With Footnotes

Description

With Footnotes is the full-length debut album by the American vocal trio 2nd Chapter of Acts (the siblings Annie Herring, Nelly Greisen, and Matthew Ward), released on Myrrh Records in 1974, a division of Word. (The group did release a couple of singles in 1972 and 1973.) The album was produced, recorded, and mixed by Annie’s husband Buck Herring at Sun West Studios in Hollywood, California. Strings and horns arranged by Michael Omartian. (Omartian actually wrote a song dedicated to Annie Herring, “Annie The Poet”, recorded on his solo album Onward – a.k.a. Adam Again – released in 1975.) Featuring Michael Been, later of The Call fame.

Trivia: The three members of 2nd Chapter of Acts actually appeared on an album cover for the first time in 1973 – on Jamie Owens’ debut album Laughter in Your Soul – pictured alongside Michael Been and Scott Musick of The Call, among others.

When The 2nd Chapter Of Acts burst on the scene with their debut LP in 1974 it stood in stark contrast to much of the CCM of the day. This was something beyond three-chord folk sing-alongs or slick adult contemporary offerings. Here was a band with a unique refreshing sound all their own. I’ve mentioned several times in here groups that sound like 2nd Chapter of Acts, but who does one compare 2nd Chapter of Acts to? Much of their identity can be found in the immaculate vocal harmonization of siblings Annie Herring, Nellie Ward and Matthew Ward, but an even more important factor would have to be Annie’s song-writing. Her songs are rich in melody with a certain complexity that would almost lead one to call them compositions rather than songs. Vibrant with joy and energy of the Jesus movement, With Footnotes encompassed pop, ballads, hard rock, gospel and majestic anthems, backed by such musicians as Michael Omartian, Mike Deasy, and Mike Been (later of The Call). Many of their most familiar songs are contained herein, including «Which Way The Wind Blows», «I Don’t Wanna Go Home», «The Sun Comes Over The Hill», «Love, Peace, Joy», «I fall In Love/Change» and of course «Easter Song». And for those who like it heavy, things really get rocking on «The Devil’s Lost Again». Dynamic string arrangements add depth to several tracks. A definite landmark in the history of Jesus music. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/with-footnotes/1841979100)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Which Way the Wind Blows” – 4:58
A2. “Goin’ Home” – 2:48
A3. “With Jesus” – 2:45
A4. “The Devil’s Lost Again” – 3:06
A5. “Love, Peace, Joy” – 2:33
A6. “I Don’t Wanna Go Home” – 2:28

Side Two
B1. “Easter Song” – 2:20
B2. “He Loves Me” – 5:07
B3. “Good News” – 3:20
B4. “I Fall in Love/Change” – 4:22
B5. “The Son Comes Over the Hill” – 3:23

Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl LP by Myrrh Records. Later re-issued on CD.

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CREDITS. Produced and engineered by Buck Herring. Recorded and mixed at Sun West Studios, Hollywood, CA. Strings and horns arranged by Michael Omartian, except strings on track A6 arranged by Tom Keene. Photography by Wally Duguid.

Musicians: Annie Herring (Vocals, Piano), Nelly Greisen (Vocals), Matthew Ward (Vocals), Michael Omartian (Piano, Organ, ARP synthesizer, Drums), Tom Keene (Piano), Danny Timms (Piano, Organ), Mike Deasy (Guitar), Al McKay (Guitar), Art Munson (Guitar), Michael Been (Bass), Joe Osborn (Bass), Jim Gordon (Drums), John Guerin (Drums), David Kemper (Drums).