Geoff Moore & The Distance – Evolution – 1993

Geoff and the band had songwriting down to an art by the time they released this their 5th studio album. This is a great Pop Rock album and they really did nail this sound. The only downside to the album is that it’s a little ballad heavy but that’s what made it a very successful album. Six out of the ten tracks singled on the CCM charts with “Live To Tell”, “If You Could See What I See”, and “Heart To God, Hand To Man” making it into the top 10. The album was also nominated for the Best Rock Gospel Album Grammy but lost out to dc Talk, Free at Last which was a far poorer album but whatever. I think the album is best remembered for it’s opening evolution themed track which is a great little pop tune that actually made it to #20 on the CCM charts.

Tracklist
1 – Evolution…Redefined – 4:27
2 – I Can See Clearly Now – 3:52
3 – Life Together – 4:25
4 – Live To Tell – 4:34
5 – If You Could See What I See – 4:18
6 – Godgottaholdonme – 4:24
7 – That’s When I’ll Know I’m Home – 4:24
8 – Heart To God, Hand To Man – 5:22
9 – Why Should The Devil (Have All The Good Music) – 4:26
10 – When All Is Said And Done – 2:56

Credits
Backing Vocals – Chris Hogue, Joe Hogue, Lisa Glasgow, Mark Heimermann, Micah Wilshire, Michael Black, Pam Mark Hall, Raymond Weaver
Bass – Gary Mullett
Choir – Barry Blaze, Becky Naish, Cindy Morgan, Danny O’Lannerghty, Geof Barkley, Kim Chandler, Pam Mark Hall, Rebecca Smallbone, Renay Presley, Scot Kifer
Coordinator [Producer’s Assistant] – Chris Hogue, Paul Salveson
Coordinator [Production] – Bridgett Evans O’Lannerghty
Design [Art Design] – Anderson Thomas Design, Inc.
Drums, Programmed By – Greg Herrington
Engineer – Paul Salveson
Engineer [Additional] – Greg Parker, Keith Compton
Engineer [Second] – Dave Dillbeck, Greg Parker, Patrick Kelly, Todd Robbins
Executive-Producer – Dan R. Brock, Eddie DeGarmo
Guitar – Roscoe Meek
Keyboards, Vocals – Geof Barkley
Lead Vocals – Geoff Moore
Mastered By – Glenn Meadows
Mixed By – John Jaszcz
Musician – Dan Huff, George Cocchini, Jackie Street, Jerry McPherson, Jimmy A., Joe Hogue, Micah Wilshire, Phil Naish
Photography By – Russ Harrington
Producer – Joe Hogue, Phil Naish
Recorded By, Mixed By – Ronnie Brookshire
Voice [Teacher] – Mark Lowry

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – The ForeFront Communications Group, Inc.
Copyright © – The ForeFront Communications Group, Inc.
Distributed By – Star Song Communications
Distributed By – Christian Marketing International
Produced For – Naishing Teeth Productions
Published By – Starstruck Music
Published By – Little Dude Music
Published By – Dovan Music
Published By – Careers-BMG Music Publishing
Published By – Sparrow Song
Published By – Peach Hill Songs
Published By – Pam Mark Hall
Published By – Glenwood Music Corp.
Published By – Strawbed Music
Published By – Birdwing Music
Published By – BMG Songs, Inc.
Recorded At – Studio At Mole End
Recorded At – The Bennett House
Recorded At – Quad Studios
Recorded At – Sound Revolutions
Recorded At – Recording Arts
Mixed At – Studio At Mole End
Mixed At – 16th Avenue Sound
Mastered At – Masterfonics
Glass Mastered At – Nimbus

Code Of Ethics – Code Of Ethics – 1993

This was the second studio album from Code of Ethics. For this album the lineup was Barry Blaze, Rick Brainer, Scot Kifer. Strangely Barry takes credit for every instrument on the album. I get the vibe he was difficult to work with but I don’t know that for sure. Anyway this is a very techno pop oriented album and is more in the style of an 80’s New Order. I actually really like this album but I absolutely love 80’s New Wave. Of course the problem is that they put this album out in 1993. But apparently it did very very well on Christian Radio even reportedly having a #1 hit with “Something Real” which has a bit of a Depeche Mode feel to me. It also probably helped that Ed DeGarmo was one of the Executive Producers. Anyway there is some real talent here and they were quite successful so my criticisms should probable be ignored.

Tracklist
1 – Eden – 0:23
2 – Freedom – 4:20
3 – True Love – 4:38
4 – Something Real – 4:30
5 – Without Reason – 3:36
6 – World Machine – 3:37
7 – Waiting – 4:19
8 – Satellite Babies – 4:35
9 – Follow On – 4:24
10 – Pain – 4:07
11 – Chasing The Dragon – 4:23
12 – Sands Of Time – 5:48

Credits
Artwork – The Riordon Design Group Inc.
Booking – Vision Artist
Engineer [Assistant] – Darrin Smith, David Hall
Executive-Producer – Dan R. Brock, Eddie DeGarmo
Management, Booking – Artist Aid Management
Mastered By – Ken Love
Mixed By [Mix Engineer] – John Hiler, John Jaszcz
Performer [Code Of Ethics] – Barry Blaze, Rick Brainer, Scot Kifer
Photography By – Norma Jean Roy
Producer – Barry Blaze
Recorded By [Recording Engineer] – Ed Simmonton, Eugene Baker, Jeff Alford, Max Hsu, Steve Bisher
Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Drum Programming, Programmed By [Synth Programming], Percussion [Live] – Barry Blaze

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – The ForeFront Communications Group, Inc.
Copyright © – The ForeFront Communications Group, Inc.
Distributed By – Star Song Communications
Distributed By – Christian Marketing International
Published By – Starstruck Music
Published By – Up In The Mix Music
Recorded At – 16th Avenue Sound
Recorded At – Horizon Studios, Jacksonville, FL
Recorded At – The Sonic Temple
Recorded At – M.A.R.S., Jacksonville, FL
Recorded At – Quad Studios
Mixed At – Ardent Studios
Mixed At – 16th Avenue Sound
Mastered At – Mastermix
Glass Mastered at – Nimbus

Andy Piercy & David Clifton – Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow – 1993

In 1993 Andy got together with David Clifton and recorded a “worship album” and it is without a doubt my favourite worship album of all time. Now you may be wondering who David Clifton is as did I but I can bet you’ve probably heard him. He is a prolific studio guitarist who has appeared on a ton of album and done a ton of tours. He actually started out his recording career in a band called Sensible Jerseys who had a couple of really good singles you’ve probably never heard but you should. As for this album the songs are all very worship oriented BUT the arrangements are not. The arrangements are very contemporary and it really works. Now you know I love Andy’s music and this album may have my favourite track by him. “Precious In Your Eyes” has a fantastic sound and I can sense a touch of Elvis Costello but let’s give Andy and David all the credit. It is a fantastic track. This album was first released on Cassette in 1993 with a CD release in 1994. It has been re-released a few times since with a few tracks added here and there but this is the original.

Tracklist
1 – Praise God – 4:09
2 – God Is Our Refuge – 3:58
3 – Oh How I Love Your Law – 3:58
4 – Come Let Us Sing – 3:01
5 – I Need A New Heart – 2:04
6 – Thank You – 2:25
7 – Father In Heaven – 3:25
8 – Holy Holy – 4:34
9 – Precious In Your Eyes – 5:01
10 – Name High Over All – 3:00

Credits
Andy Piercy: vocals, acoustic guitar, percussion
David Clifton: vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin and mandola
Dudley Phillips: bass guitar
Terl Bryant: drums and percussion
Martin Neal: drums and percussion
Steve Creese: drums
Pete Sainsbury: keyboards
Holly Coward, Jess Rudolf, Ellen Holly & Laura Piercy, Benj, Barny, Kirsty & Josh Lee: backing vocals
Produced by Andy Piercy & David Clifton

REZ – Reach Of Love – 1993

I’ll be honest that I had long lost interest in CCM by 1993 so I had never heard this album before processing it for upload to YouTube. I read some reviews and most of them sort of had a ho hum attitude towards the album. I on the other hand quite enjoyed the album. I hear a few tracks that have some of that old early 80’s feel but yes most of them were highly mixed tracks that they were doing in this era. Strangely the entire album music wise was apparently written by Bass player Roy Montroy. That definitely gives the album a different feel but there’s nothing wrong with this album. On their next album their would be quite a turn but this album is a solid piece of work.

Tracklist
1 – Heart’s Desire – 3:50
2 – If Your Love Grows Cold – 3:22
3 – Numbers – 2:31
4 – Sunrise – 4:02
5 – Dead To The World – 4:23
6 – Reach Of Love – 6:04
7 – Land Of Stolen Breath – 4:07
8 – Mannequin’s Dream – 1:30
9 – Empty Hearts – 3:17
10 – Thought I’d Never Love Again – 4:09
11 – White Lies – 3:58
12 – On My Dyin’ Bed – 4:55
13 – Heart’s Desire (Reprise) – 1:03

Credits
Bass, Keyboards – Roy Montroy
Drums – John Herrin
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Stu Heiss
Engineer – Ed Bialach, Roy Montroy
Engineer, Mixed By – Roger Heiss
Mastered By – Steve hall
Producer – REZ
Producer, Mixed By – Tom Cameron
Vocals, Backing Vocals – Wendi Kaiser
Vocals, Backing Vocals, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Slide Guitar, Harmonica – Glenn Kaiser

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Tone Zone Recording
Mixed At – Tone Zone Recording
Mastered At – Future Disc

Shack of Peasants – Gospel Blues Volume 2 – 1993

This is the follow up to Classic Blues Volume 1. Strangely it had a different name in that it was called “Gospel Blues Volume 2” vs “Classic Blues Volume 1”. I am guessing that these songs are more Gospel oriented. The album features the vocals of Crystal Lewis, Darrell Mansfield, Philip Bardowell, and Lanny Cordola. The highlight of the album is a version of “John The Revelator” by Crystal Lewis and Darrell Mansfield. This is a must listen if you are a blues fan and it may be one of the best CCM blues albums ever released.

Tracklist
1 – Don’t Wanna Go Down There – 2:17
2 – Samson and Delilah – 2:29
3 – Swing Low, Sweet Chariot / Swing Down, Chariot – 3:30
4 – Ring Them Bells – 3:11
5 – I’m Going To That City – 3:47
6 – A Shack In Negev – 2:14
7 – Hymns Of The Meek – 3:34
8 – John The Revelator – 2:29
9 – One More River To Cross – 2:30
10 – There’ll Be No Grumbler There – 2:12
11 – Won’t Be Long ‘Til Paradise – 4:14

Credits
Philip Bardowell – Vocals
Michael Sean Black – Executive Producer
Lanny Cordola – Producer, Arranger, Songwriter, Guitars, Bass, Dobro, Banjo, Mandolin, Jaw Harp, Vocals
Chris Farmer – Vocals
Gary Thomas Griffin – Producer, Engineer, Songwriter, Bass Harmonica, Melodica, Accordion, Hi Hat, Tambourine, Vocals
D.D. Howard – Vocals
Carol Huston – Vocals
Taso Kotsos – Tambourine, Snare Drum, Shakers
Crystal Lewis – Vocals
Chris Lizotte – Vocals
Darrell Mansfield – Harmonica, Vocals
Fletcher Quigley – Vocals
Brian Ray – Executive Producer

Generation – Brutal Reality – 1993

This is another project from Caesar Kalinowski & Mark Robertson of The Stand. I really enjoyed The Stand albums but this one not so much. I guess this would be best described as industrial thrash. I do like the Indus trail sound but not the thrash element. That said this album was well received and well timed. Most music was going the way of grunge and most metal heads did not like that transition. So a thrash album in 1993 was well timed and a good business decision. I have read some other reviews of this album and most reviewers agree that it is an excellent album and they love the addition of the industrial sound into the thrash sound. Personally it’s not my cup of tea but I admit that it’s probably a pretty good album.

Tracklist
1 – Alive – 4:10
2 – Retro-Vision – 0:53
3 – Believe In Miracles – 3:38
4 – I Live In Flesh – 5:01
5 – Revolutionism – 3:34
6 – Nothing To Give – 4:06
7 – RM. 101 – 0:38
8 – Still You Died – 3:57
9 – Chemikill – 4:38
10 – Hunger – 4:52
11 – Psalm 69 – 4:23

Credits
Artwork, Design – Nucleus
Bass, Vocals, Keyboards, Programmed By, Producer [Additional] – Mark Robertson
Edited By – Ian Eskelin
Engineer [2nd] – Max Hsu
Executive-Producer – Caesar Kalinowski, Peter Gavin Morkel
Guitar, Vocals, Keyboards, Programmed By, Producer, Engineer – Caesar Kalinowski
Lead Guitar – Bruce Franklin
Mastered By – Tom Baker
Vocals, Guitar – Randy Kerkman

Companies, etc.
Mastered At – Future Disc
Recorded At – The Sonic Temple
Mixed At – The Sonic Temple

Shack of Peasants – Classic Blues Volume 1 – 1993

I’m not really sure of where this album came from but wow what an album. It was released on Crystal Lewis’s new label shortly after the label was formed. I’m just guessing here but maybe a few artists came together to help out the new label. Anyway what a great album to have n your new label. The album features the vocals of Crystal Lewis, Darrell Mansfield, Philip Bardowell, and Lanny Cordola. That’s some pretty good vocalists. The album is a mix of old and new blues songs. How can you not be excited about Darrell and Crystal singing a track together. Also there is a volume 2 so we get even more.

Tracklist
1 – Gwine Dig A Hole To Put The Devil In – Featuring – Lanny Cordola – 2:26
2 – Gonna Sit On The Banks Of The River – Featuring – Philip Bardowell – 2:59
3 – I Shall Not Be Moved – Featuring – Darrell Mansfield, Philip Bardowell – 2:31
4 – Stand By Me – Featuring – Crystal Lewis – 2:41
5 – Death Has No Mercy Seat – Featuring – Darrell Mansfield – 3:33
6 – Tears Of Faith – 3:36
7 – Nobody’s Fault But Mine – Featuring – Darrell Mansfield – 2:18
8 – Down On Me – 2:26
9 – Cincinnati Flow Rag – Featuring – Lanny Cordola – 2:29
10 – Denomination Blues – Featuring – Lanny Cordola, Philip Bardowell – 2:29
11 – Glory Glory Hallelujah – Featuring – Crystal Lewis – 3:04
12 – Tribute – Featuring – Crystal Lewis, Darrell Mansfield, Philip Bardowell – 4:16

Credits
Philip Bardowell – Vocals
Lanny Cordola – Producer, Arranger, Songwriter, Guitars, Bass, Dobro, Banjo, Mandolin, Tambourine, Vocals
Rev. Gary Davis – Songwriter
Gary Thomas Griffin – Producer, Engineer, Bass Harmonica, Accordion, Vocals
Taso Kotsos – Tambourine, Snare Drum, Shaker, Woodblock, Finger Cymbals, Shaker, Triangle
Huddie Ledbetter – Songwriter
Crystal Lewis – Vocals
Darrell Mansfield – Harmonica, Vocals
Paul McIntire – Fiddle
Allegra Parks – Vocals
Fletcher Quigley – Vocals
Sandra Stevens – Vocals
Chuck Wright – Bass

Chase – In Pursuit – 1993

This was the one and only album from Chase from Upstate New York. It was released on Salt Incorporated Music,which was a sublabel of Rick Cua’s UCA Records Ltd. The album is best described as an AOR album with some Arena Rock tracks. It was very well produced thanks to Bill Baumgart who was one of the best producers in the CCM genre. The only real connection to the 80’s for this album is the sound. I know the album is a one off but these guys were great. I would love to hear more but this is all we get and none of the band members appear to have done any other projects. I guess my only concern with the album is that this sound might have been a little late for 1993 but I don’t care. Only have time for one track? Give “Don’t Shut Me Out” a listen.

Tracklist
1 – Keeping My Mind – 4:48
2 – Spectrum Of Emotion – 4:11
3 – I Am Living You – 4:23
4 – Love Is The Reason – 5:14
5 – Don’t Shut Me Out – 4:22
6 – Have You Got Some Time – 4:33
7 – Get It Right – 4:46
8 – In Your Arms – 4:19
9 – ‘Til The End Of Time – 4:25
10 – You Will Be The One – 4:20

Credits
Art Direction – Mark Combs
Bass – Ron Chase
Co-producer, Engineer – David Johnsen
Drums – Jay Corey
Lead Guitar, Vocals – Virgil Burdick
Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar – Scott Lowmaster
Mastered By – Hoyt Dooley
Photography By – Scott Miller Photography
Producer – Bill Baugmart

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Salt Incorporated Music, Inc.
Copyright © – Salt Incorporated Music, Inc.
Distributed By – Nelson Word Ltd.
Made By – Nimbus
Recorded At – Masterview SoundCrafts
Recorded At – Highpass Productions
Recorded At – Cloudburst Productions
Mixed At – Cloudburst Productions
Mastered At – Disc Mastering

Guardian – Miracle Mile – 1993

This is Guardian’s 3rd studio album and apparently most of their fans think this is their best album. Personally I don’t listen to them enough to make that judgment but I can say that this is indeed a very good album. It has a 90 Rock sound that isn’t ugly grungy but instead a Rock sound that hearken
back to the 80’s but is solidly in the 90’s. The band had settled into the lineup they would best become known for and the guys had it all together for this trip to the Elefante studios in Los Alamitos California. The Elefante brothers also produced the album and it’s probably some of their best work. Interestingly Tom Howard came into the studio to arrange the strings and contributed some strings. Seems kind of strange to see Tom involved with an album like this but great musicians go wherever they are needed.

Tracklist
1 – Dr. Jones & The Kings Of Rhythm – 5:13
2 – Shoeshine Johnny – 4:16
3 – Long Way Home – 4:31
4 – I Found Love – 5:24
5 – Sweet Mystery – 3:58
6 – Let It Roll – 4:11
7 – Mr. Do Wrong – 5:05
8 – Curiosity Killed The Cat – 4:28
9 – Sister Wisdom – 4:12
10 – The Captain – 4:19
11 – You & I – 4:06
12 – Do You Know What Love Is – 7:27
13 – Untitled – 2:07

Credits
Arranged By, Directed By [Strings] – Tom Howard
Art Direction, Design – David Bach
Artwork By [Art Production] – Joe Potter
Drums, Vocals – Karl Ney
Guitar, Vocals – Tony Palacios
Lead Vocals – Jamie Rowe
Bass, Vocals – David Bach
Engineer – Dino Elefante, Doug Beiden, J.R. McNeely, John Elefante
Management – The Whitmore Company
Mastered By – Chris Bellman
Mixed By – Dino Elefante
Mixed By [Assisted] – Doug Beiden
Mixed By [Extra Special Thanks To The Master Of Sonic Illusion…] – Gil Griffith
Accordion – Glen Hirami
Backing Vocals – Brandon Starr, Jameeca LaFleur, JoJo Beiden, Olivia McClurkin
Bass – J.R. McNeely
Drums – Jamie Wollam
Horns – The Fabulous Martin Brothers
Percussion – Ian Sabreti
Piano, Organ – John Elefante
Strings – The Orange County Wire Choir
Photography By – Neil Zlozower
Producer – Dino Elefante, John Elefante

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Pakaderm Records
Copyright © – Pakaderm Records
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word Communications Ltd.
Distributed By – Word (UK) Ltd.
Produced At – Pakaderm Studios
Recorded At – Pakaderm Studios
Mastered At – Bernie Grundman Mastering
Published By – Dayspring Music
Published By – Straggletoons Music

The Choir – Kissers And Killers – 1993

Once the Circle Slide tour was complete there were some pretty serious changes for The Choir. First and foremost the band either finished their contract with Myrrh or it expired. I’ve read the story both ways. The band also split up with Steve Hindalong going on to the production side of the industry. Dan Michaels produced a solo project and Derri Daugherty went on to form Lost Dogs. The band came back together in 1992 to record this album at Daugherty’s brand new Neverland Studio in Cerritos, California. The band released it as an independent release and apparently only 6300 copies were made between CD and Cassette. The album has a 90’s Rock sound and was well received by critics but I have heard it wasn’t as well received by fans. I think it would have been better received if fans had been able to buy it a little easier but that’s just one man’s opinion.

Tracklist
1 – Gripped – 4:25
2 – Amazing – 3:49
3 – Kissers And Killers3:00
4 – Weather Girl – 6:00
5 – Yellow Skies – 3:54
6 – Grace – 3:13
7 – Let The Sky Fall – 3:32
8 – Love Your Mind – 5:12

Credits
Art Direction, Photography By – Leiza Schmidt
Bass Guitar – Tim Chandler
Drums, Percussion, Vocals – Steve Hindalong
Guitar, Lead Vocals – Derri Daugherty
Layout [Art Layout], Design [Assistance] – Gene Ray George
Mixed By – Jr. McNeely
Producer – Derri Daugherty, Steve Hindalong
Recorded By, Mixed By – David Hackbarth, Derri Daugherty
Saxophone, Lyricon – Dan Michaels

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Neverland Studios
Mixed At – Neverland Studios
Mixed At – Pakaderm Studios
Mastered At – Digital Brothers
Published By – Never Say Never Songs
Glass Mastered At – Nimbus, Virginia