2nd Chapter of Acts

The 2nd Chapter Of Acts – In The Volume Of The Book – 1975

This is the second studio album from The 2nd Chapter of acts who after this would simplify their name to just 2nd Chapter of Acts. Myrrh records was happy to have them back as their first album sold well. Phil Keaggy joins the best lineup of the band on guitar again and you can start to hear his skill level. Point of trivia about this album is that Michael Been (The Call) played Bass on some tracks. As for the album it’s a pretty easy listening album with strong 70’s vibes but if you want to hear Keaggy attack a Rock track listen to “Yahweh” which is not easy listening.

Tracklist
1 – Start Every Day With A Smile – 0:54
2 – Yahweh – 3:07
3 – Something Tells Me – 3:29
4 – The Grey Song – 1:56
5 – Now That I Belong To You – 4:04
6 – Ps. 63 – 1:51
7 – Prince Song – 2:51
8 – Morning Comes When You Call – 3:10
9 – Borrowed Time – 2:30
10 – Last Day Of My Life – 3:08
11 – Hey, Whatcha’ Say – 3:20
12 – Keep On Shinin’ – 3:13
13 – I Can’t Get Near You – 2:18

Credits
Michael Been – Bass
Jesse Cosio – Songwriter
Emery Gordy – Bass
Jay Graydon – Guitars
Nelly Greisen – Songwriter, Vocals
Annie Herring – Songwriter, Piano, Percussion, Vocals
Buck Herring – Producer, Engineer
David Hungate – Bass
Phil Keaggy – Guitars and Guitar Solos
David Kemper – Drums
Michael Omartian – Arranger, Piano, Organ, Aarpvark, Percussion
Larry Rolando – Guitars
Richard Souther – Songwriter
Danny Timms – Organ
Matthew Ward – Songwriter, Vocals

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Sunwest Recording Studios
Mastered At – Artisan Sound Recorders
Copyright © – Latter Rain Music
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Published By – Latter Rain Music

2nd Chapter Of Acts – Singer Sower – 1983

Unfortunately this 1983 album from 2nd Chapter Of Acts falls in the “this was another album” category. One of the problems with their style of music is that the albums all start to blend together after awhile. The interesting track on this album is the opening track “Room Noise”. Not the best song I ever heard but it is kind of a cool song. The first single was “Takin’ The Easy Way” which peaked at #2. “Spin Your Light” was the second single which only made it to #31. The album wasn’t a stand out but fulfilled a need by their fans for another album. One point of trivia for the album is that Kerry Livgren played some guitar and synth tracks for the album.

Tracklist
1 – Room Noise – 4:05
2 – Beware My Heart – 4:30
3 – Ocean Liner – 4:33
4 – Takin’ The Easy Way – 4:02
5 – No One Will Have A Secret – 4:00
6 – Spin Your Light – 3:26
7 – Open Up My Blind Eyes – 4:22
8 – I’m Wastin’ No More Time – 3:42
9 – Lift Me Up – 3:33

Credits
Arranged By [All Vocal Arrangements By] – 2nd Chapter Of Acts
Arranged By [Instrumental Arrangements By] – Michael Omartian (tracks: A1, B2, B5)
Bass – John Scudder, Leland Sklar
Drums, Electronic Drums [Simmons Drums] – Jack Kelly
Guitar – Dean Harrington, Matthew Ward
Piano – Anne Herring, Si Simonson
Piano, Synthesizer, Soloist [Synth Solo] – Michael Omartian
Producer – Buck Herring
Synthesizer, Guitar – Kerry Livgren

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Easter Song Studios

2nd Chapter Of Acts – Mansion Builder – 1978

This was the 3rd studio album from 2nd Chapter of Acts and it is generally regarded as the album that really broke the band onto the CCM scene. This was also their first album with Sparrow and I will say that I think the success of the album was partly due to that. At the time I believe Sparrow was much better at promoting albums than Myrrh. By this time the band had perfected their easy listening sound so he album is very well done. The title track made it to #2 on the CCM charts and “Rod And Staff” made it to #19. The musicians on this album are basically “A Band Called David” who were some of the best of this genre.

Tracklist
1 – Rod And Staff – 2:55
2 – Mansion Builder – 3:02
3 – Ps. 93 – 2:32
4 – Gold In The Clouds – 2:18
5 – I’ll Give My Life Away – 2:20
6 – Rainbow – 2:34
7 – Well, Haven’t You Heard – 3:50
8 – Lightning Flash – 2:45
9 – Starlight, Starbright – 2:00
10 – Make My Life A Prayer To You – 3:02
11 – Daydreamer – 3:26

Credits
Arranged By [String, Horn] – Michael Omartian
Bass – Abraham Laboriel (tracks: A4, A6, B1, B3), Herb Melton (tracks: A1 to A3, A5, B2, B4, B5)
Clavinet, Organ, Synthesizer [Mini-moog] – Richard Souther
Drums – Bill Maxwell (tracks: A4, A6, B1, B3), Gene Gunnels (tracks: A1 to A3, A5, B2, B4, B5)
Engineer – Buck Herring
Guitar – Jay Graydon (tracks: A4, A6, B1, B3), Peter York (tracks: A4, A6, B1, B3)
Percussion – Michael Omartian
Performer – “The Band Called David” (tracks: A1 to A3, A5, B2, B4, B5)
Photography – Johanna Van Zant Wyk
Piano – Anne Herring (tracks: A1, A2, A4, B2, B5), Michael Omartian (tracks: A4, A6, B1, B3), Richard Souther (tracks: A3, B4)
Producer – Buck Herring
Synthesizer [Aarpvart] – Michael Omartian
Written-By – Anne Herring (tracks: A1, A2, A4 to B3, B5)

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Buckskin Studio
Mixed At – Buckskin Studio

2nd Chapter of Acts – Far Away Places – 1987

This was the last album from 2nd Chapter of Acts that featured original material. The supporting tour for this album was also their last live performance. That performance was on August 12th of 1988. There were quite a few comments at the time of release that it was a final album only recorded to finish out a contract, i.e. mailed it in. I don’t think so, the album has a bit more upbeat than their previous albums and felt fairly progressive for them. I almost wonder if this more upbeat sound would have been a great direction for them which could have provided a but more life for the band. Matthew Wards solo career was well under way at this point and maybe he found it all just too overwhelming to be in both bands. Anyway give this one a listen if you like your easy listening with some keyboards.

Tracklist
1 – Humble Yourself – 3:57
2 – It’s No Masquerade – 3:30
3 – Sing Over Me – 4:05
4 – You Are All In All – 4:59
5 – A Tender Heart – 2:21
6 – I Reach Out – 3:43
7 – Fallin’ In On You – 4:25
8 – Maybe Some Other Day – 3:45
9 – Take It To All The World – 3:03
10 – Far Away Places – 3:44

Credits
Art Direction – Bradley Grose
Bass – Lee Jones (tracks: 1), Leon Gaer
Creative Director [Set Direction] – Buddy Owens
Design Concept [Cover Concept], Design – Bradley Grose, Buddy Owens
Drums – Jack Kelly (tracks: 5, 6), Michael Celenza (tracks: 1), Mike Baird
Engineer – Buck Herring, Greg Hunt
Guitar – Dann Huff (tracks: 4), Marty Walsh, Michael Thompson (tracks: 5, 6)
Keyboards, Arranged By [Instruments] – John Andrew Schreiner (tracks: 5, 6), Smitty Price
Percussion – Charles Barnett (tracks: 1, 3)
Photography By – Mark Engbrecht
Producer – Buck Herring

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Live Oak Records
Copyright (c) – Live Oak Records
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Made By – Discovery Systems – 1760100A
Recorded At – Easter Song Studios
Recorded At – Rosewood Studio

2nd Chapter of Acts – Hymns II – 1988

Hymns II was a follow up to Hymns. It featured the band doing an assortment of traditional Hymns. There is one original on the album, “Purify Me” was written by Annie. There’s nothing particularly interesting about this album other than this was their last studio album. Even though Hymns I & II Instrumental was released after this it was recorded as part of this studio session. The album was released in 1993 on CD with a Bonus Track, “O Worship The King”, which is included in this playlist. Not my style of music but even I have to respect what 2nd Chapter of Acts achieved in their time.

Tracklist
1 – Medley (Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus/Praise To The Lord, The Almighty/All Hail The Power Of Jesus’ Name/Doxology
2 – It Is Well With My Soul
3 – This Is My Father’s World
4 – O For A Thousand Tongues
5 – Morning Has Broken
6 – Be Still, My Soul
7 – A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
8 – Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
9 – O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
10 – Purify Me
11 – O Worship The King (CD Bonus Track)

Credits
Arranged By [Instrumental Arrangements] – John Andrew Schreiner
Arranged By [Vocal Arrangements] – 2nd Chapter Of Acts
Art Direction, Design, Illustration – Bradley Grose
Bass – Lee Jones
Cover [Cover Concept] – Buddy Owens
Drums – Dennis Holt
Engineer – Dan Willard, Greg Hunt
Guitar – Michael Thompson
Keyboards, Piano – John Schreiner
Mixed By – Buck Herring, Dan Willard, Greg Hunt
Photography By – Michael Going
Producer – Buck Herring
Producer [Vocal Production] – Dan Willard
Typography [Calligraphy] – Vern Fisher

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – Alliance Music
Phonographic Copyright (p) – The Sparrow Corporation
Copyright (c) – The Sparrow Corporation
Recorded At – Easter Song Studios

2nd Chapter of Acts – Hymns – 1986

In 1986 2nd Chapter of Acts did something a little different for CCM at the time. They released an album of hymns. The hymns were updated so we could enjoy the harmonies of the band. The album was well received and in fact well enough that a second album of hymns was released in 1988. The hymns were updated enough to include more modern instruments but not enough to change the basic structures of them. It sounds strange to say but this was actually a little daring to do in CCM music at the time but it all worked out and actually turned out to be a great idea.

Tracklist
1 – All Creatures Of Our God And King – 2:58
2 – My Jesus I Love Thee – 4:52
3 – Great Is Thy Faithfulness – 4:04
4 – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee – 2:40
5 – Crown Him With Many Crowns – 3:46
6 – Take My Life And Let It Be (Nottingham) – 1:45
7 – Holy, Holy, Holy – 5:33
8 – Fairest Lord Jesus – 3:47
9 – O The Deep, Deep Love Of Jesus – 4:08
10 – How Great Thou Art – 5:22
11 – He Has Formed Me – 1:39

Credits
Arranged By [Instrumental Arrangements] – John Andrew Schreiner
Arranged By [Vocal Arrangements] – 2nd Chapter Of Acts
Art Direction, Concept By [Cover Concept] – Buddy Owens
Artwork [Back Cover] – Marty Justice
Artwork [Calligraphy] – Michael Stevens
Bass – Lee Jones
Design – Bradley Grose
Drums – Dennis Holt
Engineer – Greg Hunt
Guitar – Will McFarland (tracks: B2)
Keyboards – Schreiner*
Mastered By – Bernie Grundman
Photography By [Altered Polaroid Photographs By] – Michael Going
Producer, Engineer – Buck Herring

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Live Oak Records
Copyright (c) – Live Oak Records
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Distributed By – Word, Inc.
Made By – Discovery Systems
Recorded At – Easter Song Studios
Mixed At – Easter Song Studios

2nd Chapter Of Acts & Michael & Stormie Omartian – Together Live – 1983

This concert was recorded at Church On The Way, Van Nuys, CA. This is certainly not a Rock & Roll concert and though all we have is audio I think we can rest assured there wasn’t a light show or pyrotechnics. But seriously this is a decidedly easy listening and praise oriented album. The one exception was the one Matthew Ward song which even I found to be a little on the Rock and Roll side for a church concert in 1983. Nowadays it wouldn’t be an issue but in 1983 I’m betting there were some odd looks at the opening guitar riffs. Good version of the song however. Anyway, if you’re a fan of either of the headliners your gonna love this album, the songs are very well done and there is good testimony on a lot of the tracks.

Tracklist
1 – Rejoice – 3:05
2 – I Fall In Love / Change – 4:20
3 – Lightning Flash – 2:52
4 – Bread Of Life – 2:14
5 – Come Holy Spirit – 2:45
6 – Easter Song – 3:15
7 – Here I Go – 2:30
8 – ‘Til The Walls Fall Down – 2:53
9 – Nobody Can Take My Life – 3:24
10 – Mainstream – 4:33
11 – See This House – 3:04
12 – Believing For The Best In You – 3:27
13 – Dr. Jesus – 3:28
14 – Praise His Name And See It Happen – 3:07
15 – Which Way The Wind Blows – 4:22
16 – Killing Thousands – 4:12
17 – Mansion Builder – 3:23
18 – Haven’t You Heard – 3:37

Credits
Backing Vocals – 2nd Chapter Of Acts (tracks: B4 to C4)
Bass – Herb Melton
Cover [Cover Coordination] – B. Charlyne Hinesley
Design – Stan Evenson Design
Drums – Jack Kelly
Engineer – Buck Herring
Guitar – Peter York
Photography By – Mark Hanauer
Piano – Michael Omartian (tracks: B4 to C4)
Piano, Vocals – Annie Herring (tracks: A1 to B3, D1 to D4)
Producer – Buck Herring
Synthesizer – Greg Springer
Vocals – Matthew Ward (tracks: A1 to B3, D1, D3, D4), Nelly Greisen (tracks: A1 to B3, D1, D3, D4)
Vocals, Written-By – Michael And Stormie Omartian (tracks: B4 to C4)
Written-By – Anne Herring (tracks: A1 to A3, A5 to B1, B3, D2 to D4)

Companies, etc.
Record Company – Sparrow Records, Inc.
Distributed By – Word Records
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Sparrow Records, Inc.
Published By – Birdwing Music
Published By – Cherry Lane Music Pub. Co.
Published By – Ears To Hear Music
Published By – Holicanthus Music
Published By – Latter Rain Music
Published By – MCA Music
Published By – See This House Music
Published By – Word Music
Recorded At – The Church On The Way
Edited At – Weddington Studios
Remixed At – Weddington Studios
Recorded live at Church On The Way, Van Nuys, CA.

Various – Jubilation! – 1975

This 1975 Myrrh Records sampler had some of the early 70’s best Jesus Music. Strangely, it had the exact same name (Including the exclamation mark) of an album released the same time from The Kingsmen. The album only had one unreleased track, Larry Norman – Dear Malcolm, Dear Alwyn. Larry did finally release the track in 1993 on the So Long Ago The Garden re-release as a bonus track.

Include below is the info on which album the songs were released on

Tracklist
1 – Barry McGuire – Enter In – 5:35 – Seeds
2 – Lamb – The Sacrifice Lamb – 5:09 – Lamb
3 – The Sonlight Orchestra – Easter Song – 2:45 – Love Songs And Other Greats
4 – Randy Matthews – Johnny – 3:30 – All I Am Is What You See…
5 – Petra – Back Sliding Blues – 4:31 – Petra
6 – Walt Mills – You Got The Power – 2:55 – Sincerely, Walt Mills
7 – Ron Salsbury And J.C. Power Outlet – I Choose To Follow You – 5:15 – Forgiven…
8 – Evie – Clean Before My Lord – 3:05 – Evie Again
9 – Parchment – Light Of The World – 4:00 – Light Up The Fire
10 – The Pat Terry Group – I Can’t Wait – 3:42 – The Pat Terry Group
11 – 2nd Chapter Of Acts – I Fall In Love/Change – 4:22 – With Footnotes
12 – Ray Hildebrand – Didn’t He – 5:08 – Special Kind Of Man
13 – Honeytree – Heaven’s Gonna Be A Blast – 2:22 – The Way I Feel
14 – Aleksander John – Days Go By – 3:15 – Days Go By
15 – Love Song – A Love Song – 1:46 – Love Song
16 – Larry Norman – Dear Malcolm, Dear Alwyn – 2:36 – Unreleased until 1993
17 – Malcolm & Alwyn – Tomorrow’s News – 3:30 – Fool’s Wisdom
18 – Ken Medema – Come Let Us Reason Together – 3:35 – Fork In The Road
19 – Chuck Girard & Love Song – Think About What Jesus Said – 4:54 – Final Touch
20 – Marijohn – Where I’m Going – 3:58 – Where I’m Going

This album from 2nd Chapter Of Acts is actually a compilation of songs from their albums In The Volume Of The Book, and With Footnotes.

These two albums were released in 1974 and 1975 respectively. I really have no idea why this album was released instead of re-releasing the original 2 albums. But then again record company decisions have always baffled me.

2nd Chapters of Acts were/are the quintessential Jesus Music band. The inclusion of Phil Keaggy and Michael Omartian makes this a superior album in the Jesus Music genre.

Track Listing:
1 – Which Way The Wind Blows – 4:58
2 – Easter Song – 2:20
3 – Last Day Of My Life – 3:08
4 – Psalm 63 – 1:51
5 – Prince Song – 3:27
6 – Hey Whatcha’ Say – 3:20
7 – Yaweh – 3:07
8 – Morning Comes When You Call – 3:10
9 – Love Peace Joy – 2:38
10 – He Loves Me – 5:07
11 – The Son Comes Over The Hill – 3:23

Credits:
Arranged By – Michael Omartian
Bass – David Hungate, Emery Gordy, Michael Been. Joe Osborn
Drums – David Kemper, Jim Gordon, John Guerin, Michael Omartian
Engineer – Buck Herring
Guitar – Jay Graydon, Larry Rolando, Phil Keaggy, Al McKay, Art Munson, Mike Deasy
Guitar, Soloist – Phil Keaggy
Organ – Danny Timms, Michael Omartian
Percussion – Anne Herring*, Michael Omartian
Photography – Joel Strasser
Piano – Anne Herring*, Michael Omartian, Danny Timms, Tom Keene
Producer – Buck Herring
Strings, Arranged By – Michael Omartian
Synthesizer [Aarpvark] – Michael Omartian
Written-By – Anne Herring, Buck Herring, Matthew Ward, Richard Souther, Jesse Cosio, Nelly Ward, Ed Overstreet