Description
Heart & Soul is the sophomore album by the American singer Kathy Troccoli, released on Reunion Records in 1984. The album was recorded by Jack Joseph Puig at The Bennett House in Franklin, Tennessee; at Bullett Recording, Tree International Studio, and Hummingbird Studio in Nashville, Tennessee; and at Mama Jo’s Recording Studio in North Hollywood, California; with Brown Bannister producing.
Kathy Troccoli pours her heart into soul on her second Reunion album. ‘Heart and Soul’ is a fitting showcase for her powerhouse delivery. It’s also a tribute to the versatility of producer Brown Bannister, who mastered an instrumental sound as big as K.T.’s voice.
‘Heart and Soul’ makes the most of the singer’s vibrant tones and expression, where ‘Stubborn Love‘ (her debut last year) barely hinted at her potential. K.T.’s voice drapes huskily over a rich musical backdrop as the album hits the listener with a full r&b feel on cut after cut. On the first song, «Long Distance Letter», her voice slides with power, setting the mood for the rest of the disc, Ernie Watt’s saxophone further defines the style with style.
In «Yes and Know», which features Keith Thomas and Michael W. Smith on synthesizers, K.T.’s voice treks from tender to tough. For «Mighty Lord», her voice turns truly gospel. In «Holy, Holy», she gives a well-paced, upbeat performance backed by a host of singers, including Marty McCall, Gary Pigg, and Melodie Tunney.
Then, there’s «Hearts of Fire», a marked style shift. Here K.T. makes dramatic use of her characteristic deep slides in a new wave delivery, augmented by keyboard-created, crashing sound effects.
The power of the album lies more in its style than its message. ‘Heart and Soul’ is most effective as edifying entertainment. It’s an album that will minister to those who want a heavy sound and a light message – enough gospel to encourage or pique an interest in the Lord, but no deep theology. In some songs, like the mellow «I Belong to You» and «Holy, Holy», the words are clearly worshipful. Other songs have less direct lyrics.
Some of the crossover lyrics are a little strained. «Yes and Know», for example, tells the Lord, “Hear me say ‘Yes,’ and know that I need You/ No need to second-guess what time has proven true.” The idea of a God who waits around trying to second-guess our feelings doesn’t fit with the concept of a «Mighty Lord» who “speaks with thunder in a mighty roar.”
Music lovers interested in a sound more progressive than standard adult contemporary will like ‘Heart and Soul’. Those more conservative may feel uncomfortable with the sensual feel of some of the songs. Either way, K.T. has made a signature statement that is distinctively her own. [Dawn Dicker, September 1984]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/heart-soul/1528283321)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Long Distance Letter” – 3:13
A2. “Yes And Now” – 3:55
A3. “Bittersweetness” – 3:54
A4. “Mighty Lord” – 5:02
A5. “Open My Eyes” – 4:27
Side Two
B1. “Holy, Holy” – 5:01
B2. “Hearts Of Fire” – 4:00
B3. “I Belong To You” – 4:16
B4. “Island Of Love” – 3:54
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Reunion Records.
CREDITS. Produced by Brown Bannister. Engineered by Jack Joseph Puig. Recorded at The Bennett House in Franklin, TN; at Bullett Recording, Tree International Studio, and Hummingbird Studio in Nashville, TN; and at Mama Jo’s Recording Studio in North Hollywood, CA.
Musicians: Kathy Troccoli (Vocals), Keith Thomas (Keyboards on track A2 and A5, Synthesizer – tracks: A1, A2, B1, B2, B4), Michael W. Smith (Piano on track A5, Synthesizer – tracks: A2, A3, B1, B2), Shane Keister (Piano on track A3 and A4, Synthesizer – tracks: A1 to A4, B2 to B4), Phil Madeira (Synthesizer on track A4), Terry McMillan (Harmonica on track A4), Ernie Watts (Saxophone on track A1 and A2), Dann Huff (Guitar), Mike Brignardello (Bass), Paul Leim (Drums), Lenny Castro (Percussion – tracks: A1 to A5, B2, B4). Backing Vocals: Chris Harris (tracks: A4, B1, B2, B4), Diana Hannah (tracks: A2, A3, A5, B1), Donna McElroy (tracks: A2 to A5, B1), Doug Clemmets (tracks: B1), Gary Pigg (tracks: A1, B1 to B3), Jackie Cusic (tracks: B1, B2), Judy Rodman (tracks: B1), Kathy Burdick (tracks: A1, B3), Kim Fleming (tracks: A2 to A5, B1), Marty McCall (tracks: B1), Melodie Tunney (tracks: B1), Thom Flora (tracks: A1, B1, B3).
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