Description
In the Volume of the Book is the sophomore studio album by the American vocal trio 2nd Chapter of Acts, released on Myrrh Records in 1975, a division of Word. (The album title is a reference to Psalms 40:7-10 – “…in the volume of the book it is written of me“.) The album was produced and engineered by Buck Herring at Sunwest Studios in Hollywood, California. Arranged by Michael Omartian.
From the classical string-backed «Start Every Day With A Smile» to the hard-rocking «Yahweh» to the graceful «The Grey Song» to the dynamic «Last Day Of My Life», 2nd Chapter delivers an even more impressive 5-star follow-up to their debut. Michael Omartian and Michael Been (The Call) return on keyboards and bass respectively, while Phil Keaggy joins the gang with his always-welcome skillful lead guitar work, growling away quite loudly on «Hey, Whatcha Say» and the aforementioned «Yahweh». Matthew’s voice in particular shows considerable development, and he gets a deserved solo opportunity in «Psalm 63» (which he co-wrote with Richard Souther). Effective use of brass on a few songs. «Something Tells Me», «Now That I Belong To You», «Borrowed Time», «Morning Comes When You Call», «Keep On Shinin», «Prince Song» – every song on here is strong and has inspiring Christ-centered lyrics. Simply put, this is Jesus music at its best. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]
Virtually everything about this disc, from the album art to the personnel, is an improvement on 2nd Chapter’s first effort, “With Footnotes” (which was an excellent LP.) Back from that work are noted studio artists Mike Been (bass), David Kemper (drums), Mike Omartian (keyboards, synthesizers, percussion, plus some dynamic horn and string arrangements); plus one brother whose contributions cannot be overlooked… Phil Keaggy on guitars and electric leads. Phil is the most pleasant addition to 2nd Chapter’s studio artistry which is masterfully produced by Buck Herring. The overall production is richly mixed with pure, clarion-clear vocals and full, yet tight instrumentation.
Besides retaining their ballad type rock which prevailed on their 1974 release, they delve into some other styles as well.
For openers, the listener is greeted by Baroque chamber music and spritely vocals in «Start Everyday With A Smile». However, this lighthearted minuet is literally blasted from memory with what is one of the best rockers put out by a Jesus group yet, «Yaweh». Musically, it is similar to late Free, or fast-paced Jefferson Starship material, especially with Keaggy’s slicing, screaming licks and Matthew Ward’s powerful vocals. Speaking of Matthew, it’s nice to point out that he is used more for lead parts on this LP, and does a beautiful job, especially on «Psalm 63». «Now That I Belong To You» starts off innocently enough, but swells into a «McArthur Park» mover with Omartian’s influence quite noticeable in the undertones and chord progressions – very good! The funky «Borrowed Time» has one of the better messages on the album – but the opposite is true of «Hey Watcha Say»; which is too bad because it’s the most exciting song of “In The Volume…” Musically, it’s very progressive (Keaggy, Omartian, and Kemper shine here) and is a potential commercial hit.
This leads into one criticism concerning the lyrics of 2nd Chapter of Acts songs – they get a bit “samey” after a while. Themes become repetitious, and hence, predictable. At other times there are fragments of thought which don’t really gel. Granted, these are mostly songs of very personal worship to the Lord (written mostly by Anne Herring), but personally, I end up praising Jesus more through the music.
In summary, as one brother so aptly put it, “Buck Herring really has his act together…” on this album. An A plus goes to everyone involved with “In The Volume Of The Book,” which is one of the finest studio paintings composed by Christians yet. [Mark Hollingsworth, Harmony, Vol 1. No. 4 (1975)]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/in-the-volume-of-the-book/1841979336)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Start Everyday With a Smile” – 0:54
A2. “Yahweh” – 3:07
A3. “Something Tells Me” – 3:29
A4. “The Grey Song” – 1:56
A5. “Now That I Belong to You” – 4:04
A6. “Psalms 63” – 1:51
A7. “Prince Song” – 2:51
Side Two
B1. “Morning Comes When You Call” – 3:10
B2. “Borrowed Time” – 2:30
B3. “Last Day of My Life” – 3:08
B4. “Hey, Whatcha’ Say” – 3:20
B5. “Keep on Shinin'” – 3:13
B6. “I Can’t Get Near You” – 2:18
Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl LP by Myrrh Records. Later re-issued on CD.
CREDITS. Produced and engineered by Buck Herring. Arrangements by Michael Omartian. Recorded at Sunwest Studios, Hollywood, CA. Mastered by Artisan Sound Recorders, Hollywood, CA. Photography by Joel Strasser.
Musicians: Annie Herring (Vocals, Piano, Percussion), Nelly Greisen (Vocals), Matthew Ward (Vocals), Michael Omartian (Piano, Organ, Aarpvark, Pecussion), Danny Timms (Organ), Phil Keaggy (Guitar, Guitar solos), Jay Graydon (Guitar), Larry Rolando (Guitar), Michael Been (Bass), Emery Gordy (Bass), David Hungate (Bass), David Kemper (Drums).
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