Tag: 1990

David And The Giants – Distant Journey – 1990

In a proper world David And The Giants would be touring today playing medium sized venues all over North America and Europe. Unfortunately that’s not how things turned out and the world turned their backs on great Christian artists from the 80’s and instead they are playing the Church circuit. There was a variety of reasons but that’s for another day. What I’m saying is that they had over 20 albums and were a mainstay of the Christian music scene and they deserve proper recognition. As for the album it’s another great rock pop album from the Huff family. This was the first album with Lance Huff (David’s son) replacing Keith Thibodeaux (Keith did return in 2006 for select concerts and albums). I never got a chance to see them live back in the day and I really wish I could have as their music is right up my alley.

Tracklist
1 – Never Had It So Good – 4:08
2 – Time On My Side – 4:01
3 – Anchored Deep – 4:33
4 – Always On My Mind – 4:19
5 – Do You Feel What I Feel – 4:51
6 – Quiet Faith – 3:34
7 – Tear It Down – 3:48
8 – Let Go Let God – 4:27
9 – Can’t Live Without You – 3:42
10 – Distant Journey – 3:42
11 – Won’t Stop Believing – 4:17
12 – Easy Loving You – 3:49

Credits
Backing Vocals – Clayborn Huff, David Huff, Kellye Huff, Rayborn Huff, Tim Pedigo
Bass Guitar – Clayborn Huff
Design – Barbara Keller
Drums – Lance Huff
Engineer – David Huff, Rayborn Huff, Scott Carter
Guitar – David Huff
Harmonica – Rayborn Huff
Keyboards – Rayborn Huff
Lead Vocals – David Huff
Mandolin – David Huff
Mastered By – Hank Williams
Percussion – Lance Huff
Photography By – Harold Head
Producer – David Huff
Programmed By – Rayborn Huff
Programmed By [Additional] – Nate Sabin
Saxophone – David Huff

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Giant Records
Copyright © – Giant Records
Recorded At – Huff Recording Studios
Mastered At – Mastermix
Glass Mastered At – DADC – DIDX-008848

Katsbarnea – Katsbarnea – 1990

This is the first official album from Brazil’s Katsbarnea. Most of the tracks on this album are from their demo and I have read both that they re-recorded them and that they were just remixed. I have no idea which it was. The track Extra was a huge hit in Brazil and won a prominent Brazilian music award. As I understand it Christian music was common on Brazil’s secular radio stations due to a very high level of Christianity in the population. Wouldn’t that have been nice in North America? Anyway, this would be the start of a long run for the band that is still touring today. Of course I don’t know a word of Portuguese so I can’t even comment on the lyrics but the music is fantastic. I really really enjoy their feel and sound and would have loved to have seen them live back in the 90’s. While we aim these foreign releases at our foreign fans I would actually suggest giving it a listen, it’s quite good.

Tracklist
1 – Extra – 3:46
2 – Sepulcro Caiado – 3:41
3 – Grito De Katsbarnea – 3:17
4 – Apocalipse “Now” – 4:05
5 – Viagem Da Oração – 6:03
6 – Consumo – 4:01
7 – Fumaça Arisca – 3:02
8 – Corredor 18 – 3:15
9 – Ver O Sol – 3:40
10 – Revolução – 4:20

Credits
Brother Simion – vocals, rhythmic guitar and harmonic
André Mira – solo guitar
Tchu Solomon – bass
Mauricio Domene – keyboard and music production
Paulinho Makuko – percussion and vocals on “Runner 18”
Marcelo Gasperini – drums
Alessandra Orlando – backing vocals
Cláudia Bastos – backing vocals
Sandra Simões – backing vocals
Marquinhos – saxophone
Hilquias Alves – saxophone
Márcio Fluffy – trumpet

Companies, etc.
Record Company – New Voice Gravações Eletrônicas Ltda.
Manufactured By – BMG Ariola Discos Ltda.

Sparks – Through Flood & Fire – 1990

This is the second offering from Greg and Rebecca as “Sparks” and what an offering it was. This is the second of two album deal with Reunion Records but I’m going to get straight to the point now. This is such a great album I’m so sad I didn’t hear it is 1990. The song writing is fantastic and Greg’s acoustic guitar work really turned my ears. I don’t really need to say anything more about Rebecca’s vocals as they speak for themselves. It is a little strange to me that they left Joshua’s Song to the final track as in my opinion it’s the best track on the album. Maybe it’s the reward for listening to the while album but personally that would have been the lead track for me. That said the album is structured to get better and better as you listen so maybe that was the strategy. There are definitely a couple tracks here going into my regular rotation.

Tracklist
1 – They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love – 1:08
2 – I Can’t Dance – 3:46
3 – Leaving A Legacy – 4:43
4 – Whisper Your Love – 3:57
5 – The World – 4:10
6 – Jesus Rescues Me – 4:49
7 – Work For Love – 4:32
8 – You Can Count On Me – 4:28
9 – I Would Die (For You) – 4:31
10 – Things Will Be Different – 4:25
11 – Joshua’s Song – 4:18

Credits
Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Vocals – Greg Sparks
Bass – Tommy Sims
Drums – Mike Radowski
Electric Guitar – James Hollihan
Percussion, Lead Vocals – Rebecca Ed Sparks

Companies, etc.
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Reunion Records
Copyright © – Reunion Records
Glass Mastered At – DADC
Pressed By – DADC

Marcos Witt – Proyecto AA – 1990

Here’s another one for our Spanish listeners. We uploaded his 3rd album last month and it was well received so today we’re visiting his 5th album. This album was widely praised for modernizing Spanish-language Christian music with a pop-rock and ballad-infused sound. To me the album leans more easy listening than his earlier work but he was switch9ing to more of a worship oriented artist. The album was a collaborative effort with musician and producer Cesar Garza, who brought a high level of programming and arrangement to the music. The album also showcases the work of various talented Mexican songwriters.

Tracklist
1 – Te Exaltamos – 4:38
2 – Hoy Levantamos Tu Nombre – 2:19
3 – Yeshúa – 3:12
4 – Me Gozaré – 3:15
5 – Restaurarás El Santo Lugar – 2:07
6 – Él Es Mi Rey – 3:59
7 – Renuévame – 4:05
8 – A Cristo, Solo A Cristo – 3:42
9 – Porque Tú Eres Bueno – 2:46
10 – Maravilloso Dios – 2:21
11 – Al Estar Aquí – 4:03
12 – Quiero Levantar Mis Manos – 4:26

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Jose Perez
Arranged By – Cesar Eduardo Garza, Jose Perez, Marcos Witt
Backing Vocals – Eliezer Gallegos, Elvira Garza, Jose Perez, Lorena Warren, Marcos Witt, Nicky Garza, Nolita Warren, Rodolfo Orozco
Electric Bass, Engineer – Luis Chi-Sing
Executive-Producer, Piano – Marcos Witt
Graphic Design – Raquel Barrientos
Guitar – Gerray West
Mixed By – Cesar Eduardo Garza, Gerray West, Luis Chi-Sing, Raul Angel Taboada “Salomon”
Percussion – Alejandro Díaz, Cesar Eduardo Garza
Producer – Cesar Eduardo Garza, Gerray West, Marcos Witt
Recorded By, Synthesizer, Electric Organ, Drum Programming – Cesar Eduardo Garza
Technician – Raul Angel Taboada “Salomon”

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – CanZion Producciones, Inc.
Copyright © – CanZion Producciones, Inc.
Distributed By – CanZion Group LP

Centerpoint Featuring Jeff Johnson – Poetry & Music For Christmas – 1990

This is Jeff’s first Christmas album. He has actually done several Christmas albums over the years. This one is spoken word of poetry by Keith Patman with a musical score written by Jeff. I’m not usually a fan of spoken poetry but I quite enjoyed this album. Maybe I’m getting soft in my old age or maybe it’s just that good. The poetry is pretty good and as usual with Jeff the music score is fantastic. This might be one you may want to add to your Christmas rotation.

Tracklist
1 – O Come, O Come Immanuel – 1:18
2 – Another Mystery I Pose – 0:48
3 – A Gallery Carol – 3:00
4 – The Bondage Of Corruption – 1:40
5 – While Shepherds Watched – 5:10
6 – Snow – 3:54
7 – Lord Of Green And Red – 1:43
8 – Judah’s Lion / Carol Of The Bells – 3:43
9 – Centerpoint – 2:04
10 – Oregon Carol – 2:14
11 – Inversion – 2:52
12 – The Heavens Declare / Wexford Carol – 3:08

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Paul Chasman
Artwork By, Photography By – Kathy Hastings
Bass [Fretless] – Rick Crittenden
Flute – Brian Dunning
Percussion, Sound Designer [Ambience] – Roger Hadley
Producer, Keyboards, Music By, Arranged By, Recorded By, Mixed By – Jeff Johnson
Read By – Dallas McKennon
Written-By [Poetry By] – Keith Patman

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Ark Records
Copyright © – Sola Scriptura Songs
Mastered At – K Disc Mastering
Distributed By – Sparrow/Star Song Distribution
Recorded At – The Ark, Camano Island, WA
Recorded At – The Ark Mobile
Mixed At – The Ark, Camano Island, WA

Recess – Discipline Of The Groove – 1990

The boys from Olivet Nazarene University are back with their second album. This one continues their Pop Hip Hop sound and has an almost identical feel to their first album. I’d love to tell you more but that’s all I really have. The album is good but there isn’t a track that reaches out to me to say “That’s my favourite track”. Maybe this is just one of those albums you listen to in it’s entirety and that’s it.

Tracklist
1 – Discipline Of The Groove – 4:56
2 – In That Number – 5:19
3 – That’s The Way He Planned It – 3:52
4 – Hands That Made The World – 5:29
5 – My Own Way – 4:32
6 – Last Call – 6:14
7 – Fun Tonight – 3:41
8 – Deceive And Destroy – 4:43
9 – Don’t Run Away – 5:52
10 – I Found Love – 3:46

Credits
Art Direction – Buddy Jackson
Backing Vocals [Additional] – Brenda Blonski, “Kuk” Harrell, Morris “Butch” Stewart
Bass – David Quinones
Co-producer – “Kuk” Harrell
Computer [Macintosh] – John Ovnik
Cover – D. Rhodes
Design – Stephen Walker
Drums – Mike Kondourajian
Engineer – “Kuk” Harrell, Morris “Butch” Stewart
Engineer [Second] – Derek Ware
Executive-Producer – Michael Blanton, Terry Hemmings
Guitar – David Quinones, Jerry Gassie, Tim McGuire
Keyboards – Tony Bobalik
Mastered By – Hank Williams
Photography By – Russ Harrington
Producer – Morris “Butch” Stewart
Programmed By – “Kuk” Harrell, Morris “Butch” Stewart
Rap [Special Guest] – M.C. Microwave “Sean Hall”
Saxophone – David Carlson, Mark Colby
Vocals – David Quinones, Dianne Songer Gadberry, Tim McGuire
Voice [Dark Dude] – Jeff Morrow

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Reunion Records
Copyright © – Reunion Records
Distributed By – Word (Uk) Ltd.
Printed By – Player Print & Design
Glass Mastered At – Nimbus
Recorded At – Homeboy Recording Studio
Mastered At – Mastermix
Designed At – Jackson Design

Elim Hall – Let It Thrive – 1990

This is one of those odd situations when a band actually put out a demo after they had already released a successful album. Maybe the album wasn’t as successful as I think it was but anyway Reunion Records didn’t sign them for a follow up so the band got together and released a demo themselves. Personally I loved their album Things Break but I wasn’t aware of this album. Because of this I was pretty excited to hear it and I wasn’t disappointed. While it follows in the footsteps of their first album it definitely had an updated more 90’s sound. I don’t understand how this album didn’t get picked up by a label. It’s got excellent production and the band had already paid for the production so this was a freebie for some label. Anyway it wasn’t so many of you probably never heard but it’s a great listen with an updated 90’s feel that you should hear.

Tracklist
1 – Terry And The Pirates – 3:53
2 – Woman – 3:39
3 – A Silent Dove In A Distant Land – 4:53
4 – You And Me – 3:02
5 – Let It Thrive – 3:19
6 – Too Much Of A Good Thing – 4:38
7 – Found My Way Again – 4:56

Credits
Backing Vocals – Glenn Teeple, Steve Marsh
Bass – Rosser Teeple
Drums – Steve Marsh
Guitar – Glenn Teeple
Keyboards – Glenn Teeple
Lead Vocals – Rosser Teeple
Producer – Glenn Teeple

Face Of Five – The Famous And The Forgotten – 1990

This is a pretty rare one. In a conversation with the guys over at Christian Underground Encyclopedia (Linked below) I asked for a suggestion for a really good unknown album and this was their suggestion and boy were they right. This is a fantastic album that should be heard. This is not some unknown bunch of guys though. There’s a track on here written by Daniel Amos guitarist Greg Flesch who also appears on the album. Obviously someone was connected to the scene here. The album was released on Victoria Ltd records which I suspect guitarist Ken Roberts owned as he is involved on every single album they released, usually as producer but we are talking about very few albums and artists. Ken also produced and mixed this album. I have reviewed a few other albums Ken produced and they have, in my opinion, not had great production but that is not the case on this album as it has absolutely excellent production. Sometimes when you’re in the studio a mix just comes together like magic, I suspect this was one of those times. “I Am The Wounded Warrior” found itself on the 1991 compilation album “Rob Woolsey Radio Singles Spring 91” which I hope I can get my hands on because it has some great unreleased material. As for this album it has a pretty pop sound which leans new wave at times. While I’m not sure 1990 was good timing for this sound as it fit better in 1985. All that said this album really has no criticism from me and I love the sound and this is probably in my personal top 10 of albums that no one every heard of and in fact may hold the number one spot. Thanks to the crew over at Christian Underground Encyclopedia for their help with this one and if you love odd and rare 80’s CCM their website is a must see.

Christian Underground Encyclopedia – https://downthelinezine.com/cue/start

Tracklist
1 – One Love – 4:01
2 – Turn Away – 3:07
3 – The Falling Reign – 3:44
4 – Pass The Torch – 4:14
5 – Waiting For You – 3:30
6 – I Am The Wounded Warrior – 5:34
7 – Ring-A-Ling – 3:45
8 – And Like The Leaves – 5:31
9 – Are We So Wise – 4:38

Credits

Band
John Hall: vocals & guitar
Ken Roberts: Guitar
Taylo: Keyboards

Support Musicians
Jeffrey Allen: Bass guitar
Ralph Clayton: Bass guitar
David Casanova: Drums
Tim Pope: Drums
Greg Flesch: Guitar
Kevin Fisher: Guitar
Suzie Cappetta: Backing vocals
Mike Cappetta: Backing vocals
Ralph Clayton: Keyboards
Lorenza: Sax

Production
Ken Roberts – Producer & Engineer
Joan Bullin – Photography

Jeff Fenholt – Hymns I – 1990

Jeff performs some his favourite hymns and worship songs. Some of these are traditional hymns and some are more cent worship songs most of us are familiar with. This was an interesting album idea from Jeff and I think many artists wanted to try this idea bout no way a record label would touch this idea. Jeff didn’t have those impediments as he was independent and really didn’t care about record labels. These are not Rock & Roll covers but just a contemporary arrangement. I’m not a big fan of the Heavy Metal versions of hymns so I’ll be honest I was a little concerned about listening to this album. Instead I love it. These are great arrangements and nowadays you could hear any of these arrangements in a regular Sunday service. Guitar work is handled by Charles Fearing (Raydio) and all the other instruments are handled by famed producer Freddie Perren who also produced the album. Jeff’s vocals are the real focal point of the album and I don’t think he ever got the credit he deserved as a vocalist. You probably missed this one back in the day so you should give it a listen now.

Tracklist
1 – The Old Rugged Cross – 4:32
2 – The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power – 4:54
3 – Goin Up Yonder – 5:56
4 – Holy Ground – 6:05
5 – Amazing Grace – 5:19
6 – Sometimes Alleluia – 5:45
7 – He touched Me – 5:35
8 – Blessed Assurance – 4:30

Credits
Art Direction, Design, Layout – Ben Bull, Walter Ebrahimzadeh
Backing Vocals – Carmen Twilley, Julia Waters, Maxine Waters
Engineer – Freddie Perren, Jack Rouben
Guitar – Charles Fearing
Instruments – Freddie Perren
Mastered By – Bernie Grundman
Photography – Ron Blanchard
Producer, Arranged By – Freddie Perren
Programmed By, Engineer – Ran Ballard
Vocals – Jeff Fenholt

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Mom & Pop’s Happy House Studio
Mixed At – Mom & Pop’s Happy House Studio
Mastered At – Bernie Grundman Mastering
Produced For – Grand Slam Productions, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Messiah Records
Copyright © – Messiah Records
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Grand Slam Productions, Inc.
Copyright © – Grand Slam Productions, Inc.
Pressed By – Disctronics USA – 114576

King’s X – Faith Hope Love – 1990

I have seen King’s X live on three occasions. I still have no idea how they pull off their sound live with just three guys. It is really impressive. Of course, one of the times I saw them they were the band for CCM pop artist Morgan Cryar. They played at the infamous “lighthouse” in Orange County. With their third release, Faith, Hope, Love, King’s X were positioned to become the next great rock band, and even though they have garnered a stellar track record and decent fan base, the world just some times doesn’t “get it” when it comes to great and significant rock. Possibly more “commercial” than the first two release, FHL, is still a rocking album and filled with the bands unique, creative and progressive rock music. The Beatlesque vocals married to big and heavy rock just seem to work so well, especially here. The single, “It’s Love” is a brilliant song that deserved even more radio support than it did. But like most King’s X projects it’s deeper into the album that the real gems shine though. “Fine Art of Friendship” has such a killer groove that sticks with you and a wonderful message of reconciliation. “We Were Born to Be Loved” just flat out rocks…hard! And the spoken vocal just works perfectly. Many prefer the debut because of it’s greater progressive and creative influence, but FHL delivers such a consistent and listenable sound that it bears more repeated listening.

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

Tracklist
1 – We Are Finding Who We Are – 4:39
2 – Its Love – 4:34
3 – Ill Never Get Tired Of You – 3:46
4 – Fine Art Of Friendship – 4:21
5 – Mr Wilson – 3:39
6 – Moanjam – 6:05
7 – Six Broken Soldiers – 3:32
8 – I Cant Help It – 3:53
9 – Talk To You – 4:36
10 – Everywhere I Go – 3:53
11 – We Were Born To Be Loved – 4:52
12 – Faith Hope Love – 9:23
13 – Legal Kill – 4:42

Credits
Art Direction – Derika Van Reenan
Artwork [Back Cover Illustration] – James McDermott
Artwork [Front Cover Illustration] – Randy Rogers
Bass Guitar, Vocals – Doug Pinnick
Drums, Percussion, Vocals – Jerry Gaskill
Engineer, Recorded By – Steve Ames
Guitar, Sitar, Vocals – Ty Tabor
Management – Sam Taylor
Mastered By – Tony Dawsey
Photography By – George Craig
Producer – King’s X, Sam Taylor
Written-By – King’s X

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Megaforce Records, Inc.
Copyright © – Atlantic Recording Corporation
Copyright © – Jetydosa Music
Copyright © – Ackee Music
Recorded At – Rampart Studios
Mastered At – Masterdisk
Made By – WEA Manufacturing Inc.
Pressed By – Specialty Records Corporation