Tag: Jan Groth

This was Jan’s second album and his first released outside of Norway. He was picked up in North America by tiny label Pilgrim America and in the U.K. by Marshalls. It was recorded in Nashville and they used the Joe English band, including Joe English, for the backing band. Someone important must have helped put this together as Jan was a relatively unknown at this point. Sometimes I would just love to hear how projects like this came together. The album has an early 80’s Pop feel and is a little heavy on Easy Listening tracks. Considering what Jan would do in the future it’s a pretty mellow album. But at this point in his career I suspect the record labels were pretty well dictating what he would do. Anyway it’s a good album and deserves a listen.

Tracklist
1 – So Glad – 2:57
2 – The King Has Come – 3:16
3 – Circle Of Love – 3:37
4 – Wait For Me – 3:19
5 – Take Me – 3:36
6 – Peace Like A River – 4:25
7 – Count On Me – 3:34
8 – Shine Your Light – 4:35
9 – I’m All Alone – 3:39
10 – He Really Loves You – 3:11

Credits
Backing Vocals – Carolyn Brandt, Donna Gillie, Mo James, Pam Wolfe, Scott Roley, Suzy Mac, Tom Douglas
Bass – Tim Smith
Drums, Backing Vocals – Joe English
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Paul Brannon
Executive Producer – Ray Nenow
Guitar, Slide Guitar – George Cocchini
Horns – Harvey Thompson, Jay Coble, Mike Haynes, Ronnie Eades
Keyboards – John Lawry
Percussion – Mike Feller
Producer – Joe English, Ray Nenow
Vocals, Backing Vocals – Jan Groth

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Pilgrim Records (2)
Copyright © – Jan Groth Music
Published By – Jan Groth Music
Recorded At – Master’s Touch

Roots is Jan’s 3rd solo album and was released in the U.S. by Refuge Records. Jan was far better known in Scandinavia than in North America but he deserved to be better known in North America. This album is a straight up Rock & Roll album and Hard Rock albums were what I was listening to at the time. Unfortunately I grew up in Canada where we struggled to hear the complete catalogue of U.S. artists never mind foreign acts. Anyway, I this this is Jan’s best album and I wish so much I had heard it back in the 80’s. At least I have the opportunity to enjoy it now.

Tracklist
1 – I Can’t Fly – 3:11
2 – How Do You Know – 3:21
3 – That’s Why I Long For Tomorrow – 3:49
4 – So Good To Be Me – 3:32
5 – And The Show Goes On – 4:37
6 – Lie Is Not Truth – 4:02
7 – Looking For You – 3:10
8 – For Real – 4:11
9 – Lighthouse – 3:40
10 – I’m Going Home – 3:27

Credits
Bass – Dave Markee , Rick Cua
Drums – David Dix, Henry Spinetti
Executive-Producer – John Pac
Guitar – Freddie Salem, Norman Barratt
Photography By – Jan Pethrus
Producer – Jan Groth, Ray Nenow
Written-By – Jan Groth

Companies, etc.
Distributed By – The Benson Company, Inc.

Jan Groth was an artist out of Norway. In the early 70’s he was in a very successful secular band called Aunt Mary. In 1980 he released this his first Christian album. I do not believe this album was released outside of Norway so you may not have heard this one. It has a great late 70’s early 80’s rock feel to it. Don’t worry, no hint of disco and it also does not sound like the usual 70’s Jesus music. Unfortunately Jan passed away in 2014 but we have lots more of his music to hear. He released 4 more albums in the 80’s and many more over the later years.

Tracklist
1 – Peace Like A River – 4:04
2 – Count On Me – 4:18
3 – Mighty Good Friend – 3:38
4 – Let Me Feel Your Lovely Presence – 4:15
5 – Good To Know – 3:09
6 – Hear It Once Again – 4:05
7 – Friend Of Friends – 4:26
8 – Turn Around – 3:10
9 – In The Shelter Of Your Love – 4:22
10 – Thanks To Your Love – 3:04

Credits
Arranged By, Conductor, Bass, Backing Vocals – Svein Gundersen
Backing Vocals – Aleksandra N. Sandøy
Drums, Percussion – Bruce Rasmussen
Electric Guitar – Bjørn Christiansen
Engineer – Alf Emil Eik, Andy Kidd
Keyboards – Geir Langslet
Music By, Lyrics By, Arranged By, Backing Vocals – Jan Groth