Released just as the rage of male duo pop acts was waning, Limpic and Rayburn’s sophomore and final release as a duo hit the CCM marketplace. Bridging the gap of Jesus Music and CCM, Gerry Limpic and Mark Rayburn, created a record that both pointed back to the simplistic sounds and messages of acoustic Jesus Music while also pointed forward toward Gerry Limpic’s future solo work. Immediately recognizable as a late 70’s folk/pop duo replete with wide collars and leisure suits, the duo would fit in quite nicely with Loggins & Messina and England Dan & John Ford Coley. The music contained in this now classic is immediately likable and recognizable. Christian radio was very favorable to “Good News,” “Crossfire” and the popular wedding song, “Time for Joy.” The latter would become a very good seller in the fledgling accompaniment track industry and a top seller for sheet music. Limpic was the primary songwriter and would soon leave to pursue a solo career. Gerry got his start in music as a member of the band, The Random Sample, along with his brother Ted. The Random Sample recorded on Tempo Records, the contemporary arm of Impact Records in the early to mid 70’s. Side two is a bit more progressive musically with “Coming Soon” and the album’s closer, “How Long.” The standout, though, is the passion play song, “Mary’s Song (He is Alive).” A slow building story song, the first chorus is a powerful admission that many of us would be equally guilty of joining the crowd calling for Christ’s crucifixion. The final chorus is equally powerful, but the words are changed to declare the resurrection. A great song that should have been an Easter classic, but I honestly never recall anyone performing it. For fans of 70’s acoustic rock with the California country vibe (Poco, Eagles) mixed with radio friendly ballads, this one has the markings of a regular listen.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist
1 – Crossfire – 3:40
2 – Mr. Good News – 3:21
3 – Domino – 4:19
4 – Time For Joy – 2:50
5 – Guide My Steps – 2:44
6 – Mary’s Song (He Is Alive) – 5:17
7 – Coming Soon – 3:48
8 – Love Songs (To the Father) – 3:41
9 – How Long – 5:35
Credits
Bass – Dave Pollard
Design, Illustration – Craig McNair Wilson
Drums – Semaja
Photography By – John Jordan
Piano – Jim Crow
Producer, Guitar, Vocals, Backing Vocals – Gerry Limpic, Mark Rayburn
Producer, Orchestrated By, Engineer, Mixed By, Mastered By – Ron Compton
Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Produced For – Home Free Productions
Recorded At – Fanfare Studios, El Cajon, California
