Tag: 1984

Dana – Let There Be Love – 1984

Dana had 30 albums through here career most of which were gospel. This was her 9th album but only her second album with Word records. I listened to this album to see if I recognized anything because I couldn’t recall her name. I don’t recognize anything on the album but it’s a pretty easy listening album and I doubt I would have listened to it back in the day. Still I was wondering why I don’t know about an artist with 30 albums. On doing some research into Dana I discovered why. She was a Catholic artist and while Word was always happy to sign Catholic artists they didn’t really promote them outside of the Catholic community. This Catholic detail also meant she was unlikely to find her way onto a CCM chart and she never did. ANYWAY, all that aside this is a great easy listening gospel album that people who like this style should listen to. Dana was a great artist that deserved more exposure in the CCM genre.

Tracklist
1 – Let There Be Love – 3:04
2 – I Saw My Lord This Morning – 4:00
3 – Oh Lord – 4:15
4 – Christ Is My Light – 2:49
5 – Ag Criost An Siol – 4:17
6 – Run That Race – 3:25
7 – Hosanna – 3:14
8 – Diamond In The Rough – 3:33
9 – Portrait Of Jesus – 3:25
10 – Hallelujah – 3:42

Credits
Arranged By, Keyboards, Guitar – Peter Moss
Bass Guitar – Bill Walker
Design – 2D
Drums – Will Hill
Engineer – Alan Jakoby, Nicholas Froome
Engineer [Assistant] – John Canham
Guitar – Derek Griffiths, Mitch Dalton
Keyboards – David Firman
Leader [String Section] – Gavin Wright
Photography By – Brian Aris
Piano – Brian Miller
Producer – Kurt Kaiser
Tenor Saxophone – Geoff Driscoll
Trombone – Pete Thoms
Trumpet – Steve Sidwell

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Copyright © – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – Regents Park Studios
Mixed At – Utopia Village, London

Ketty Lester – I Saw Love – 1984

60’s crooner Ketty Lester actually retired from the music industry in the early 70’s after a pretty successful career including 5 charting singles with “Love Letters” making it to #2 on the R & B charts. She actually quit music to concentrate on her acting career where many remember her as Hester-Sue Terhune on Little House on the Prairie. She did however return to the studio to produce this gospel album in 1984. While this is a pretty run of the mill 80’s soul gospel album with excellent vocals it is actually a very important album in the CCM industry. Hidden in the soul tracks is the track “Let’s Talk About Jesus” which is the first female gospel rap song. Now admittedly she is not a rap artist and this is not a rap album but this one track is unlike anything on this album and unlike anything she had ever done before. It is my firm belief that of this album had been released on a CCM label and not a soul label we would all know this track as it is an excellent example of early rap that was not being done in the CCM industry. So if your listening to this album as a whole you’re going to be a bit surprised when you get to track 10.

Tracklist
1 – One Day At A Time – 3:49
2 – Jesus Laid His Hands On Me – 2:33
3 – The Children – 3:09
4 – Jesus, You Touched Me – 3:20
5 – She’d Never Heard Of Anyone Called Jesus – 3:17
6 – I Saw Love – 3:19
7 – Have You Heard – 2:10
8 – When I Saw Jesus – 3:32
9 – Jesus Here I Am Again – 2:42
10 – Let’s Talk About Jesus – 3:40

Trilojē – Trilojē – 1984

What if I told you there was an album with Joe English on drums, Dann Huff on guitar, and Steve Camp on Keyboards you would be very interested right? Well believe it or not this is that album but don’t get too excited because this album features three pretty well unknown artists. As near as I can figure out vocalists Kevin Thiel, Diane Thiel, and Joan Anderson were background vocalists for Steve Camp and Steve decided to produce an album for them. Most of the crew for this album were from Steve’s crew and I can only imagine this was all envisioned by Steve. All that said regardless of this recipe for success this was a one off album that didn’t really sell all that well. First of all the name they chose was pretty poor. I assume it was some sort of play on there being 3 members in the “band”. The album is very strongly Easy Listening and is nothing remarkable. I don’t deny they are great vocalists but the album just doesn’t have a hook to keep you listening. It is a fairly good album but nothing remarkable.

Tracklist
1 – In All Your Ways – 3:28
2 – Break Away – 3:04
3 – Lead Me To Life – 3:43
4 – Stolen Love – 3:12
5 – One Heart – 2:45
6 – Light Your Candle – 4:10
7 – Faith By Faith – 3:02
8 – Strong Love – 3:10
9 – Capture My Heart – 3:28
10 – Down The Road – 2:36

Credits
Basses – Tim Smith
Drums & Percussion – Joe English
Engineered by – Hank Newberger, Wally Grant, Peter Braden & Paul Klingberg
Executive Producer – Steve Wyer
Guitars – Dann Huff, Jeff Oliver, George Cocchini & Paul Brannon
Produced by – Steve Camp
Sax Solo – Dennis Solee
String Arrangements – John Rosasco
Synthesizers – Rhett Lawrence, John Rosasco & Steve Camp
Vocals & Vocal Arrangements by Kevin Thiel, Diane Thiel & Joan Anderson

Companies, etc.
Recorded at The Gold Mine, Nashville, TN & Chicago Recording Co., Chicago, IL.
Additional Recording at Weddington Studio, North Hollywood, CA
Mixed at Chicago Recording Co., Chicago, IL.
Mastered by Steve Hall at Future Disc, North Hollywood, CA

Scott Smith – Face To Face – 1984

To say I was surprised by this album is an understatement. This is a funk-jazz album which is most definitely not my preferred genre but I love this album. The production on this album is one of the best I have heard from this era which is why I think the album appeals to me so much. Scott is an all around musician but he really stands out on trumpet on this album. This is one of those odd albums where the titled artist doesn’t provide vocals. All the vocalists are guest performers and I think every one of them nailed it. Even though Scott would appear on over 100 albums this is his only personal album. This is such a great album I am amazed they didn’t try it again but I don’t know how well it sold so maybe low sales were the problem. Too bad because I for one would like more.

Tracklist
1 – Leave It Up To Him – 4:59
2 – You’re Too Late – 3:54
3 – The Vision – 4:07
4 – Face To Face – 4:58
5 – What Happened – 4:08
6 – Give Him Thanks – 3:45
7 – Set Free – 4:16
8 – The Prince Of The Dark – 4:20
9 – What You Mean To Me – 4:58

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – James Harrah
Background Vocals – Alfie Silas, Carvin Winans, Debbie McClendon, Edith Lyons, Howard McCrary, Howard Smith, Ivory Stone, Linda McCrary, Ronald Winans, Shari Larson
Bass – Abraham Laboriel Sr, Leon Gaer
Drums – Bill Maxwell, Lynn Coulter, Willie Ornelas
Drums (programming) – Scott V Smith
Guitar James Harrah, Snuffy Walden
Keyboards – Kevin Bassinson, Michael Ruff, Scott V Smith
Percussion – Alex Acuna, Bill Maxwell, Lynn Coulter
Programming – Rhett Lawrence
Sax – Eric Marienthal
Synthesizer – Rhett Lawrence
Trombone – Alan Kaplan, Andy Martin
Trumpet – Charles Davis, Larry Hall, Scott Smith
Vocals – Benjamin Winans, Howard Smith, Marvin Winans, Michael Ruff, Stephen Tavani, Vonda Shepard
Woodwinds – Kim Hutchcroft

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Published By – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Published By – Libris Music

Morris Chapman – Lately – 1984

This is Morris’s 4th album and his last with Myrhh before heading to Maranatha! Music. While his albums aren’t my preferred style I really thought this one was pretty good. It has a very easy listening feel with a dash of soul. This album also had his first charting CCM single with “No More Night” making it to #33. Not a stunning result but hey, this guy was a 40 year old janitor in Las Vegas just a few years previous. Pretty good result if you ask me. Anyway I quite enjoyed this album even if there is no screaming electric guitar.

Tracklist
1 – Lord I Surrender – 3:57
2 – It Feels So Good To Be Free – 3:48
3 – Worthy Is The Lamb – 4:17
4 – I’m So Thankful – 3:44
5 – No More Night – 4:30
6 – I Feel The Rain – 3:23
7 – Be Bold Be Strong – 4:08
8 – I May Not Always Be There – 3:43
9 – Broken Things – 3:41
10 – Lately – 3:49

Credits
Hank Williams – Mastering Engineer
Jim Baird – Engineer
Mike Poston – Remastering Engineer
Morris Chapman – Composer, Primary Artist
Neal Joseph – Producer
Niles Borop – Composer
Randy Hammel – Producer
Randy Holland – Engineer
Stephanie Boosahda – Composer
Walt Harrah – Composer

Billy Crockett – Carrier – 1984

Billy went to University of Miami in Florida to study audio engineering and that was the role he would make his first exposure in the CCM industry. He was actually doing well as a producer and engineer when he decided to step to the other side of the board and record this his first album. At some point Billy joined publisher Word Music as a staff writer before moving to the recording side. The album is pretty easy listening affair but I can hear some rock & roll begging to creep out. I haven’t listened to Billy’s subsequent albums so we will see if he’s turns it up on one of his several subsequent albums. At some point Billy joined publisher Word Music as a staff writer before moving to the recording side.

Tracklist
1 – Love Waiting – 2:54
2 – Stand And Fight – 4:03
3 – Time To Begin Again – 4:18
4 – Carrier – 3:26
5 – Say Hello – 5:36
6 – Like A Thief – 4:14
7 – You’re So Special To Him – 3:17
8 – The Way – 4:44
9 – Rhythm Of God – 2:57
10 – He Is The Wind – 4:49

Credits
Billy Crockett – Songwriter, Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Lead and Background Vocals
Reed Arvin – Kurweil Strings Arranger, Keyboards, Lead Acoustic Piano, Kurzweil, DX-7, Prophet V
Niles Borop – Songwriter
Mike Brignardello – Bass, Mini-Moog
Claire Cloninger – Songwriter
Andy deGanahl – Assistant Engineer
Phil Dihel – Assistant Engineer
Dave Durham – Background Vocals
Kim Fleming – Background Vocals
Lynn Fuston – Assistant Engineer
Randy Garmon – Assistant Engineer
Jon Goin – Electric Guitars
Chris Hammond – Assistant Engineer
Mark Hammond – Acoustic and Simmons Drums
Dennis Holt – Drums
David Huntsinger – Acoustic Piano, DX-7
JB Baird – Engineer, Mixed
Neal Joseph – Producer
Patti Leatherwood – Background Vocals
Terry McMillan – Percussion
Farrell Morris – Percussion
Gary Pigg – Background Vocals
Bill Vermillion – Assistant Engineer
Hank Williams – Mastered
Kenny Wood – Songwriter

Jump The Nile – Like The Cruel Sea – 1984

This was the only release we got from Jump The Nile. This band showed up on a compilation album called Strait Tracks so I hunted down their 7″. The band was Annie McCaig from Nutshell, Simon Humphrey from Dance People, Nick Battle from Sporting Life/After The Fire, and Jeff Hammer from The Teardrop Explodes. This is a rather eclectic group but they actually really work well together. Unfortunately this self released 45 was it from them but I bet there is a demo out there somewhere that they shopped around. I hope we are able to get our hands on it.

Tracklist
A – Like The Cruel Sea – 4:00
B – Wire – 3:43

Credits
Backing Vocals – Annie McCaig
Programmed By [Programming], Percussion, Producer – Simon Humphrey
Vocals, Bass, Guitar [Guitars] – Nick Battle
Vocals, Keyboards, Programmed By [Programming] – Jeff Hammer

Companies, etc.
Marketed By – Precision Records & Tapes Limited

Zion – Joyful Noiz – 1984

Awhile ago we uploaded the second Zion album but today we’ve got our hands on the first one. Just a reminder that there are a few “Zions” out there and this is the one out of Oregon. This is their first self released album and it’s even better than their second album in my opinion. I do apologize for the quality but the album was only released on cassette and copies are rare. Now back to the album. This album easily should have been on a label. There are hints here of early Rez and or Barnabas and it is a great Rock & Roll album. Easily the best track is Dragon Slayer and the sampling of Puff The Magic Dragon is absolutely spot on.

Update – Dave Day (Vocals & Guitar) contacted us and let us know there is actually a previous album called “Eternal Horizons” that we were unaware of. We’re trying to get a copy to upload. Dave & Linda continue to make music and they upload it to their YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/@blindguava

Tracklist
1 – New Creation – 1:35
2 – Joyful Noise – 4:00
3 – Dragon Slayer – 3:45
4 – Hold Tight – 5:15
5 – It Is Finished – 7:00
6 – Matter Of Time – 4:15
7 – Carry On – 4:10
8 – Joy Of The Lord – 6:25
9 – On That Day – 4:25

Credits
Bass, Vocals, Guitar – Cory Graper
Drums, Percussion – Don Blenkush
Guitar, Lead Vocals – Dave Day
Keyboards, Guitar, Vocals, Producer – Jeff Bates
Lead Vocals – Linda Holt

Giantkiller – Fire Coming Down – 1984

Unfortunately this was the last album from Giantkiller and is was only released in the UK. Their previous album was released in North America but I have read it didn’t sell well. I remember that album quite differently as It was great and we loved it and it seems to have done well in our circles. But the CCM industry was fickle and these guys seem to be just another victim of this. Anyway if you’re from North America you have likely not ever heard this album but I fully suggest you give it a listen.

Tracklist
1 – Fire Coming Down – 4:08
2 – New Jerusalem – 2:58
3 – Someone in My Life – 3:37
4 – Shadow of the Real Thing – 3:14
5 – Holding Out His Hand – 2:59
6 – Darkness in the Cities – 2:58
7 – Oh Brother Man – 3:14
8 – Valley of Decision – 3:27
9 – A Cry Within – 2:46
10 – Not Too Many Tears – 3:19
11 – The Ballad of the Toothless Lion – 3:10
12 – If We Have the Love – 1:13

Credits
Bass, Backing Vocals – Alan Hiscox
Drums – Steve Purton
Keyboards, Backing Vocals – Paul Herbst
Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals – Pete Gilgan
Vocals – Richard Nicholson

Roby Duke – Come Let Us Reason – 1984

This is Roby’s second album and his first on Good News Records. While his first album was a budget affair this one had some money. The album is mainly an easy listening project with a couple of 80’s pop songs for the younger audience. The album had 2 CCM charting tracks, “Come Let Us Reason” made it to #11, and “Watching For You” made it to #35. Looking through the credits it was interesting to note that Dann Huff played some of the guitar tracks. I swear Dann was on almost every CCM album in this period. Also interestingly credited for background vocals was Mister Mister. I can hear their sound on several tracks but truthfully I have no idea what tracks they helped out on.

Tracklist
1 – Come Let Us Reason – 3:38
2 – All Lost – 3:31
3 – I’m Persuaded – 3:44
4 – Watching For You – 3:58
5 – Fight The Fight – 3:15
6 – Win Or Lose (Callin’) – 4:00
7 – Here I Am – 3:49
8 – Closer To You – 3:14
9 – Lay It Down – 3:39
10 – There Is Just One Way – 3:34

Credits
Arranged By – Harlan Rogers, John Schreiner, Roby Duke
Arranged By [String Arragements] – Harlan Rogers
Art Direction – Dan Lienart
Backing Vocals – Kelly Willard, Mister Mister, Richard Page, Roby Duke, Steve George
Bass – John Patitucci, Nathan East
Co-producer [Associate Producer] – Roby Duke
Concept By [Album Concept] – Roby Duke
Coordinator [Production] – Teri Piro
Drum Programming [TR 606 Roland] – Roby Duke
Drums – Bob Wilson
Engineer [Assistant] – Steven Ford, Todd Van Etten
Engineer [Technical] – Tom Ferguson
Executive-Producer – Freddie Piro
Guitar – Dann Huff, Wayne Brasel
Keyboards – Harlan Rogers, John Schreiner
Lighting – Dan Lienart, Teri Piro, Wendy Duke
Other [Chief Hoser] – Heeb Lee Otter
Other [Cover – Sax] – Harry “The Ferg” Browning alias Dewey Jack
Other [Location Provided By] – Bill Cole, Shirley Cole
Photography By – David Randle
Producer, Engineer – Win Kutz
Saxophone – Larry Williams
Synthesizer – Larry Williams, Roby Duke

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Good News Records
Copyright © – Good News Records
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co. – Δ26424
Lacquer Cut At – Sheffield Lab Matrix – Δ6422
Mixed At – Mama Jo’s
Recorded At – Mama Jo’s