EMMAUS ROAD

Through Every Storm (Rainbow RR0158) 1978




On the same label as Heirship’s Roadway To The Son, the four-guys-and-a-girl California outfit Emmaus Road provides some satisfying examples of soothing melodic electric folkrock. The opening track ‘It’s Love’ in particular sports a nice crisp edge with classy lead guitar. Also standing out are the Caribbean-tinged ‘Problem Solver’, ‘Impressions’ with its breezy melody, the delicate 12-string ballad ‘Tired Weary Man’, and the modest honky-tonker ‘Cruisin’ Dream’. The remaining songs are not quite as memorable - typically slow and soft, some gently basking in Tom Howard’s string arrangements. Fold-out cover. (The Archivist by Ken Scott, 4th Edition)





A special thank you to Ozark Ken for sharing this album.


Tracks:

01. It's love
02. He leads me on
03. Problem solver
04. Down at last
05. Tired weary man
06. Cruisin' dream
07. Through every storm
08. Impressions


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GOD UNLIMITED CHOIR, THE

Joy, And Other Sublime Aspirations (GIA M/S-120) 1968?




God Unlimited’s first three lps represent some of the best folkrock the Jesus movement put out. Indeed some have even referred to the group as “folk/psych”. At the point of their debut release the group was based out of Arizona State University and led by Episcopalian priest Tom Belt. Do not pass these folks up simply because the album refers to them as a choir. To me a choir means robes, ordinary voices, traditional tunes, and individual members drowned out within a multitude of singers, none of which is the case here (perhaps they would be more aptly termed an ensemble). The group’s harmonies have a mesmerizing quality to them, haunting in their beauty. Ditto for the individual soloists that are highlighted on some of the songs. The musical backdrop features a crisp rhythm section, guitars both electric and acoustic, flute, organ, piano, bass, and timely use of saxophone. Belt’s compositions and vocal arrangements are moving and full of emotion, capturing a dynamic worshipful folkrock sound on titles like ‘The Lord Is Come’, ‘Songs From My Heart’, ‘Break Loose’, ‘Love Divine’, ‘Streams In The Desert’ and ‘Sing Freedom’. Also some stunning acoustic ballads, including ‘Blow, Wind’, ‘The Sun And The Sea’, ‘Where The Children Run Free’ and ‘God Unlimited’. Some of the later albums would rock out more, but Joy still holds a rather precious spot in their catalog. (The Archivist by Ken Scott, 4th Edition)






Tracks:

01 - The Lord Is Come
02 - The Sun And The Sea
03 - Songs From My Heart
04 - Break Loose
05 - Blow, Wind
06 - Where The Children Run Free
07 - Joy
08 - A New Song
09 - Love Divine
10 - Streams In The Desert
11 - Sing Freedom
12 - God Unlimited



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BILL POWELL

Welcome To The Kingdom (Reach Out 1001) 1978




Low-tech jazzy keyboard rock from electric-piano guy and two others on bass and drums. Very sparse homemade sound, with the lack of guitars being especially noticeable. Those deficits are made up for by Powell’s energetic performance (including jamming keyboard solos) and the creative tempo/mood changes. You might even say there’s a mild “progressive” angle in here, particularly when a song like ‘Come Unto Me’ stretches out to seven minutes. Funky phasing effects on ‘The Roman Road’. Other cuts: ‘Bumper Sticker Religion’, ‘Promises, Promises’, ‘The Conviction Song’, ‘New Wine’, ‘Revelations’. No regular piano here – it’s all electric. Closes with a brief spoken personal challenge and sinners’ prayer from Bill. Recorded in Orlando, Florida. (The Archivist by Ken Scott, 4th Edition)




A special thank you to Ozark Ken for sharing the music.

Tracks:

01. Bumper sticker religion
02. The roman road
03. Welcome to the kingdom
04. Come unto me
05. Sweet peace
06. Promises promises
07. The conviction song
08. New wine
09. Revelations
10. A personal message


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SHILOH

Confession (Lamb & Lion LL 1033) 1977




The twosome graduates to a bigger label where they obtain the expert production assistance of Terry Talbot. Confession stands with the best of Jesus music's mellow country rock classics. Al Perkins pedal steel can be found bringing a wholesome presence to songs like 'No Time Today' and the ballad 'Touch Me', as well as the opening 'Travelin' Boy' where fiddle joins in. 'The Vision', 'Perfect Love' and the lovely mandolin-backed title track are all stirring ballads aglow with the sincerity and conviction inherent in Dennis and Mike's harmonies. Piano and arp are provided by the one and only Keith Green. Talbot also contributes acoustic guitar, supplies backup vocals and co-wrote two of the songs. (The Archivist by Ken Scott, 4th Edition)




Tracks:

01. TRAVLIN' BOY
02. THE VISITOR
03. HARVESTER
04. PERFECT LOVE
05. CONFESSION
06. NO TIME TODAY
07. TOUCH ME
08. PICK ME UP

Can be found here.

BIRDWING KIDS KORUS

I Am God's Project (Birdwing BWR 2039) 1982




This album is a part of the Agapeland series and was nominated for the Best Children Album for the 1983 Grammy Award's. I realize that this is a little outside the years of the Jesus Music, It is outside the normal realm of what I present here. However, many or most of us are parents or grandparents A few may even be reaching that great-grandparent location. One of the key responsibilities we have as Parents etc. is in the raising of our children, grandchildren, etc. to become Godly people. Nothing quite matches the feeling when one of our children make a decision to invite Jesus into their heart. Many of the albums of this time period were written by many of the same people who were releasing music in the Jesus Music scene. Some went on to produce and record music for the kids. For example Ernie and Debby Rettino had albums either as solo and as a couple. About 1980 they left the adult arena and as they became parents themselves start writing for their children and their friends. In the spirit of helping the youngest in our families grow in love and Jesus I will be adding some children albums. The messages are as important today as they were then. Some of these may just catch your interest too.



Tracks:

01 - G-L-Y-S-D-I
02 - I Am God's Project
03 - Only God Can Count the Apples
04 - When It Rains Look For The Rainbow
05 - Bloom Where You are Planted
06 - Change You Thoughts
07 - The Size Of Your God
08 - Infinite Possibilities
09 - You Can Become The Person You Want To Be
10 - I Am God's Project (Reprise)



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GRADY NUTT

Taking Notice 1978





Tracks:

01 - Crazy Names
02 - The Balcony Bombadier Brigade
03 - Growing Pains
04 - First Tux
05 - The World's Greatest Itch
06 - Hand Bonin'
07 - Jazz Tiple
08 - Friday Night Flicks
09 - The Tea Totallers


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JUDAH

Roots For Growing Wings For Soaring 1981





Tracks:

01. Hidden Man of the Heart
02. Who Made the Moon to Rise
03. I'll Be Your Guiding Light
04. In You My Spirit Soars
05. Father Loves You
06. We Are One
07. God's Garden
08. Out of One Realm-Be Renewed
09. Ode to Abraham
10. Draw Me Nearer



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KEYHOLE, THE

Hallelujah Jesus Is Lord (GIA M/S-130) 1969?




Keyhole was part of a coffeehouse ministry in Houston Texas called The Way In. Armed with guitars, bass, banjo, and tambourine, they’re just the kind of folk ensemble you’d expect to see heading up a youth worship service (which is probably exactly what they did at Houston’s Church Of The Redeemer). The music is certainly straightforward, often sung in unison and devoid of instrumental solos - a format that would probably be pretty bland were it not for their proficient playing, nice voices, and good harmonization, all of which make you want to join in. They do renditions of songs by Ray Repp, Peter Scholtes, Carey Landry, Paul Quinlan, some spirituals, but mostly their own compositions. Room In The In is somewhat different from the others. Described as “Christmas Folk Art music”, it is a deeply moody and solemn work with greater emphasis on composer and lead singer Mimi Armstrong’s somewhat operatic voice. By the time of Sweet Jesus they had matured considerably. The group eventually evolved into The Fisherfolk. (The Archivist by Ken Scott, 4th Edition)


Tracks:

01 - Hallalelujah! Jesus Is Lord
02 - By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them
03 - Go Down Moses
04 - The Song Of Moses
05 - Joshua Fit De Battle Of Jericho
06 - Come Go With Me To That Land
07 - I'm Gonna Sing
08 - Come Follow Me
09 - Jesus Is Soon Coming
10 - Planted Wheat
11 - The Canticle Of The Gift
12 - Foot Washing Song
13 - Let Us Break Bread Together On Our Knees


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GENE COTTON

Rain On 1976




This one is not in the Archivist.




Tracks:

01 - You Got Me Running
02 - Me And The Elephant
03 - Song For You
04 - Deeper And Deeper
05 - Clarissa
06 - Rain On
07 - Sweet Destiny
08 - Young Lover
09 - It's Over Goodbye
10 - My Love Comes Alive
11 - The Gift Of Song



Can be found here.

AZITIS

Help (Elco SC EC55555) 1970






Azitis (Pronounced "As it is") is one very few Christian-themed albums that is solidly psychedelic in sound from beginning to end. Every song from this four-man Sacramento band's custom lp is a winner, saturated through and through with psychy swirling organ sounds. Add to that strong melodies, gentle vocals, fuzz, phasing, reverb, wah-wah, flute and you've got a virtual time machine to the flower power era. The responsible parties are Dennis Sullivan (organ, piano), Michael Welch (guitar, flute), Steve Nelson (percussion) and Donald Lower (bass guitar). '(Creation) Lord I Saw You Cry' starts things off with dissonant organ crescendo, chanting and wah-wah guitar, followed by the melodic '60s pop/psych of 'There Is An Answer' and 'Who Will Be', the later propelled by heavily fuzzed bass guitar. 'The Prophet' is one of the album's most powerful tracks, reaching intense fuzz/organ peaks as it deals with Revelation themes. 'Time Has Passed', trips out with moody surreal passages that sound like they were lifted from the middle of 'In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida', followed by 'From This Place', another killer track that builds to climaxes of thunderous drums, discordant guitar strums and surging frenzied organ. 'Hope To Save' brings in piano and acoustic guitar for a lyrical ballard. That leaves the apocalyptic 'Judgement Day' with its varied guitar effects and eerie echoed proclamations to close the album. Exceptional cover art of a gold cross emerging from planet earth. Mega rare, too. I can't emphasize enough how cool this album is. It's a true five-star monster if ever there was one. Re-issued on both vinyl and CD. The band also had a couple 45's with non-lp tracks. (The Archivist by Ken Scott, 4th Edition)









The band will be releasing their 1975 "Window into In" album in summer of this year.
This was recorded in 1975 and never released.

Tracks:

01 - Creation, Lord I Saw You Cry
02 - There Is An Answer
03 - Who's To Blame
04 - The Prophet
05 - Time Has Passed
06 - From This Place
07 - Hope To Save
08 - Judgment Day


Can be found here along with the new album, when it is released and additional information on the band.

DELVIN FORD

He Rules The World (F-Empire GRS-1111) 1969




Whereas many Christian folk records from this date were strumming through standards like ‘Very Last Day’, ‘Well Well Well’ and ‘Sinner Man’, Delvin Ford’s custom lp is one of the few releases to explore an acoustic singer/songwriter style. There are some similarities to the playful ‘60s method of Paul Simon, as well as a look forward to the ‘70s style of artists like Ron Moore and Mark Heard. With just acoustic guitar and occasional harmonica, Ford herein performs twelve of his own songs. Four of these selections (‘Rhetorical Question’, ‘Keep The Faith’, ‘Do You Know How It Feels?’ and ‘Awake Sleeping Giant’) would be re-recorded for his subsequent Light lp Anti-Blues. Nice natural unplugged atmosphere. (The Archivist by Ken Scott, 4th Edition)





Special thank you to Ozark Ken for this one.

Tracks:

01. He rules the world
02. We've got Jesus
03. My prayer
04. Rhetorical question
05. Keep the faith
06. Something wrong
07. Do you know how it feels
08. What makes a nation fall away
09. If I were
10. Awake sleeping giant
11. To those unsaved
12. Just one message


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BRAD McINTYRE

Sunshine In My Soul (Message MG-LP1002) 1976




Sunshine In My Soul is mostly homegrown country folk, some of it fair enough, other parts weighed down with gospel influences. Highlight is the ‘Ghost Riders’-ish ‘Elijah’. Brad on rhythm guitar, harmonica and piano, assisted by two others on percussion, bass, gut-string guitar, piano, harpsichord, pedal steel guitar and dobro. Features ten of Brad’s songs. (The Archivist by Ken Scott, 4th Edition)





Special thank you to Ozark Ken for this one.

A special thank you to Steven for cleaning up the front cover on this one.

Tracks:

01. Sunshine in my soul
02. Christian love
03. Lead me on precious lord
04. What love is this
05. I don't see how
06. You're wonderful my lord
07. Elijah
08. Everlasting arms
09. Harbor no hatred
10. Over and over


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ISAIAH

Isaiah 1974 (Austria)





Here is a progressive album for my progressive fans. Some of you may have already found this.

Tracks:

01. Jericho (3:46)
02. Summer Farewell (5:10)
03. Leave It All Behind (5:25)
04. Afterwards (7:38)
05. Prophet (8:45)


Can be found here or here or here or here.

MONKS OF ST MEINRAD ARCHABBEY

Songs Like Incense (Abby 41001) 1978




Deeply solemn yet beautiful acoustic custom that underscores the important Gregorian chants had in the Catholic folk sound. Three men with guitars and bass, plus a couple ladies providing flute and violin. Very Meditative classical feel with compositions all inspired by the Psalms. As with Medical Mission Sisters and St. Pius X Seminary, you can't always judge a record by the band name. (The Archivist by Ken Scott, 4th Edition)





Special thank you to Ozark Ken for this one.

Tracks:

01. How good and how pleasant
02. There is one thing I ask of the lord
03. Holy holy holy
04. May your love be upon us
05. If today you hear his voice
06. We carry in our body
07. My prayers come before you like incense
08. Happy the people
09. This poor man called
10. How great is your name
11. Come lord bring to us your peace
12. The love of the lord is everlasting


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DAN McBRIDE

Righteous Indignation (CHM 72) 1969




Brace yourself. Are you ready for (drumroll…) the Christian Allan Sherman? Well (gulp) here he is! Meet Dan McBride: a 28-year old conservative-looking spectacled short-haired coat-and-tie Baptist pastor armed with a guitar and an endless supply of twisted take-offs with titles like ‘Call Me Ecumenical’, ‘Don’t Shave Your Sideburns, Pastor’, ‘Come To Church And Give Your Money’ (to the tune of ‘Put Your Arms Around Me, Honey’). Spoofs of ‘Downtown’, ‘Home On The Range’, ‘Wouldn’t It Be Loverly’ and scores of other songs are delivered in rapid-fire mode with an endearing down-home Texas drawl that evokes images of Mayberry RFD; picture Andy or Goober picking up a guitar and belting out a few and you’re in the neighborhood. Includes brief raps, jokes and stories between the songs, like the time he was on an airplane that was about to hit some turbulence and being a pastor he was asked to do something religious to prepare the passengers - “so I took an offering”. And by golly he’s a pretty decent picker, too. Playing these all back to back the humor starts to wear thin, but taken in small chunks they make for a unique listening experience as well as some genuinely funny moments, even if it is somewhat dated. Lyrics mainly take G-rated potshots at church life, poking fun at budgets, people nodding off in the service, pastoral woes, Sunday school, secretaries, automation, visitations, conventions, soap operas, deacons, women in the church, the nursery, etc. Tiptoe Through The Tithers begins the saga with twenty-seven ditties, including the title track’s butchering of the Tiny Tim classic. Righteous Indignation adds a banjo to the mix and is described as a “product of several years of dealing with disgruntled disciples, torn teachers, perturbed pupils and lamenting leaders”. By the time of Dear Computer We Adore Thee (what a title!) the joke had obviously gone on far longer than expected, yet McBride shows no signs of drying up. Each album ends with a more serious song, sung in a deeper more traditional voice - kinda like Gomer Pyle transforming into Jim Nabors. All three recorded live before a small audience that thinks he’s the cat’s pajamas, cackling profusely and lavishing mass quantities of applause. Had I been there I mighta done the same. (The Archivist by Ken Scott, 4th Edition)





Special thank you to Ozark Ken for this one.

Tracks:

01. Righteous indignation
02. The church of your choice
03. We've got a place for you
04. Baby place
05. Save a part for me & me and my builder
06. Sacred society
07. Somebody cares
08. Baptist building
09. Youth truth
10. Secret stormcloud
11. Secretarial symphony
12. Messengers lament
13. Medley-glorietta,old promotions,half hearted workers
14. Going thru the motions
15. This road will lead you home


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DELVIN FORD

Anti-Blues (Light LS-5566-LP) 1971?




Mellow lighthearted folk/pop songs from tenor singer, guitarist and songwriter. The Light label often means lots of orchestral fillers, but on Anti-Blues there’s more of a sense of letting the acoustic instruments do the talking. Wholesome relaxed acoustic guitar setting, softly embellished here and there with harmonica, plus appearances of violin, flute and banjo. No keyboards, strings or brass. Playful Simon & Garfunkel ‘Punky’s Dilemma’ mood in a couple spots, other times lightly jazzed in a Chet Atkins way. Smooth but with a pleasant commercial appeal. Features twelve of Delvin’s songs. (The Archivist by Ken Scott, 4th Edition)





Special thank you to Ozark Ken for this one.

Tracks:

01. Such is the day
02. By and by
03. Love of god
04. Keep the faith
05. Do you know how it feels
06. Compassion
07. Destined journey
08. Don't let go
09. Rhetorical question
10. Awake sleeping giant
11. I want to go to the holy land
12. God's world


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