Description
Laughter in Your Soul is the debut album by the American singer and songwriter Jamie Owens, released on Light Records in 1973. Also released in the UK by Light Records, distributed by Word. The album was recorded by by Buck Herring at Sunwest Studio in Hollywood, California; with Jamie’s father Jimmy Owens and Herring producing. Vocal arrangements by Jamie Owens, Annie Herring of 2nd Chapter of Acts, and Michael Been (later of The Call fame). Background vocals provided by 2nd Chapter of Acts and Michael Been, among others.
Featuring covers of “Charity”, a song written by Kenn Gulliksen (and recorded on his album with the same title, released the following year), “Love Is”, a song written by Barry McGuire and Tim Buttram (originally recorded by Agape Force – featuring McGuire – on their self-titled album released in 1972, and also recorded by McGuire on his 1973 solo album Seeds), and “I’m So Happy”, a song written by Annie Herring and her husband Buck (and originally recorded and released by 2nd Chapter of Acts as a single in 1972).
Another sister from the heyday of Jesus music who needs little introduction. Jimmy Owens (i.e., dad) and Buck Herring produced Laughter In Your Soul and it sounds an awful lot like 2nd Chapter Of Acts (perhaps because they provide the vocal backgrounds?) Musically this has the same piano-backed Jesus rock style of early Myrrh artists like 2nd Chapter, Barry McGuire, etc. In fact «Peace», «Love Is» and «Walk In The Sonshine» (with fuzz guitar!) can also all be found on early Barry McGuire LPs. Also includes «May I Introduce You To A Friend» and a cover of Kenn Gulliksen’s «Charity». Soft background strings on a few tracks, but for the most part steers clear of the heavy orchestrations sometimes found on the Light label. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/laughter-in-your-soul/946450938)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “You’ll Start Falling In Love” – 4:16
A2. “Peace” – 3:55
A3. “I’m So Happy” – 2:41
A4. “Charity” – 4:46
A5. “Love Is” – 3:44
Side Two
B1. “Walk In The Sonshine” – 2:47
B2. “Living Light” – 2:41
B3. “We’re Lookin’ Upward” – 2:35
B4. “Sweet Dying Lamb” – 2:56
B5. “May I Introduce You To A Friend” – 2:41
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Light Records. Re-issued on CD in 1999 by NewPort Records, distributed by Diamante, featuring both Laughter In Your Soul and Growing Pains along with two bonus tracks, “Strong Arm” and “I’m Yours”.
Who’s Who on the album’s Front Cover: Michael Been (later of The Call) is lying in the lawn, far right next to his wife (holding the guitar.) On the other side of her is Matthew Ward. Nelly Ward (Greisen) is on the hood of the Toyota; my brother, Buddy Owens is on the roof. Annie Herring is in the red shirt next to the dog. (This was actually the first time the Second Chapter of Acts – Matthew, Nelly, and Annie – appeared on an album cover.) My parents, Jimmy and Carol Owens, are in the middle behind me. The others are friends who weren’t actually on the record, just hanging out. Wally Duguid (guy with dark hair, seated behind the guitar case) is an extraordinary sound genius who worked with Buck Herring a lot in those days, then went on to run all the television sound for the Billy Graham Org for many years. Right in front of the guitar case is Michael Been’s long-time drummer/band mate, Scott Musick. He didn’t play on this record, but he backed 2nd Chapter of Acts, Barry McGuire, and me on the road. Others in the pic were spouses and friends. [Jamie Owens Collins on Facebook, October 2016]
CREDITS. Produced by Jimmy Owens and Buck Herring. Recorded at Sunwest Studio, Hollywood, CA. Recording Engineer is Buck Herring. Vocal Group Arrangements by Annie Herring, Michael Been and Jamie Owens. Orchestrations by Jimmy Owens. Album Design and Photography by Woody Woodward Grafix.
Musicians: Background vocals by The 2nd Chapter of Acts, plus Michael Been, Buddy Owens, Jamie Owens and March. Background Voice on “Living Light” is Matthew Ward. Special thanks to guitarist Art Munson.
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