This is Al Denton’s second album and was self released on his own label same as he did for his first. This album however is as good as anything else available at the time. What I mean is that this album is one of the best self released albums I have ever heard. The material is fantastic, the studio work is excellent, and the production is top notch. The album was produced by Paul Mills and Kemper Crabb and you can hear their talents. I have no idea who was in the studio other than Jerry McPherson but this was a great team of musicians. The albums leans more to light rock but I will say that “This Ice” is headed into my regular rotation.
Tracklist 1 – Nothing Can Separate Us 2 – Thin Ice 3 – As You Are 4 – The Battle Is On 5 – Two Wrongs Tonight 6 – Do The Same 7 – We Can Make A Difference 8 – Cut To The Heart 9 – Burning Bridges 10 – In His Sanctuary
This is Al’s third or fourth album. The history is a little unclear as his previous albums were all self released so there aren’t well known. This album however is what most people think of as his first album as it was the first one on a label and with proper distribution. Al was one of those people that played music his whole life wit his first public performance at age 5 where he played “Bridge Over Troubled Water” on piano. At age of 18 Al played piano for Bob Hope’s USO tour as well as Kenny Rogers. That’s some pretty good history right there. In 1981 he released a 7″ single with 2 tracks that I am completely unable to find but it appeared to be secular judging from the song titles. He provided music at Southern Baptist Youth Conventions conferences and obviously became a hit with the youth movement and in this time as I said he release 2 or 3 albums. He then signed with Benson records which brings us to this album. I would say it’s a softrock album but there’s a couple tracks that pop his sound pretty good. The album had 3 CCM charting singles with “Peace Be Still” doing the best at #12 but it was his next album that really took off. I’m looking forward to hearing that one next.
Tracklist 1 – Reckless Heart – 3:15 2 – Love Is Taking Hold – 4:57 3 – Heaven Knows My Name – 3:34 4 – Right Where You Are – 5:08 5 – On The Upbeat – 3:45 6 – Strong Love – 3:29 7 – It Takes The Strong To Surrender – 4:08 8 – Warm Place In A Cold World – 4:29 9 – Faces And Names – 3:56 10 – Peace Be Still – 4:03
Credits Backing Vocals – Chris Harris, Don Nalle, Ed Nalle, Gary Janney, Guy Penrod, Mark Heimermann, Mike Eldred, Michele Wagner, Rob Neal Bass – Jackie Street, Lee Jones Design – Joel Anderson Drums, Percussion – Mark Hammond Engineer – David Murphy, John Yandell, Keith Compton, Ronnie Brookshire Guitar – Mark Baldwin, Tim Norris Keyboards – Phil Naish Producer, Executive-Producer – Dan Cleary Trumpet, Soloist – George Tidwell
