Northbound

Description

The self-titled, sole album by the American pop/rock band Northbound was released on Myrrh Records in 1983, a division of Word. The album was produced and recorded by Bill Bottrell at the Soundcastle in Los Angeles, California; and at Triad Studios in Redmond, Washington. Mixed by Bottrell at the Soundcastle. (This was Bottrell’s first major production. He would go on working with artists like ELO, Michael Jackson, and Madonna.) Songs written by either Bob Book or Ron Gollner, or co-written by both.

Northbound features Ron Gollner on lead vocals, Fender Rhodes piano, Moog and Prophet V synthesizers, Bob Book on guitar and lead vocals, Tim Camp on bass, and Dave Workman on drums and vocals (actually not the same drummer that played for Prodigal).

Trivia: As a teenager back in 1969 Ron Göllner was member of a Christian rock band called Brotherhood, which also featured Michael Roe of the 77’s fame.

Northbound is an irresistibly funky, amazingly confident, self-titled debut album, one of 1983’s best, and also most neglected. If the serious business of heaven is indeed joy, as C.S. Lewis says, then there’s a little bit of heaven in this vinyl. These guys are having a great time playing – and the music shows it.

Northbound boasts a fresh, engaging sound. Maybe it’s because they’re from the wilds of Oregon, sequestered from the increasingly hackneyed, formulaic studios of LA and Nashville. You’ll still hear bits and pieces of early Doobies, Huey Lewis and the News, Pablo Cruise, Steely Dan, and the late Sanford-Townsend Band (creators of the classic «Smoke from a Distant Fire»).

There’s a strong vocal dialogue between lead singers Bob Book and Ron Gollner on virtually every tune. First they trade off the melody lines, then everybody kicks in together on the unison chorus. It’s enough to send shivers down an old r&b fan’s spine.

Several surefire hits can be counted on Northbound. «Dancin’ in the Aisles» sounds hot enough to become a Top 40 smash. The rhythm section is brash and muscular and the guys sing their hearts out. «Evening Song» is a moody, mystical masterpiece spiced by Steve Allen’s seductive sax line. The chords are a mix of 10cc and Steely Dan, and the production by Bill Bottrell is little short of immaculate.

The other can’t-miss prospect is «Life without Your Love», although I’m more partial to the honky-tonk piano and doo-wop harmonies on «You Got Me Singin’». Allen’s howling sax solo after the chorus proves the guy can blow!

While several of the musicians are ministers in Oregon, not all the songs feature overt Christian references. Tunes like «Maybe Tonight», «When I Look in Your Eyes», and «Livin’ in the Light» are highly ethical pop-rock tunes performed with panache and style. And while there’s no mention of the Holy Trinity in any of them, they all feel very right to me.

«What Do You Do», for instance, spins a decidedly moralistic tale, dramatic and moving. It asks tough, probing questions. So, does that fact that the name of Jesus is not invoked negate its potential impact – or power?

Northbound’s music is good enough to stand toe to toe with any rock band in the country and slug it out, chord for chord, lick for lick – and make it work. [Oregon Christian Music, August 24, 2008]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Dancin’ In The Aisles” – 3:31
A2. “Maybe Tonight” – 5:10
A3. “Livin’ In The Light” – 4:21
A4. “What Do You Do” – 5:48

Side Two
B1. “Evening Song” – 4:07
B2. “Life Without Your Love” – 4:39
B3. “You Got Me Singin'” – 3:29
B4. “When I Look In Your Eyes” – 3:33
B5. “Easy Street” – 3:02

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Myrrh Records.

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