1984 – Page 2 – Real 80s CCM

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

Stephanie Boosahda – Fearless To Follow – 1984

This is Stephanie’s 7th and final studio album. It sounds like her previous work and I get the feeling that she was struggling with finding an updated 80’s sound. I’m not faulting her but female vocalists were changing in the 80’s and Stephanie’s work was better oriented to late 70’s praise music. That said it’s … Continue reading “Stephanie Boosahda – Fearless To Follow – 1984”

This is Stephanie’s 7th and final studio album. It sounds like her previous work and I get the feeling that she was struggling with finding an updated 80’s sound. I’m not faulting her but female vocalists were changing in the 80’s and Stephanie’s work was better oriented to late 70’s praise music. That said it’s an excellent album for it’s style and there are some upbeat tracks but for the main part this is a worship oriented album.

Tracklist
1 – Who Do You Say That I Am? – 3:19
2 – Signs And Wonders – 4:11
3 – Fearless To Follow – 4:30
4 – I Will Rejoice In Him – 3:21
5 – How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place – 3:40
6 – Bless The Lord, O My Soul – 3:49
7 – He Will Not Let You Fall – 3:52
8 – On The Crest Of A Wave – 4:41
9 – A Child Is Born – 3:07

Credits
Arranged By [Strings] – Alan Moore
Backing Vocals – Bonnie Keen, Jackie Cusic, Marty McCall, Melody Tunney
Bass – Mike Brignardello
Design Concept, Art Direction – Bill Barnes
Drums – Larrie Londin, Mark Hammond
Engineer [Assistant] – Tom Harding
Engineer, Mixed By – Ed Seay
Executive-Producer – Michael DeMonico
Graphics – Barnes & Company
Guitar – Jon Goin
Keyboards – Shane Keister
Keyboards [Additional] – Keith Thomas, Phil Naish
Lacquer Cut By – GM
Mastered By – Benny Quinn
Percussion – Farrell Morris, Terry McMillan
Photography By, Design – Matt Barnes
Producer – Greg Nelson
Strings – Carl Gorodetzky, Nashville String Machine
Written-By – B. Batstone, David Stearman, Stephanie Boosahda

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Singspiration Music
Copyright © – Singspiration Music
Recorded At – Treasure Isle Recorders
Mastered At – Masterfonics
Pressed By – Electrosound Group Midwest, Inc.

Andrus And Blackwood – Holiday – 1984

This was the final album from Imperials alumni Sherman Andrus and Terry Blackwood. To say they wet out with a bang is an understatement. This album had three charting CCM singles. “Amen Again” made it to #18, “The Prayer” to #33, and “I Can Do All Things” to #34. Not the best positions but 3 charting singles is nothing to sneeze at. Both artists went on to have solo careers but they weren’t as successful as they were as a duo. as for the album it is a fun pop AOR album and I really like the direction this duo was headed in but obviously they felt their time together was done. Too bad actually I think they could have done a better job musically together.

Tracklist
1 – Builder Of Bridges – 4:06
2 – Warriors – 4:12
3 – The Love In His Eyes – 3:46
4 – Witness – 3:12
5 – Joy And Peace – 3:22
6 – Amen Again – 4:51
7 – The Prayer – 3:27
8 – I Can Do All Things – 3:58
9 – Nothing Separates Me (From His Love) – 5:01

Credits
Backing Vocals – Alfred McCrary, Charity McCrary, Gail Farrell, Linda McCrary, Melissa Mackay, Sandi Hall, Susan McBride
Bass – Leon Gaer
Drums – Cactus Moser, Jack Kelly, John Ferraro
Guitar – Marty Walsh
Keyboards – John Rosasco, Smitty Price
Percussion – Alex Acuna
Saxophone – Brandon Fields
Synthesizer – Art Wood, Rhett Lawrence
Vocals, Backing Vocals – Sherman Andrus, Terry Blackwood