Description
Good Advice is the sixth studio album by American singer, songwriter, and keyboardist James Ward, released on Greentree Records in 1985, distributed by The Benson Company. The album was recorded at various studios in Nashville, Tennessee – Center Stage Studio, Great Circle Sound, Master’s Touch, Treasure Isle, Bullet Recording, and Grand Central Studio, as well as Gary Hedden’s GHL Audio – with Hans Altena, John G. Elliott, and James Ward producing. Mixed at GHL Audio and Bullet Recording. All songs written by James Ward.
James Ward is backed by the rhythm section of Joe English Band and Kerry Livgren appeares on guitar as well. Guest vocals provided by Greg Volz, Kathy Troccoli, and Marty McCall of Fireworks and First Call fame.
In the past, James Ward has combined the tight jazz/rock of Steely Dan with the gospel influence of Edwin Hawkins to produce his own unique sound. On ‘Good Advice’, however, he takes a questionable detour toward slick pop/rock. Last year while he was laid up with back problems for several weeks, Ward was forced to compose more frequently with a synthesizer and drum machine. More’s the pity, since his incapacitation was responsible for some terrific lyrics. «Growing Pains», an autobiographical sketch detailing his infirmity, will have you feeling the agony he went through. Ward’s response? «Pray, Pray, Pray» – a slow gospel workout that is also quite moving. Listen for studio “ringer” Kerry Livgren on guitar and the guest vocal triumvirate of Marty McCall, Kathy Troccoli, and Greg Volz.
Lest we forgot under whose watchful eye all things occur, Ward reminds us with the pointed political (and spiritual) commentary «God Knows What Nations Do». Although James’ voice sound strained at times, he’s never sounded better than on the dynamic «Death Is Ended» and the more subdued «I Belong to You».
As for backup musicians, you could do a lot worse than The English Band. They provide a solid rhythmic underpinning for the upbeat tracks and show a tasteful restraint on the quieter pieces.
So what’s the problem? Well, compared to his previous major label efforts (‘Mourning to Dancing‘ and ‘Faith Takes a Vision‘) and even some of his interim custom projects, ‘Good Advice’ is a bit of a disappointment. Still, since a mildly disappoiting James Ward record is better than 95% of what’s on the market, ‘Good Advice’ is a good investment. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, February 1986]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/good-advice/346338845)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Good Advice” – 3:26
A2. “Pray, Pray, Pray” – 4:32
A3. “You’ll Know” – 3:25
A4. “I Belong To You” – 4:30
A5. “Growing Pains” – 3:49
Side Two
B1. “We Cry” – 3:41
B2. “God Knows What Nations Do” – 4:49
B3. “Lord Of Our Unity” – 4:17
B4. “Death Is Ended” – 5:12
Note: Digitally remastered and re-issued on CD in 2009.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.