 2:59 16 – The Vigil – 2:04 17 – Sunrise After The Vigil – 2:13
Credits Art Direction – Dave Rogers Bagpipes – Andy White Engineer [Assistant] – Cathy Mills Engineer [Assistant], Backing Vocals – Rick Thigpen Guitar – Lee Ann Turner* Harp [Troubador] – Barbara Goodrich Illustration – Randy Rogers Mandolin – Jerry McPherson Mastered By – Greg Calbi Mixed By – Paul Mills Mixed By, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Recorder, Tin Whistle, Guitar, Dulcimer, Bells, Psaltery – Kemper Crabb Percussion – John Witte, Russell Dunlap Photography – Frank White Photography [Front Photo Concept], Backing Vocals – Bekah Crabb Producer, Arranged By, Engineer, Organ – Paul Mills Written-By – David Marshall, K. Crabb, P. Mills Written-By, Timpani – C. Mills
This is one of only two Maria Muldaur gospel albums and the only one on a Christian label. Maria’s foray into Christian music was brief and rather unprofitable which I’m sure accelerated her return to the secular market and labels. That is not to say the album isn’t good because it’s fantastic but it just couldn’t realize the sales her secular market albums could. I will say that Myrrh threw everything but the kitchen sink at this album with too many CCM stars to list here appearing. They also got T-Bone to produce the album but really all the album needed was Maria. Her talent would have carried the album just fine. Her signature vocals and a nice R&B feel made this a go to album for many CCM fans of the period. The album has aged well and I enjoyed listening to it again.
Tracklist 1 – Keep My Eyes On You – 4:01 2 – I Was Made To Love You – 3:41 3 – There Is A Love – 4:10 4 – Sondown – 5:30 5 – I Do – 4:06 6 – Infinite Mercy – 4:47 7 – In The Holy Name Of Jesus – 3:12 8 – Is My Living In Vain – 5:01
Credits Arranged By – Darrell Leonard Art Direction – Dennis Hill Backing Vocals – Charity McCrary, Dani McCormick, Howard McCrary, Kristle Murden, Linda McCrary, Marvin Winans, Sam McCrary, Vicki Winans Bass – Abraham Laboriel Booking [Agency Representation] – Regency Artists, Ltd. Drums – Bill Maxwell Engineer [Assistant] – Alan Vachon, Dean Alling Flute, Soloist – John Phillips Graphics – Charlie Wallis, Inc, Patrick Pollei Guitar – Hadley Hockensmith Harmonica, Soloist – Delbert McClinton Keyboards – Harlan Rogers, Michael Omartian Liner Notes – Maria Muldaur Management [Artist Assistant] – Mary Alice Artes, Vicki Aman Management [Direction] – Bruce Kramer, K-II Management, Inc., Ron Kramer Mixed By – Stuart Taylor Percussion – Alex Neciosup-Acuña, Larry Hirsh Photography By – Keith Williamson Producer – T-Bone Burnett Producer [Associate] – Nancy Clarke Recorded By – Donivan Cowart Recorded By, Mixed By – Larry Hirsh Synthesizer – Rick Kelly Trombone – Jim Price Trumpet – Darrell Leonard, Lee Thornburg Woodwind – Greg Smith, Lon Price
Although most of the material here isn’t CCM, it is Steve Bell’s early work, which makes it interesting enough for us. “Help Me Lord” is a notable exception but most of the tracks are love songs of one sort or another. It’s a collection of pop-y folk-y songs that sound a little more 70s than 80s. There are plenty of harmonies, and Steve’s strong guitar work is on display here. Elias, Schritt & Bell were a group that Steve played with before starting his solo career, making Christian music for a few decades, and winning a few Juno awards and nominations along the way, as well as various other awards. This was recorded in “Studio 11” at the CBC studios in Winnipeg and released by the CBC. The group did not have any follow up recordings, but did tour locally. Steve released his first solo album in 1989.
Tracklist 1 – Awakening – 3:01 2 – Feelin’ Just Fine – 3:32 3 – Jenny – 2:36 4 – Once In A While – 3:31 5 – Never Too Late – 3:52 6 – Wipe The Tears – 3:32 7 – Kristy – 3:34 8 – So Long – 3:09 9 – Maureen – 1:47 10 – Help Me Lord – 3:15
Credits Alto Saxophone – John Schritt Bass – Gary Stefaniuk Co-producer – Andre LaRiviere, Norm Dugas Drums – Gord Metcalfe (tracks: Once In A while), Gord Osland Electric Guitar – Paul O’Neill Executive Producer – Mark Goldman Flute – John Schritt Guitar – Steve Bell, Tim Elias Keyboards – Norm Dugas Percussion – Paul Cerilli Vocals – John Schritt, Steve Bell, Tim Elias
Companies, etc. Produced For – Radio Canada International Published By – R.E.S.B. Publishing Recorded At – CBC Studio 11, Winnipeg
The day after Christmas, 2007 Roby Duke suffered a heart attack and went home to be with the Lord. Two days before this he was sharing the stage with his musician son. Many, if not most, in the world of CCM did not know of his passing, nor did many even remember what a wonderful artist they had in their midst for three decades. He was 51 years old. Never did Roby Duke fit the mold of pop star. He did not posses those album cover gracing good looks, he didn’t create music for “today” and he didn’t fit the Nashville scene. Even the rerelease of this great album sported a new cover without his picture and just a painting of a guitar! Though growing up in Mississippi he wrote and performed the music of a Californian wearing an Hawaiian shirt and looking more like a Jimmy Buffet fan that a killer jazz and soul musician and singer. His greatest accomplishment may have been never sounding like he was part of the Nashville machine. In 1980 he signed with Songbird records, a joint effort between Sparrow Records and MCA for artists with a decidedly mainstream sound or potential. Roby Duke’s music was so out-of-place in CCM, with its clear soulful and jazz influence and a cool factor that was through the roof. The album sported a host of who’s who musicians and vocalists including Hadley Hockensmith, Marty Walsh, Harlan Rogers, Keith Edwards, Dan Huff, Alex MacDougall and Rob Watson. How can anyone go wrong with two members of Daniel Amos and nearly the totality of Koinonia? CCM sweetheart Kelly Willard also appears on a great duet. Produced by the legendary Jonathan David Brown, the only artist even close was Bruce Hibbard who also added some songwriting support for the project. Tom Keene’s string arrangements are just flawless. The album also marked the increased involvement of the great Wally Grant, another engineer/producer that deserves a heap of praise for his amazing tenure of work. From songwriting to performance this is nearly a perfect album!
Kicking of the a simple electric keyboard and silky vocals “Love Is Here to Stay” makes a quick transition into a killer jazz groove that doesn’t let up for another ten songs. Driven by Hockensmith’s funky riff and the killer brass section the song is the definition of “put the top down” California coast jazz.
“Time to Stand” shows the strength of Duke as songwriter and vocalist. The simple arrangement is carried by Duke’s voice and Patitucci’s amazing bass line. This song oozes with cool.
“Season’s of Change” remains my personal favorite of all of Duke’s great songs here and elsewhere. Live this song was great as Duke was a very underrated guitar player and his upbringing on the bass lead to a “thumping” style acoustic guitar playing that was a real treasure live. This song lent itself to a great live “thumping guitar” experience. It was also one of the three or four songs from the album that stayed on rotation at KYMS for many years.
The ballad, “Carpenter” shows exactly what a great song in the hands (or throat) of a master can be like. The vocal inflections and willingness to let the song’s nuances deliver the feeling is shown perfectly here. There are times when his vocals are restrained in order to make the bigger moments work as well as they do in such a simple and lovely song.
For some reason the re-issue of this album replaced the title “Feel It Comin’” with “You Love Me.” It a great song and features Kelly Willard on a duet. Not sure why the change?
What should have become a praise and worship staple, “O Magnify the Lord” was just a bit too “jazzy” I guess. Lyrically it is nearly straight Scripture and the breezy Seawind like jazz arrangement is just stunning. Here we also get a taste of just how smooth and cool Harlan Roger’s keyboard work can be.
“Can’t Stop Runnin’” is a Bruce Hibbard composition that Marty McCall and Fireworks also performed. “Love is Here to Stay” is also a Hibbard tune. That funky yet smooth groove here just works perfectly.
“Rested in Your Love” is my favorite ballad from the album. Keene’s string arrangement works so nicely in support of Duke’s soulful sound.
The title track returns to the killer groove that are the hallmark of Duke’s music. The chorus just sticks with you and the backing vocals on the chorus really move the song. I still remember roller skating at Christian music night to this song. It’s disco tinged groove combined with the great jazz infusion is very good memory stimulator. The song, like the whole album creates an image of not only a time but a place in history.
The album closer, “Promised Land” is Duke’s finest vocals on the album. There is an emotional tinge that really shines through on this plaintive call of the Gospel presented in the lyrics. This, coupled with Brown’s best backing vocal production and arrangement, makes this call believable, authentic and musically realized. It has a real Bob Bennett quality to it. The slow vocal fade at the end just stays with you.
For all the criticism CCM has thrust upon it (some justified, some not) it is the lack of any real understanding of history and those that went before us a generation previous that frustrates me the most. This, I believe, stems from a Church (universal) that thinks Church History started when their Pastor graduated from Bible School. There is little to no sense of history within the halls of Christendom, so why should the music it creates reflect something different?
I should know better…
That is a such a shame!
But despite that the album remains of the best ever recorded in CCM and more than deserving of its placement in this list.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Love Is Here To Stay – 3:59 2 – Time To Stand – 3:46 3 – Seasons Of Change – 4:55 4 – Carpenter (Do What You Got To Do) – 4:15 5 – Feel It Comin’ – 3:19 6 – O’ Magnify The Lord – 3:40 7 – Can’t Stop Runnin’ – 3:34 8 – Rested In Your Love – 3:37 9 – Not The Same – 3:57 10 – Promised Land – 4:15
Credits Arranged By – Harlan Rogers, John Patitucci, Jonathan Brown, Roby Duke Art Direction – George Osaki Bass – John Patitucci Drums – Keith Edwards Engineer – Walley Grant Engineer, Mixed By – Jonathan David Brown Guitar – Hadley Hockensmith, Marty Walsh Keyboards – Harlan Rogers Lead Vocals – Roby Duke Mastered By – Steve Hall Percussion – Alex MacDougall Photography By – Alan Bergman Producer – Jonathan David Brown Saxophone – Michael Carnahan Synthesizer – Rob Watson Trombone – Doug Wintz Trumpet – Ralf Rickert
