Tag: Say-So

Jim and Kim Thomas – Run For The Reason – 1984

This album was a hint of what was to come from Jim & Kim Thomas who would go on to be a band named Say So. I don’t know if this release was a demo or a straight up EP. It was self released and produced by Jim but only one name on the credit list went on to be in Say So, Chris McHugh on Drums. The album definitely has a Say So feel and sound but it’s a little more raw and I love the sound. If you liked Say So give this a listen to see where the idea came from.

Artwork and credits courtesy of Christian tape underground

Tracklist
1 – Run for the Reason
2 – Break Through
3 – Somehow
4 – Made A Change
5 – Straight From The Heart
6 – Christmas This Year

Credits
Jim Thomas – Lead vocals, background vocals
Kim Thomas – Lead vocals, background vocals
John Harrelson – Guitars
Curtis Dowd, Jr. – Synthesizers, piano, Rhodes
Randy Cantor – Synthesizers
Glenn Barratt – Rhodes, percussion, background vocals
Jack Faulkner – Bass
Jim Salamone – Drums, Linn drum
Chris McHugh – Drums

Companies, etc.
Published By – JKT Music Publication

Say-So – Say-So (Demo) – 1986

This is yet another demo from Jim and Kim Thomas who were calling themselves Say-So at this point. As near as I can tell this is their second demo/album. The first one was using their real names so I think this is the first one with the Say-So name. That said I am not sure of this. Almost everything I know about these guys is from the crew over at Christian Tape Underground and even they aren’t too sure of all the demos/albums and if they don’t know for sure no one knows for sure. Be sure to check their website as they seem to know the most about these albums. https://christiantapeunderground.wordpress.com/tag/say-so/ As for the demo it is yet another very well engineered and produced demo. I can’t find any info on who engineered and produced it but it very professional as all their work really is. I actually can’t even find a list of who helped them in the studio for this one. Anyway this demo has a little less synth than some of their subsequent work but the vocals are very strong and I love all four tracks. No B sides here.

Tracklist
1 – Fire Song – 3:30
2 – Strengthening My Grip – 3:24
3 – Celebration Waiting – 3:44
4 – Say-So – 4:33

Say-So – You Lift Me Up – 1988

This is a 1988 demo release from Say-So and in my opinion they nailed this one. I simply can’t believe how good this album is and that it didn’t pick up a distribution deal. It has excellent production and engineering and simply just need to be pressed on some CD’s and put on the shelves. This album was ready to go but again hardly anyone heard it. This album was quite different than their 1986 demo and I was a bit surprised. While their 86 demo was a synth oriented album this is more folk pop oriented. I will go out on a limb and even say that the lead off track could have easily singled on secular radio. I simply do not understand the music industry. It mystified me in the 80’s but that given way to disgust at my current level of understanding. Say-So was essentially husband and wife team of Jim & Kim Thomas but they put together a killer band for this album It features Dave Perkins, Jerry McPherson, and Rick Cua. That’s some of the best in the business. Anyway if you want to hear one of the strongest female CCM albums ever this is the one for you. It is simply one of the best. Oh and their interpretation of the Hokey-Pokey is worth the price of admission all on it’s own.

Tracklist
1 – You Lift Me Up – 3:29
2 – Refuge – 3:26
3 – Just As I Am – 3:04
4 – Hokey-Pokey – 3:32
5 – Calling My Name – 4:30
6 – Carry On – 2:15

Credits
Bass – Rick Cua
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Dave Perkins, Jerry McPherson
Keyboards, Drums, Backing Vocals – Jim Thomas
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – Kim Thomas
Producer – Dave Perkins, Jerry McPherson