Ephraim

Description

The self-titled album by the American country-rock group Ephraim was independently released on Tri-Art in 1979.

Featuring Tim Oberg on piano, synthesizer, organ, harmonica, percussion, and backing vocals; Daren John Hastings on lead and background vocals, acoustic and classical guitar, rhythm guitar, and lead guitar; John “Woody” Manias on lead and background vocals, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, twelve-string guitar, and percussion; Dean Nelson on bass; and Rick Naylor on drums and percussion.

Sharp professional rock/country-rock private from five Minnesota guys. «Long Hard Ride» opens the album with an explosive power chord, followed by sprightly banjo, harmonica and a stinging electric lead, sounding not unlike Poco – but with power. Songs like «Closed On Sunday» and «The Lone Ranger» with their giddy-up melodies would be right at home on side one of Daniel Amos’ Shotgun Angel. Not everything here is of the rural persuasion: «He Loves Me» and «The River Song» have more the polished groove of Sweet Comfort Band, whilst the whimsical «Round Like A Donut» rocks to a slow doo-wop melody. «Night Life» funks along with some good jamming lead guitar. In fact Daren Hastings’ chops are first-rate throughout. Strongest track is the closing «Psalm 117», a splendorous progressive anthem rich with dynamic harmonies and layers of Yes-like synthesizers. Magnificent cover design with colorful Art Deco flair. Excellent record! [Ken Scott, Archivist]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Long Hard Ride” – 3:08
A2. “Round Like a Donut” – 4:30
A3. “He Loves Me” – 3:20
A4. “Closed on Sunday” – 3:08
A5. “He’s the One” – 4:4

Side Two
B1. “Night Life” – 4:09
B2. “The River Song” – 2:58
B3. “The Lone Ranger” – 3:13
B4. “Breakdown” – 4:05
B5. “Psalm 117” – 5:00

Note: This was a custom pressing of 1500 LPs.

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