Lamb

Description

The self-titled debut album (a.k.a. Lamb I) by the American Messianic folk-rock duo Lamb (Joel Chernoff and Rick “Levi” Coghill) was released on Myrrh Records in 1973, though originally independently released on their own label, Messianic Records. The album was recorded by Wes Owen at Counterpart Creative Studios in Cincinnati, Ohio; with band member Rick “Levi” Coghill producing for Messianic Records. Mixed by Owen and Coghill. All songs directed and arranged by Coghill. All songs written by band member Joel Chernoff except tracks A1 and A3 co-written with Dana Langford.

Featuring Lamb – Joel Chernoff (lead and background vocals, and 12-string acoustic guitar) and Rick “Levi” Coghill (background vocals, 6 and 12-string acoustic guitars, and electric wah-wah, fuzz, echo, and leslie guitars) – supported by session players Lou James on all keyboards (including vibes and marimba), Steve Mendell on bass, and Bill Hines on percussion.

Lamb, consisting of principal songwriter and lead singer Joel Chernoff and producer/arranger/guitarist Rick “Levi” Coghill (1947 – 2021), was formed in 1972, and is considered by many to be the music group responsible for pioneering and popularizing Messianic Jewish music. Joel wrote the songs and Rick gave the songs flare with cool sounds and state of the art production for the day. (Coghill originally was a Nashville session musician and also worked with James Brown and the Lemon Pipers.)

Lamb is the long-running duo of Rick ‘Levi’ Coghill and Joel Chernoff integrating rock with Jewish folk elements, they produce a unique and refreshing sound essential for the Jesus music connoisseur. Their debut album consists mostly of heartfelt melancholy lamentations alongside light-to-mid-rocking songs. Often drawn from Old Testament passages and principles that point to Christ the Messiah, frequently in a minor key, sometimes sung in the native Hebrew tongue. Features Joel on 12-string acoustic guitar, Rick on 6 and 12-string acoustic guitars, electric wah-wah, fuzz, echo and leslie guitars, plus others on keyboards, bass and percussion. Contains what is perhaps their best-known song, «The Sacrifice Lamb». Also one harder rocking number, the organ-churning «The Least I Could Do». A very talented group, though I have to admit I’m usually in the mood for something a bit more upbeat after prolonged exposure. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/lamb-i/460820466)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “The Judge” – 3:25
A2. “Ha-Teesh-Kach” – 5:15
A3. “Ba-Ruch Ha-Shem” – 3:06
A4. “The Sacrifice Lamb” – 5:09

Side Two
B1. “Time Is Running Out” – 3:33
B2. “Dra-Chai-Chah” – 3:40
B3. “The Least I Could Do” – 5:18
B4. “The Night Is Far Spent” – 3:23

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CREDITS. Directed, arranged, and produced by Rick “Levi” Coghill. Recorded by Wes Owen at Counterpart Creative Studios, Cincinnati, Ohio. Mixed by Wes Owen and “Levi” Coghill. All songs directed and arranged by “Levi” Coghill.

Musicians: Joel Chernoff (Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, 12-string Acoustic Guitar), Rick “Levi” Coghill (6 & 12-string Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar [Wah-wah, Fuzz, Echo, Leslie], Backing Vocals), Steve Mendell (Bass), Lou James (Keyboards, Vibraphone, Marimba), Bill Hines (Percussion).