This is the sixth in the series of well known easy listening Maranatha! Music samplers. Seems strange now to see Daniel Amos and Sweet Comfort (Band) on a sampler like this. Below are the original albums with the tracks.
1 – Karen Lafferty – Beautiful Day – Sweet Communion 2 – Bruce Herring – Perfect Will – Unreleased 3 – Sweet Comfort – Somebody Loves You – Sweet Comfort 4 – Aslan – Who Loves The Lonely – Unreleased 5 – Erick Nelson – He Gave Me Love – The Misfit 6 – Parable – The Plain Truth – Illustrations 7 – Bethlehem – Desert Songs – Bethlehem 8 – Becky Ugartechea – Nightengale – Unreleased 9 – Daniel Amos – Father’s Arms – Shotgun Angel 10 – Bob & Joy Cull – Sail Away – Windborne
Tracklist 1 – Karen Lafferty – Beautiful Day – 4:21 2 – Bruce Herring – Perfect Will – 3:51 3 – Sweet Comfort – Somebody Loves You – 3:01 4 – Aslan – Who Loves The Lonely – 3:54 5 – Erick Nelson – He Gave Me Love – 3:55 6 – Parable – The Plain Truth – 3:33 7 – Bethlehem – Desert Songs – 3:40 8 – Becky Ugartechea – Nightengale – 3:53 9 – Daniel Amos – Father’s Arms – 4:23 10 – Bob & Joy Cull – Sail Away – 4:15
If there was one group that bridged the gap between the Jesus Music of the 1970’s and the introduction of what is known as CCM, it is the Sweet Comfort Band. Four immensely talented musicians, songwriters and a future superstar in the making in lead vocalists Bryan Duncan. Borrowing directly from the funk/soul sounds of the late 70’s without falling into the trap of disco, Sweet Comfort created an album for the ages with sharp production, killer grooves, monster vocals and some of the most stirring ballads for the day. The style was much more Chicago and Steely Dan than just about anything else. Kicking it off with a long time live favorite, Got to Believe, Duncan shares the lead vocal duties with guitarist Randy Thomas who really shines on guitar later in the song. And the horn section just takes the song to a level comparable to the aforementioned Chicago. At the time CCM was really lagging behind in the production quality world (this based more on minuscule budgets than musicianship) and the band really created a new standard here. The title track also shines with Thomas also taking on vocal duties and the horn section again driving the song. Other rockers that shine include: Melody, Harmony, Searchin’ For Love and possibly the best song song on the whole project, Good Feelin’. Good Feelin’ really shows Duncan’s range and Thomas’ guitar prowess. But I would be remiss to discount the strength of the ballads on this album. I Need You Love Again is a beautiful call to the Lord for His graciousness toward a fallen soul. But it’s the albums closer, I Love You With My Life, that remains a true classic and a song many believe (myself included) is the finest song the band ever performed. This beautiful reminder of Jesus’ final words to the disciples is comforting and inspiring. It also contains the trademark Duncan powerful ballad vocals. Breakin’ the Ice will not be the last of the Sweet Comfort albums listed as the band was incredibly important in the burgeoning CCM scene and made several exceptional albums. Breakin’ is simply one of them.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Got To Believe – 3:56 2 – Breakin’ The Ice – 3:40 3 – Young Girl – 3:15 4 – Melody, Harmony – 3:20 5 – I Need Your Love Again – 4:30 6 – Good Feelin’ – 4:00 7 – Searchin’ For Love – 4:06 8 – The Lord Is Calling – 3:56 9 – I Love You With My Life – 4:01
Credits Arranged By [Horns] – Kim Hutchcroft Bass – Kevin Thomson Design [Cover Design], Artwork – Kernie Erickson Drums, Vocals – Rick Thomson Engineer [Maranatha Studios] – Dan Willard Engineer [Martinsound Studio] – Jack Joseph Puig Engineer [Mastering] – Ken Perry Engineer [Mix Down] – Mike Stone Guitar, Vocals – Randy Thomas Horns – The Seawind Horns Horns [The “Seawind Horns”], Alto Saxophone, Organ [Flute Organ], Synthesizer [Oberheim Mini Moog], Synthesizer [Prophet 5 Synthesizers] – Larry Williams Horns [The “Seawind Horns”], Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Kim Hutchcroft Horns [The “Seawind Horns”], Trombone – Bill Reichenbach Horns [The “Seawind Horns”], Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Jerry Hey Keyboards, Vocals – Bryan Duncan Percussion – Steve Foreman* Photography By – Linda Dillon, Mark Worthington Producer, Arranged By [Horns] – Bob Wilson
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Lexicon Music, Inc. Copyright (c) – Lexicon Music, Inc. Recorded At – Martinsound Recorded At – Maranatha! Studio Mastered At – Capitol Studios Published By – Lexicon Music, Inc. Published By – Sojourn Music
As the 70’s turned the corner into the 80’s, the “last band” of the Jesus Music era morphed from a funky, groovy and R&B driven unit into a full-fledged commercial and corporate rock quartet. And one of the very best CCM ever produced. With only six albums to their credit, the band will have landed four of those titles on this list when all is said and done. Two albums come from the first half of their career with the more R&B style while the final two on the list will come from the “rock trilogy” that closed out their career. Both of those two will be included in the Top 100. Those three albums would be noted not only for the obvious change in musical direction, but also for the fact that Bryan Duncan all but completely took over the lead vocals exclusively and played the part of front man in concert as well. This would be helped by the inclusion of the amazing John Andrew Schreiner on keyboards, both on the recording as well as in live concert support. One other difference were the fabulous brush art album cover artwork. The first two (Hearts of Fire, Cutting Edge) featured a “Spiritual Warfare” theme to the artwork with swords and battle appearance. Cutting Edge artwork shows a glistening sword with a warrior battling a serpent in the sward’s reflection. This warfare theme would also educate the lyrics at times as well. Cutting Edge is a really odd album in that, for some reason, even fans of hard rock and metal seem to like the album with several “heavy music” publications giving the album a great review. perhaps it was the artwork and themes, but no matter, the album is one for the ages.
Contributor David Lowman – https://ccms500bestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist 1 – Runnin’ To Win – 4:06 2 – What Have You Got? – 3:10 3 – Falling In Love With You – 3:34 4 – Haven’t Seen You – 4:47 5 – Breakdown Love – 3:12 6 – Valerie – 3:23 7 – Changed Hearts – 3:40 8 – Live It – 4:03 9 – What Did It Mean? – 3:31 10 – Armed And Ready – 4:47
Credits Bass – Kevin Thomson Drums, Vocals – Rick Thomson Engineer [Second @ Bill Schnee] – David Shober Engineer [Second @ Mama Jo’s] – Steve Ford Guitar, Vocals – Randy Thomas Illustration, Design – Kernie Erickson Keyboards – John Schreiner Keyboards, Vocals – Brian Duncan Management – David Bendett Artists, Inc. Mastered By – Doug Sax Percussion – Victor Feldman Photography By [Back Cover] – David Randle Producer – Jack Joseph Puig Soprano Saxophone – David Hlebo Tenor Saxophone – John Phillips Vocals – Bob Carlisle
Companies, etc. Record Company – Lexicon Music, Inc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Lexicon Music, Inc. Copyright (c) – Lexicon Music, Inc. Recorded At – Bill Schnee Studios Recorded At – Mama Jo’s Mixed At – Mama Jo’s Mastered At – The Mastering Lab Pressed By – Electrosound Group Midwest, Inc.
In 2010 Sweet Comfort Band headed into the studio for the first time since 1983. It was the original lineup with the exception of Kevin Thomson who was ill and unfortunately passed away in May of 2010. Stepping of for Kevin was his son, Elijah Thomson. It took 3 years for this album to come together and the name “The Waiting Is Over” was not only appropriate for the fans but the band also. I’ll be honest that most of the time I don’t really care for reunion albums as often they feel rushed and thrown together. This album does not fall in that trap. It is very well done, the songs are well written and showcase the bands longtime skills. My only hesitation about the album is that I feel like I am listening to a Bryan Duncan album rather than a SCB album. I admit however that this might be because we listened to so many of Bryan’s albums after SCB disbanded. All in all a very very good album and one that will go into my regular rotation.
Tracklist
1 – Lay It All On The Line – 4:55
2 – Something Else Is Going On Here – 4:08
3 – Nothing Can Separate Us – 4:24
4 – Do You Love Me – 4:48
5 – Rock Steady – 3:43
6 – Then I Remember – 4:37
7 – All In God’s Hands – 4:11
8 – The Waiting Is Over – 3:54
9 – All Stand Together – 3:42
10 – Where Do We Go From Here – 4:21
11 – In The Light Of Heaven – 4:57
Credits
Art Direction, Design – Game Flash DM
Band [Sweet Comfort Band], Drums, Vocals – Rick Thomson
Band [Sweet Comfort Band], Guitar [Guitars], Vocals – Randy Thomas
Band [Sweet Comfort Band], Lead Vocals, Keyboards – Bryan Duncan
Coordinator [Album Cover Coordinator] – Alice Thomson
Coordinator [Album/Business Coordinator] – Alice Thomson
Engineer [Additional Engineers] – Alice Thomson, Anthony Thomas, David Lopez
Executive-Producer – Rick Thomson
Mastered By – Reuben Choen
Musician [Musicians], Backing Vocals – Alice Thomson, Bob Carlisle, Bryan Duncan, Randy Thomas, Rick Thomson
Musician [Musicians], Bass [Additional Bass] – Matt Bissonette (tracks: 9)
Musician [Musicians], Bass Guitar – Elijah Thomson
Musician [Musicians], Choir – Chrystal Holly Matthews, LaNiece McKay, Linda Pringle, Michael Washington, Rickey Grundy, Shervonne Wells
Musician [Musicians], Guitar [Additional Guitars] – Bob Soma, David Lopez, Joshua Thomson
Musician [Musicians], Horns, Alto Saxophone – Greg Vail
Musician [Musicians], Horns, Saxophone – Scott Martin
Musician [Musicians], Horns, Trombone – Wendell Kelly
Musician [Musicians], Horns, Trumpet – Lee Thornburg
Musician [Musicians], Keyboards – James Q. Wright, James Raymond, Kenneth Crouch, Rob Rinderer, Tim Bullock
Musician [Musicians], Percussion – Dio Saucedo
Photography By – Mark Jordan
Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Shelter Sound Music, Inc
Copyright (c) – Shelter Sound Music, Inc
Distributed By – Shelter Sound Music, Inc
Manufactured By – Shelter Sound Music, Inc
Recorded At – Shelter Sound Studios
Mixed At – Shelter Sound Studios
Mastered At – Lurssen Mastering
Published By – Slam Duncan Music
Published By – I Love Lori Music
Published By – Shelter Sound Publishing
Published By – We Fly Music
Published By – Dogs In Space Music
Published By – Robster Music
Published By – Franklin Industries Publishing
Pressed By – Digital Flex Media
Hearts of Fire is the 4th studio releases from Sweet Comfort Band and the start of a new direction. While their previous release “Hold on Tight” had been met by many reviewers with a yawn Hearts of Fire was very well received. Vocals were pretty well taken over by Bryan Duncan who had a much better Rock & Roll voice than Randy Thomas. The album was more upbeat and had a more “80’s” feel and it was also a bit more cutting edge due to plenty of lyrics to a broader group of issues, something relatively rare for albums of this period. This album was a personal; favourite of mine in 1981 and I remember many hours cruising in cars listening to “Isabel”.
Tracklist
1 – Isabel – 4:08
2 – You Can Make It – 2:44
3 – They Just Go On – 3:34
4 – The Road – 3:49
5 – Feel Like Singin’ – 3:32
6 – Now Or Never – 3:33
7 – Can You Help Me? – 3:50
8 – Contender – 3:10
9 – Just Like Me – 2:47
10 – You Need A Reason – 3:16
Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Bob Bennett
Bass [Alembic] – Kevin Thomson
Concertmaster, Violin [Solo] – Doug Cameron
Design, Illustration – Kernie Erickson
Drums, Vocals – Rick Thomson
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals – Randy Thomas
Engineer [Assistant] – Bobby Gerber, Chip Orlando, Mike Wambsgangs
Mastered By – Mike Reese
Photography By [Inner Sleeve] – Alan Bergman
Piano, Keyboards [Prophet 5], Vocals – Bryan Duncan
Producer, Piano [Acoustic], Electric Piano [Rhodes], Keyboards [Prophet 5], Organ [Hammond], Percussion, Handclaps, Arranged By [String & Horn] – David Diggs
Producer, Recorded By, Mixed By – Jack Joseph Puig
Saxophone, Flute – David Boruff
Saxophone, Flute, Tenor Saxophone [Solos] – Jim Coile
Trombone – Alan Kaplan
Trumpet – Larry Hall, Ollie Mitchell
Companies, etc.
Copyright (c) – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Recorded At – Studio 55, Los Angeles
Recorded At – Sound Labs, Hollywood
Recorded At – MCA Whitney Recording Studios
Recorded At – Mama Jo’s
Mixed At – Mama Jo’s
Mastered At – The Mastering Lab
Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co.
This was Bryan’s first solo album after the dissolution of Sweet Comfort Band. Fans who expected that SCB sound were let down by Bryan’s new sound. That said I believe most were thrilled with this new sound as well. The album has a strong Rock Pop sound that was perfectly timed in the industry. The album sold well and was very well received. The lead/title track has a great 50’s/60’s sound and feel. All in all an excellent album that was perfect for the time.
Tracklist
1 – Have Yourself Committed – 3:27
2 – Darkness Is Falling – 4:05
3 – Maybe This Time – 2:57
4 – A Child’s Love – 3:57
5 – Come To Find Out – 3:55
6 – Livin’ On The Bright Side – 4:21
7 – Sweep Me Away – 2:56
8 – Talk To Me Gently – 4:19
9 – Last Graduation – 4:50
Credits
Backing Vocals – Bob Carlisle, Tim Miner
Bass – Jimmy Johnson
Drums, Guitar – Dennis Brown
Guitar – Randy Thomas (tracks: B2, B4)
Horns – Emilio Castillo, Greg Adams, Marc Russo, Mike Chichowicz, Stephen “Doc” Kupka, Tower Of Power
Keyboards – Larry Brown, Tim Heintz
Saxophone – Marc Russo (tracks: A5, B1)
Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Sweet Comfort Band started out in 1973 and Maranatha! Records gave them their first recoird deal in 1977. The album was more Rock oriented than most of the Jesus Music of the time period. The Thomson brothers along with Bryan Duncan and Randy Thomas were on to a good thing. Even if you’re only familiar with their later work you’ll hear the same quartet song back here where it all started. The Maranatha! deal only lasted for this album (they fled the Rock & Roll CCM scene in terror) but Light Records stepped in for the next album. Again this is the one where it all started and it started well.
Tracklist
1 – It’s So Fine (Soul Tune Boogie) – 2:58
2 – Ryan’s Song – 4:05
3 – Childish Things – 2:42
4 – Let It Go – 2:26
5 – Your Life – 2:24
6 – Somebody Loves You – 2:56
7 – His Name Is Whispered – 3:11
8 – God’s Got A Plan – 3:08
9 – Get Ready – 3:01
10 – When I Was Alone – 3:37
Credits
Art Direction – Neal Buchanan
Bass – Kevin Thomson
Design [Album Design] – Greg Laurie
Drums – Rick Thomson
Engineer – Jack Joseph Puig, Jonathan David Brown
Graphics – Greg Laurie
Graphics [Logo] – Rick Griffin
Guitar – Randy Thomas
Horns, Arranged By – Glen Myerscough
Keyboards – Bryan Duncan
Organ – Martie Echito (tracks: A5, B1)
Percussion – Alex MacDougal (tracks: A2, B1, B4)
Photography By – Ray Westbrook
Producer – Jonathan David Brown, Tommy Coomes
Tenor Saxophone – Glen Myerscough
Trombone – Thurman Green
Trumpet – Allen Gregory
Violin – Bruce Hoag (tracks: B5)
Vocals – Bryan Duncan, Randy Thomas, Rick Thomson
Companies, etc.
Pressed By – Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Santa Maria
Copyright (c) – Maranatha! Music
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Maranatha! Music
The 3rd album from Sweet Comfort Band gave us more of what we heard in the first two.
They are joined on this album by Richie Furay who fits in perfectly with what is an easy listening album. Really, it’s just more of the same as previous releases and doesn’t really offer the listener much to get excited about.
The highlight of the album is the track Angel. It shows that these guys could have done a Rock & Roll album, but chose instead to take the safe sales route.
Track Listing:
1 – Hold On Tight 3:20
2 – Take It – Save It 3:17
3 – Falling Star 3:04
4 – You’re The One 3:10
5 – Angel 3:10
6 – Chasin’ The Wind 3:29
7 – Don’t Tell Me You Love Me 3:07
8 – Undecided 3:53
9 – Carry Me 4:39
10 – More Than You Need 4:32
11 – Find Your Way 4:09
Credits:
Alto Saxophone, Soloist – David Hlebo (tracks: A4)
Arranged By [Horns] – Bob Wilson
Backing Vocals, Guitar [First Solo] – Richie Furay (tracks: B3)
Bass [Alembic Bass] – Kevin Thomson
Drums, Vocals – Rick Thomson
Engineer – Jack Joseph Puig
Finger Snaps – Jack Joseph Puig (tracks: A4)
Graphics [Sleeve Graphics] – Robin Hedrick
Guitar, Vocals – Randy Thomas
Horns – Seawind Horns
Keyboards, Vocals – Bryan Duncan
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Percussion – Alex MacDougall
Photography By – Alan Bergman
Producer, Keyboards [Additional], Backing Vocals, Programmed By [Synthesizer] – Tom Stipe
Strings – Sid Sharp and the L.A. Super Strings
The 1984 album “Perfect Timing” was a shift in style for Sweet Comfort Band. Previously known as an easy listening band this album struck a departure from that style. Perfect Timing move more to light/medium rock. The album also featured a few tracks in a new wave/pop style and even a track with more of a 70’s funk feeling. This was the last studio album for Sweet Comfort Band with the exception of a reunion album released in 2013. All in all “Perfect Timing” did indeed have perfect timing and was an excellent album for the time period.
Tracklist
1 – Perfect Timing – 3:26
2 – Habit Of Hate – 3:32
3 – You Led Me To Believe – 5:08
4 – Don’t Bother Me Now – 3:49
5 – Computer Age – 3:32
6 – Sing For The Melody – 3:42
7 – Lookin’ For The Answer – 4:45
8 – Envy & Jealosy – 4:20
9 – Prodigal’s Regret – 4:10
10 – Neighborhood Kids – 3:48
Credits
Art Direction – Kevin Thomson
Bass [Alembic] – Kevin Thomson
Co-producer [Production Assistance] – Randy Thomas (2)
Cover – Kernie Erickson
Drums – Rick Thomson
Edited By – Marvin McNeil
Engineer [2nd Engineer] – Mike Mierau
Guitar – Randy Thomas (2)
Keyboards – John Schreiner, Peter Robinson
Lacquer Cut By – RD
Lead Vocals – Bryan Duncan, Randy Thomas (2) (tracks: A5)
Mastered By – Richard Donaldson
Mixed By – Dino Elefante
Photography By – Spencer Pendergrass
Producer – Dino Elefante
Recorded By – Dino Elefante
Vocals – Ben Mendoza, John Elefante, Randy Thomas (2), Rick Thomson
Vocals [“Neighborhood Kids”] – Ben Mendoza, Lisa Lantz
Companies, etc.
Record Company – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Published By – Lexicon Music, Inc.
Published By – Libris Music
Published By – Mastadon Publishing Company
Designed At – Visual Communications
Recorded At – Pakaderm Studios
Mixed At – Pakaderm Studios
Mastered At – Sound Dome
Pressed By – Electrosound Group Midwest, Inc.
