1991 – Real 80s CCM

Billy Batstone – A Little Broken Bread – 1991

Though Billy was all over the Christian music scene through the 70’s and 89’s he didn’t release this his first solo album until 1991. While his high school friend David Diggs was with him on his previous work he doesn’t appear on this album. At this point in his career Billy was working with The Praise Band, later called the Tommy Coomes Band but that work went uncredited until later in the decade. Billy was also doing a ton of writing at this time and wrote hits fir several artists. As for the album it’s a easy listening album but with a great 80’s sound. I’m still not a huge fan of easy listening but this is the kind of easy listening I can get into.

Tracklist
1 – I Long For Your Love – 3:15
2 – O Lord, Come – 4:39
3 – I Will Be With You – 4:15
4 – Call For Surrender – 3:05
5 – There Will Come A Time – 4:42
6 – A Little Broken Bread – 5:18
7 – Walking On The Water – 4:04
8 – The Reign Is Over – 4:08
9 – To Every Generation – 3:38
10 – Nobody Like You – 4:41
11 – Your Throne O God – 3:39

Credits
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Keyboards, Lead Vocals – Billy Batstone*
Backing Vocals – Anne Barbour, Billy Batstone, John Barbour, John Batdorf
Bass Guitar – David Miner
Chapman Stick – Fergus Marsh
Classical Guitar [Nylon Strting Guitar] – Bob Somma
Design, Layout – Gary DeLacy
Drums – Jack Kelly
Engineer, Mixed By – Mark Heard
Harmonica – Mark Heard
Music By – Billy Batstone, John Schreiner, Wayne Brasel
Percussion – Brad Dutz
Photography By – Michael Going
Producer, Arranged By – Billy Batstone
Typography [Typesetting] – Russell Heistuman
Words By – Billy Batstone

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Maranatha! Music
Copyright © – Maranatha! Music
Published By – Maranatha Music
Published By – C.A. Music
Published By – Laurel Press
Published By – Verdugo Music
Published By – John Schreiner Music
Recorded At – Fingerprint Recorders
Recorded At – Neverland
Mixed At – Fingerprint Recorders
Distributed By – Benson Music Group, Inc.
Glass Mastered At – DADC – DIDX-010952

Fred Rerun Berry – Always On Time – 1991

The story of Fred Rerun Berry is actually quite interesting. Born Fred Allen Berry Fred actually officially changed his name to Fred Rerun Berry. This is because he was well known for his appearance as a supporting cast member on the TV show “What’s Happening!!”. He actually had a career before the show having appeared on both Saturday Night Live and Soul Train as a dancer with the Los Angeles–based dance troupe The Lockers. Unfortunately Fred struggled with alcohol and drug addiction throughout the late 80’s but in 1991 had an awakening and embraced Christianity in fact becoming a Baptist minister. He took time the same year to actually record an album. The album is a great Soul Pop album and I was actually quite surprised how good it was considering Fred wasn’t previously known as a singer. Unfortunately Fred passed away in 2003 and this was the only album we ever got from him. Interesting piece of trivia form the album is that Rex Carroll (Whitecross) played guitar on the album. Certainly a departure from his usually hard rock sound. I fully suggest giving this one a listen, it’s a nice piece of little known CCM history.

Tracklist
1 – Surrender – 3:42
2 – The Lord Is My Rock – 3:38
3 – Always On Time – 3:12
4 – Pray On It – 4:57
5 – Let God Save The City – 5:49
6 – I’ve Got The Victory – 3:03
7 – Lay Your Hands On Me Lord – 3:55
8 – Stop This World – 2:41
9 – Tough Love – 4:06
10 – Forever – 4:58
11 – Always On Time (Reprise) – 0:48

Credits
Arranged By [Horn] – Dave Kneupper
Arranged By [Percussion] – Dave Kneupper
Drum Programming [Additional] – John Miceli
Drums, Drum Programming, Guitar, Backing Vocals – Tony Miceli
Executive-Producer – Kevin J. Wessner, Rick Brockner
Guitar – Rex Carroll
Lead Vocals – Fred Rerun Berry*
Mixed By – John Miceli, Tony Miceli
Producer – Tony Miceli
Programmed By [Synclavier] – Dave Kneupper, John Miceli, Tony Miceli
Saxophone, Flute – John Amato

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – Spectra, Inc.
Distributed By – Christian Marketing Canada, Ltd.
Made By – U.S. Optical Disc
Recorded At – Starke Lake Studios

The Crucified – The Pillars Of Humanity – 1991

This is the second and last album from The Crucified. The line up changed slightly with Jeff Bellew replacing Mark Johnson on bass but everyone else stayed the course. I think this album is actually a bit better than their first but it very similar just with slightly better vocals or perhaps it’s been better engineered. Unfortunately the band split after this album and in fact toured very little to support the album. They did however come back together for a good bye show at Cornerstone Festival. Everyone went on to further projects including, Stavesacre, Neon Horse, The Blamed, CHATTERbOX, and Applehead. After a long battle with Ocean Records the band was able to get the rights to their music and released a complete collection CD set. The band also returned to touring including a show at Cornerstone Festival in July 2009.

Tracklist
1 – Intro / Hateworld – 5:20
2 – It’s All About Fear – 2:29
3 – The Wrong One – 3:41
4 – Mindbender – 3:53
5 – Path To Sorrow – 4:02
6 – Fellowship Of Thieves – 3:12
7 – Focus – 2:32
8 – The Strength – 3:53
9 – Blackstone / So-Called Living, 1991 – 4:16
10 – The Pillars Of Humanity – 2:57

Credits
Artwork – Rick Catizone
Artwork [Inside] – Mark Salomon
Bass – Jeff Bellew
Design Concept, Cover – Mark Salomon, Rick Catizone
Drums – Jim Chaffin
Guitar – Greg Minier
Photography By [Group Shots] – Perry Cooper
Photography By [Individual Shots] – Andrew P. Watrous, Teddi Sherrer
Producer, Mixed By, Engineer – Chris Morris, The Crucified
Vocals – Mark Salomon

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Ocean Records
Copyright © – Ocean Records
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – Mama Jo’s
Mixed At – Mama Jo’s
Manufactured By – JVC

Various – Portrait Of A Spirit – 1991

This is a rather odd sampler from Pakaderm Records. I’m not entirely sure but I think the point of this sampler was to hear these artists doing sort of an acoustic track. This is a little weird because there are a few artists here that usually only do this style of music so like I say I’m a little confused at what the Elefante brothers were trying to achieve here. I’m even further confused as most of the tracks seem to be newly written and the recordings are only with the performer as the vocalist and the album appears to utilize a studio band. I honestly don’t think most of the artists understood what was going on either because most of the tracks just don’t work in my opinion. There are 3 tracks that in my opinion did get it. The 2 tracks form Richie Furay are absolutely excellent and include an appearance form Darrell Mansfield on harmonica. The other track that “got it” is the one from Guardian where they absolutely nail the vocals. Anyway it is what it is and I’d suggest a listen even if it’s just for the 3 tracks I mentioned.

Tracklist
1 – David Robertson – The House Of The Lord – 3:17
2 – Richie Furay – Man Of Many Sorrows – 4:23
3 – Brighton – Taking Back The Land (Jericho) – 4:20
4 – Sara Tennison – What Did I Ever Do – 4:57
5 – X-Sinner – Shelter Me – 3:12
6 – Mark Pogue – Thou Shalt Love – 3:49
7 – Richie Furay – Song Of The Lamb – 3:06
8 – Guardian – Take Up Your Cross – 4:50
9 – Halo – Real Life Conversation – 3:47
10 – The Heard – We Need Jesus – 5:05

Credits
Art Direction, Design – Terry DeGraff
Backing Vocals [Additional] – Doug Beiden, Sara Tennison
Bass – W.C. Jr
Cover – David Del Sesto, Terry DeGraff
Engineer – Dino Elefante, Doug Beiden, J.R. McNeely, John Elefante
Guitar [Additional] – Rock Lobster, Tex Mex
Keyboards, Drums – Mack Jack
Mandolin, Violin – Matt Brislawn
Mastered By – Chris
Mixed By – Dino Elefante, Doug Beiden, John Elefante
Percussion – “Chi Chi” Allison
Producer – Dino Elefante, John Elefante

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Copyright © – Word, Inc.
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Made By – JVC
Recorded At – Pakaderm Studios
Mastered At – Bernie Grundman Mastering

Chagall Guevara – Chagall Guevara – 1991

In 1989 Steve Taylor put together Chagall Guevara with the goal of conquering the secular record charts. After a flurry of bass players they finally put out this their first album in 1991. It didn’t do great but I do remember the single “Violent Blue” getting some airplay in my market in Canada. Strangely the entry for the band in Wikipedia states “All of the band members had histories within the Christian music industry, but the band was an effort to depart from the CCM industry. Despite this, the band still performed at the exclusively Christian music festival Cornerstone, and had their music (albeit against their wishes) distributed through Christian bookstores.” This is absolutely and completely untrue. The band had signed a distribution deal with Sparrow records as well as MCA Records. Obviously they knew Sparrow would distribute it in Christian books stores as that’s the only place they distributed to. Even if Steve has encouraged this rumour it is a complete lie. This was the only album from the band and MCA obviously didn’t think the hassle of Steve Taylor was worth it. Personally I moderately like the album but I don’t think it’s very good luck to name your band after a murderous, Marxist, dictator wannabe, just saying.

Tracklist
1 – Murder In The Big House – 3:48
2 – Escher’s World – 4:14
3 – Play God – 3:43
4 – Monkey Grinder – 6:59
5 – Can’t You Feel The Chains? – 3:09
6 – Violent Blue – 4:01
7 – Love Is A Dead Language – 4:10
8 – Take Me Back To Love Canal – 3:18
9 – The Wrong George – 1:58
10 – Candy Guru – 4:07
11 – I Need Somebody – 3:33
12 – The Rub Of Love – 4:13
13 – If It All Comes True – 3:35

Credits
A&R – Paul Kremen, Teresa Ensenat
Art Direction, Design – Tim Stedman
Bass – Wade Jaynes
Drums – Mike Mead
Engineer [Additional Engineering By] – Matt Wallace
Engineer [Assisted By] – Mike Corbett, Roy Gamble, Shawn McLean, Ulrich Wild
Engineer [Engineered By] – David Bryson
Guitar, Vocals – Dave Perkins, L. Arthur Nichols
Management [Lookout Management] – Elliot Roberts, Frank Gironda
Mastered By – Bob Ludwig
Mixed By – David Bryson, Matt Wallace
Photography By – Michael Lavine
Producer [Produced By] – Chagall Guevara, Matt Wallace
Songwriter [All Songs Written By] – Dave Perkins, Lynn Nichols, Steve Taylor
Vocals – Steve Taylor
Words By, Music By – Dave Perkins, Lynn Nichols, Steve Taylor

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – MCA Records, Inc.
Copyright © – MCA Records, Inc.
Manufactured By – Uni Distribution Corp.
Distributed By – Uni Distribution Corp.
Recorded At – The Bennett House
Recorded At – The Tube
Mixed At – Alpha & Omega Recording
Mastered At – Masterdisk
Designed At – Public Eye
Published By – MCA Music Publishing
Published By – GMMI, Inc.
Published By – Sadoshrimp
Made By – PDO, USA

Michael Omartian – The Race – 1991

So we have about 500 albums we still have to upload to YouTube and sometimes the selection of what album to do next takes a funny turn. This is one of those albums. For some reason I said to myself hey lets listen to this Michael Omartian album. Now normally Michael would not be one of my go to albums as I’m not really a fan of his usual style of music. Imagine my surprise when I picked up this great pop album. Strangely this was pretty well Michael’s last solo project though he did some work in the 2000’s. I’m a little mystified as I think this is his best album yet. It’s not piano heavy at all and he just seems to play keyboards without trying to stand out. If you usually find Michael’s music a bit dull give this one a listen. I think you’ll be surprised.

Tracklist
1 – Faithful Forever – 4:35
2 – Heartbreak City – 5:28
3 – Let My Heart Be The First To Know – 3:48
4 – Kingdoms – 4:32
5 – Cry From The East – 6:29
6 – Alone – 5:05
7 – Last Night On Earth – 5:01
8 – Morning Light – 5:45
9 – Burn It Up – 3:42
10 – Kingdoms (Instrumental Reprise) – 3:20

Credits
David Ahlert – Engineer
David Boruff – Saxophone
Raymone Carter – Background Vocals
Terry Christian – Engineer, Mixed
Bryan Duncan – Background Vocals
Alice Echols – Background Vocals
Steve Hall – Engineer, Mastered
Jean Johnson – Background Vocals
Don Kirkpatrick – Guitar
Michael Omartian – Producer, Songwriter, Arrangements, Drum Programming, Keyboards, Bass, Vocals
David Raven – Drums
Susanne Schwartz – Background Vocals
Stephen Tavani – Background Vocals

Companies, etc.
Manufactured By – Epic
Distributed By – Epic
Copyright © – Word, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – Sound House, North Hollywood, CA
Mixed At – Sound House, North Hollywood, CA
Mastered At – Future Disc
Glass Mastered At – DADC – DIDP-073855

Phil & John – Reunion Of The Heart/Shine Like America – 1991

Strangely in the U.S. this album was called “Reunion Of The Heart” but in the U.K. it was called “Shine Like America”. Continuing on the strange Phil & John were from the U.K. and the album was recorded in the U.K. so where did Shine Like America come into play? The U.K. release was on What? Records which was a joint label owned by Word and A&M so maybe someone at A&M came up with this idea. Well it doesn’t effect the quality of the album which of course is great because Phil & John were great artists. This album is more their easy listening pop style than their humour style. They we’re likely trying to recreate the success of Lonely Dancer but didn’t quite make it although “Reunion Of The Heart” did make it to #22 on the CCM charts.

Tracklist
1 – My Potential – 4:33
2 – Wait Patiently For Me – 4:10
3 – Reunion Of The Heart – 4:25
4 – Jennifer Jones – 4:14
5 – Fire Of Ambition – 4:16
6 – Quiet Storm – 4:43
7 – Every Little Step I Take – 4:09
8 – Don’t “Shoot Them Down” In Flames – 4:14
9 – Sweet Rose Tuesday – 4:02
10 – Shine Like America – 3:59
11 – April Rain – 3:33

Credits
A&R – Lynn Keesecker
Backing Vocals – Miriam Stockley
Design – James Kessell
Executive-Producer – David Bruce
Photography By – Simon Anderson
Producer, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Engineer, Mixed By – Neil Costello
Producer, Keyboards, Drum Programming, Backing Vocals – Chris Eaton
Saxophone – Martin Green
Vocals – John Hartley, Phil Baggaley

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Copyright © – Word, Inc.
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – The Music Shed
Mixed At – The Music Shed
Edited At – The Digital Audio Co.

Code Of Ethics – Visual Paradox – 1991

This is the first album from Code Of Ethics though they have a demo put out in 1990 that we have been unable to find it. The lineup for the band on this album is as mysterious as the rest of their albums. The credits list Barry Blazs as the sole performer but history says that Eric Switzer and Mark Tanner also performed on the album. This whole issue of who was on the albums continues through the history of the band and I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I believe Barry Blazs was a little difficult to work with. Anyway lets talk about the album. R.E.X. Music liked what they heard on the demo and quickly wanted to get an album out. The album has their trademark synth pop sound. That wasn’t a common sound in the Christian genre so these guys were actually a bit of a risk. Personally I think the risk was putting a 1985 sounding album in 1991 but we’re talking about the Christian genre where that was okay. Anyway get your dance shoes on and enjoy this great album.

Tracklist
1 – One Way – 4:10
2 – Through Your Eyes – 5:01
3 – I Need Your Love – 2:54
4 – Heaven Help Me – 4:18
5 – Greater Love – 5:36
6 – Hold Me – 4:39
7 – Breaking Down – 3:49
8 – Taking You Down – 4:18
9 – Visual Paradox – 3:45
10 – Being With You – 4:02

Credits
Art Direction, Design – Jeff Spencer
Engineer – Danny Drak
Engineer [Assistant] – Ben Debiase, Ed Marx
Executive-Producer – Doug Mann
Mixed By – Jeff Alford
Mixed By [Mix Consultant] – Rick Brainer
Performer [Code Of Ethics Is] – Barry Blazs
Producer, Written-By – Barry Blazs, Gerald Josef
Remix – John Jaszcz

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – The ForeFront Communications Group, Inc.
Copyright © – The ForeFront Communications Group, Inc.
Distributed By – Starsong Communications
Recorded At – Bethesda Christian Cathedral Studio
Mixed At – Mangum Alford Studios
Remixed At – Studio A, Dearborn Heights, MI
Designed At – Sudden Images Studio
Glass Mastered At – Nimbus, Virginia
Copyright © – Starstruck Music

Ezra – The Key – 1991

There is very little info out there on Ezra. In fact there’s none I can find other than the liner notes and none of the members went on to do any other projects that I can find. The album is on Asaph Records which is the music ministry label of Calvary Chapel, based in Santa Ana. So I guess we can guess that they were a southern California band but that’s just a guess. Anyway the album is fantastic. While described by some as metal it’s not. It leans more towards Arena Rock and some of the tracks are Hard Rock. I’m really surprised there isn’t more info on these guys out there given the quality of this album. Was the album a little late in 1991? I don’t think so, there was still lots of Arena Rock at the time. Anyway give it a listen and if you only have time for one track go with Frontline.

Tracklist
1 – Key To Heaven – 4:12
2 – Frontline – 4:30
3 – Listen To Your Heart – 3:56
4 – Shadow Of The Son – 3:05
5 – Carry Me Home – 4:23
6 – The Return – 5:21
7 – Here For You – 4:15
8 – That’s Right – 2:48
9 – Take Me – 5:16

Credits
Arranged By, Producer – Ezra
Art Direction, Illustration, Layout – John Shaffer
Backing Vocals [Additional Backing Vocals] – Andy Allen
Bass, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals – Greg Lambas
Design [Cover Design And Concept By] – Greg Lambas
Drums – Jeff Chubb
Drums [Additional Drumming By] – Terry McNab
Executive-Producer – Brian Broderson
Guitar, Vocals – Howard Anderson
Lead Vocals, Keyboards – Thomas Potter
Mixed By [Assisted By] – Andy Allen
Photography By – Rick Gould
Producer, Mixed By – Chip Cimino
Recorded By, Mixed By – Alan DiCato

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – Frontline Distribution
Distributed By – Christian Marketing Canada

Ken Tamplin – Soul Survivor – 1991

You could never say that Ken Tamplin was lazy. Between Joshua, Magdallan, Shout, and his solo projects his fans were never left wanting for an album. This is his second (if you count Ken Tamplin & Friends) solo project though there were very few “friends” on this album as he played almost all of the instruments on all the track himself though he did have some help on a few tracks. For this album Ken turned it down a little bit from Ken Tamplin & Friends. This is a more straight up Rock & Roll album with very few hints of Metal. As I start listening to Ken’s 90’s stuff I get the feeling my favourite album by him is going to constantly evolve. But for now this is my favorite. So if you like straight up Rock & Roll, this album is a must listen.

Tracklist
1 – Media Mania – 4:17
2 – (I’m Gonna) Live Forever – 3:36
3 – Hard Times Comin’ – 3:37
4 – Stand Up – 4:29
5 – Midnight ‘N Peru – 3:15
6 – Take It Now (Or Nothing) – 3:09
7 – Love’s Eternal Road – 4:16
8 – Stay By My Side – 3:25
9 – Come And Save Me – 4:02
10 – Heart And Soul – 3:07

Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Ken Tamplin, Scott Van Zen
Art Direction – Ed McTaggart
Backing Vocals – Ken Tamplin, Vicki Lyn Reynolds
Bass – Ken Tamplin, Roger Mielke, Scott van Zen
Design – Joe Potter
Drums – Ken Tamplin
Harmonica – Jimmy Woods
Keyboards – Roger Mielke
Lead Guitar – Ken Tamplin, Scott Van Zen
Lead Vocals – Ken Tamplin
Mixed By – Ken Tamplin
Percussion – Ken Tamplin
Photography By – Nigel Skeet
Producer – Ken Tamplin
Rhythm Guitar – Ken Tamplin, Scott Van Zen
Saxophone – Jergen Swartz