Description
In a Maze of Grace is an album by the American singer Dick Hoopes (November 5, 1950 – July 23, 2018), released on VES in 1975. The album was recorded by Tom Russell and Kirk Bressler, assisted by Rick Spears, at Leon Russell’s Shelter Church Studio in Tulsa, Oklahoma; with Douglas Brown producing. Mixed by Tom Russell.
The album was engineered by Tom Russell, a Muscle Shoals Sound Studios engineer. The session band includes keyboardist Walt Richmond, saxophonist Pat “Taco” Ryan, Jimmy Byfield on bass, and Jamie Oldaker on percussion. They were all band members who toured with Eric Clapton and happened to be on break from the tour, when they recorded this album. Richard Feldman, who co-wrote “Promises” with Eric Clapton and Roger Linn, played guitar. The other musicians on the album were all in Hoopes’ live band; Tim Wilkins on keyboards, Jim Bolley on acoustic guitar, Paul Nabb on electric guitar, as well as bassist Dennis Whitley. Backing vocals provided by Jim Bolley and Stephanie Boosahda.
Featuring a handful of covers including the Larry Norman classic “Sweet Song of Salvation“, “Little Country Church” by Love Song, Ken Medema’s “Don’t Play the Game“, Donny Hathaway’s “Magnificent Sanctuary Band”, as well as Arthur Reid Reynolds’ 1966 gospel-classic “Jesus Is Just Alright” (an album produced by Gary S. Paxton).
Soulfully rocking along with a touch of old-school Mylon LeFevre, Dick Hoopes tapped into that bluesy down-South sound that blends organ and piano with rock guitar and female backing vocals. Such is the formula on tracks like «Magnificent Sanctuary Band», «Don’t Play The Game», «Sweet Song Of Salvation», «Come On Down», «Little Country Church» and a heavy cover of «Jesus Is Just Alright». Includes a couple lightweight softie things of lesser quality, one of which falls into the “Christianized secular song” category: the transformation of the Three Dog Night ballad «Pieces Of April» into – what else – «Pieces Of Jesus» (you know someday I’m gonna make a compilation tape of all these things). «Time Of Change» is an interesting song that moseys along to a slow lazy nightclub jazz groove that includes loungy sax and some fine extended keyboard jamming. Same small label that begat albums by Sycomore and Dave Stearman. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]
Now and then it happens
It’s like a refreshing cool breeze after a gentle rain. You feel the breeze against your face, and suddenly life takes on new meaning; there’s a renewed appreciation for just being alive, and experiencing all the excitement of living. Suddenly you are aware of the universe, your life, and God’s immense love for you. You know He cares.
Now and then it happens in music, but not nearly enough. When it does, you know it. The clarity of sound, the breath-taking expression, the sincereness all comes together and you’re spellbound. Music is such a real part of our lives, it lifts the spirit and renews the soul.
Long before he was even in high school, Dick Hoopes was bringing to audiences that spellbound feeling as he sang the old and the new songs of the church. Born and raised in Colorado, Dick has always been close to nature having been raised near a saw mill. Somehow this closeness to God and to nature comes through in his songs as you hear him break into “Through it All.”
Dick is a young talent that promises to rise to the forefront of contemporary sacred music. He is a voice singing with the understanding that talent is a gift to be given and shared freely with others. Through music he begins to share his heritage in the church and his own commitment to Christ.
The songs presented in this album are contemporary and powerful, with a beat; yet they bear witness to an age-old simplicity of the Gospel. Woven with both old and new is the theme of man’s need for God and God’s fulfillment to man.
This collection of songs introduces Dick Hoopes as a striking talent that will bring hours of listening pleasure and deeper inspiration.
Dave Cox,
Executive Director
Youth for Christ
Campus Life
[Album liner notes featured on the back of the LP sleeve]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Magnificent Sanctuary Band”
A2. “Through It All”
A3. “Don’t Play The Game”
A4. “Amazin’ Grace”
A5. “Sweet Song of Salvation”
Side Two
B1. “Pieces Of Jesus”
B2. “Jesus Is Just Alright”
B3. “Come On Down”
B4. “Time Of Change”
B5. “Little Country Church”
CREDITS. Produced by Douglas Brown. Recorded at: Shelter Records, Third Street Studio. Engineered by Tom Russell and Kirk Bressler assisted by Rick Spears. Mixed by Tom Russell. Special thanks to Fellowship Congregational Church for facilities.
Musicians: Vocal Backup: Jim Bolley, Dick Hoopes, Stephanie Boosahda. Tim Wilkins (Keyboards), Walt Richmond (Keyboards), Pat “Taco” Ryan (Alto Saxophone), Jim Bolley (Acoustic Guitar), Paul Nabb (Electric Guitar), Richard Feldman (Electric Guitar), Dennis Whitley (Bass), Jim “Otto” Byfield (Bass), Jamie Odaker (Percussion). Rhythm Section on “Through It All”: Third Street Rhythm Band.
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