Drawn to the Light

Description

Drawn to the Light is the ninth studio album by the American singer and songwriter Paul Clark, released on Myrrh Records in November 1982, a division of Word. The album was recorded February-May 1982 by Bobby Cotton and Wally Grant at Weddington Studios in North Hollywood, California; with Paul Clark producing. All songs written by Paul Clark. Featuring Phil Keaggy and Hadley Hockensmith on guitars.

Hebrews 3:13 reminds us to “encourage one another daily.” Paul Clark’s 10th (yes, 10th) album, ‘Drawn to the Light’ (Myrrh MSB-6727), is yet another step in this minstrel’s ministry of encouragement.

Though Paul has floated through fascinations with folk, pop, rock, and jazz, he seems to have finally found his niche in a jazz/pop-fusion style. But lyrically, Paul has remained constant. His words of exhortation and encouragement are only stronger and wiser after ten-plus years of refinement.

Typical of Paul’s albums, Side One of ‘Light…’ is more uptempo and progressive. It features various types of jazz/pop, from the Doobie-like title track to the sassy «How Much More Can You Take?» Phil Keaggy adds his usual standard quality guitarmanship in the mellower «Carry Me On». In addition to Keaggy, Paul has assembled some of the finest talents in the music business for this project, including three members of Gino Vanelli’s band.

Side Two is something if a concept set, with three songs called «The Eye of the Storm Suite», sandwiched between the bright, acoustical «Good, Good Morning» and the children’s lullabye, «Good, Good Night».

The Suite is actually some excerpts from a never-released effort entitled «Eye of the Storm». And like the album, the Suite is mostly jazz instrumentals with a few oceanside sound effects added. It’s interesting imagery from a man who hails from land-locked Kansas City. But the true gem of Side Two is Clark’s gentle reminder that God’s presence is only «A Heartbeat Away».

Overall, ‘Drawn to the Light’ doesn’t really break new ground (or should I say travel uncharted waters). But it’s an album featuring what Paul does best, bringing strength to his fellow travelers on the crest of contemporary jazz and beautiful ballads. [Tom Stribling, CCM, December 1982]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/drawn-to-the-light/316920874)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Drawn to the Light” – 3:11
A2. “Give Them Your Love” – 3:04
A3. “Stand Up and Believe” – 4:39
A4. “How Much More Can You Take” – 3:03
A5. “Carry Me On” – 4:50

Side Two
B1. “Good Good Morning” – 3:08
B2. “The Eye Of The Storm Suite: The Calm / The Storm / The Eye of the Storm” – 11:10
B3. “A Heartbeat Away” – 3:13
B4. “Good Good Night” – 1:56

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Myrrh Records. Re-issued on CD by Seed Records in 1990, as a part of the 2CD compilation Minstrel’s Voyage, Vol. III: 1980-1985 – Digital Reissue Collector’s Edition.

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CREDITS. Produced by Paul Clark. Recorded at Weddington Street Studios, North Hollywood, CA. Chief Engineer: Bobby Cotton. Engineer: Wally Grant. Mastered by Steve Hall at MCA/Whitney.

Musicians: Paul Clark (Lead & Background Vocals, Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Prophet 5 Synthesizer), Rob Watson (Synthesizer & Prophet 5), Mark Cargill (Electric Violin), Steve Tavaglione (Soprano & Alto Saxophones), Hadley Hockensmith (Electric Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Bass), Phil Keaggy (Electric & Acoustic Guitar), Carlos Rios (Electric Rhythm Guitar), Leon Gaer (Electric Basses), Keith Edwards (Drums), Michael Fisher (Percussion). Background vocals: Kelly Willard, Bruce Hibbard, Phyllis St James, Debbie McClendon, Howard Smith, Paul Clark.