Description
The self-titled debut album by the American melodic rock band The Union of Sinners & Saints was released on Suite 28 Records in 2016. The album was produced and arranged by band member Billy Smiley of White Heart fame for Northern Shore Productions. Tracking by Smiley at BrewBeat Studios in Franklin, Tennessee, except “Brother to Brother” tracked by Ben Adamson at The Chu’ch in Los Angeles, California, and “Christ The Lord Is Risen Today” tracked at the Outfield Studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Vocals, overdubs, and editing by Smiley at Dark Horse Recording in Franklin. Mixed by band member Jonathan Crone at The Noise Floor in Brentwood, Tennessee; except tracks 7, 8, 11, and 12 mixed by Richie Biggs at Scaggs Place in Hendersonville, Tennessee. The album includes covers of “Independence Day” (originally recorded by White Heart on their 1990-album Powerhouse) and “Beyond Belief” (originally recorded by Petra on their 1990-album by the same title).
The Union of Sinners & Saints is John Schlitt on lead vocals (formerly lead singer of Petra), Billy Smiley on guitar and keyboards (a founding member of White Heart), Jason Fowler on vocals and guitar, Jonathan Crone on vocals, guitar and keyboards, Anthony Sallee on bass (formerly of White Heart), and Jon Knox on drums (formerly of Adam Again and White Heart).
A special thanks to the Petra and Whiteheart Alumni who so graciously gave of their time and energy to add their artistry to this project; Anthony Sallee, Jon Knox, Bob Hartman, John Lawry, Dann Huff, Brian Wooten, Chris McHugh, Gary Lunn, and Richie Biggs. Also thanks to special friends and musicians who enhanced the project with their talent; Jonathan Crone, Jason Fowler, John Ellis (courtesy of Tree 63), Peter Furler, Michael W. Smith, Phil Keaggy, Dave Ellefson (courtesy of Megadeath), Ron Hemby (courtesy of The Eaglesmaniacs), Brennan Smiley (courtesy of The Technicolors), Blair Masters (courtesy of Dogs of Peace), Jeff Ocheltree, Terry White, and Steve Brewster (courtesy of Peter Cetera).
As many now know, The Union Of Sinners And Saints contains in its lineup producer/musician Billy Smiley (from Whiteheart) and John Schlitt (from Petra). This debut album is a classic rock smash up that doesn’t re-tread some of those bands’ best moments. Instead TUOSAS create a new album of songs that simply highlight the best elements of their old bands. Even the cover versions of classics like «Beyond Belief» and «Independence Day» bring fresh sounds and after John Schlitt’s mellower recent solo efforts, it’s good to hear him at his hard rock best on this. While classic rock in style, the band aren’t scared to keep on creating new material and there is plenty that’s impressive here. The creative production work on «Bittersweet» is musically exciting while the gentler «Lone Soldier» is an emotive ballad. The version of the old hymn «Christ The Lord Is Risen Today» will appeal to fans who loved the old Petra Praise albums and the rocker «Old Guys Rule» has a sense of humour which knows that veteran rockers are so easily written off by an industry which is obsessed with the new. These guys have years of classic rock music making and ministry in their bones and it shows. Old guys rule! [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, November 2016]
> iTunes (https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-union-of-sinners-and-saints/1114082587)
CD tracklist:
01. Rise Up – 4:40
02. Brother to Brother – 4:16
03. Now Not Never – 3:51
04. Independence Day – 4:31
05. Lone Soldier – 5:10
06. The Things We Do – 3:48
07. Old Guys Rule – 3:13
08. The Call – 4:18
09. My Offering – 4:24
10. Beyond Belief – 4:24
11. Bittersweet – 4:16
12. Christ the Lord Is Risen Today – 3:02
Note: Six of the tracks on the CD was issued on 12-inch vinyl LP in December 2017, which also includes an unplugged ballad medley that features “Fly Eagle Fly” and “Desert Rose” by Whiteheart; and “Coloring Song” and “Just Reach Out” by Petra. LP tracklist: A1. “Unplugged Medley”, A2. “Brother To Brother”, A3. “Old Guys Rule”, B1. “Rise Up”, B2. “Independence Day”, B3. “Bittersweet”, B4. “Beyond Belief”.
Available at Bandcamp: https://theunionofsinnersandsaints.bandcamp.com/album/the-union-of-sinners-and-saints
The Union of Sinners & Saints (L-R): Anthony Sallee, Jason Fowler, John Schlitt, Billy Smiley, Jon Knox, Jonathan Crone.
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