In Concert

Description

In Concert is the first live album by the American singer and songwriter Amy Grant, released on Myrrh Records in May 1981, a division of Word. The album was recorded by Jack Joseph Puig and Brown Bannister with Bannister producing. In Concert was the first album of a double live set, the other being In Concert, Volume Two, which was released later the same year. Although the two should have been issued as a double album, budget problems forced the two to be released separately. Featuring two previously unheard songs, “Mimi’s House,” Grant’s reminiscence of her great-grandmother, and the pop-gospel tune “Singing a Love Song.”

Amy Grant is backed by the DeGarmo & Key Band (Dana Key on guitars and vocals, Eddie DeGarmo on keyboards, Greg Morrow on drums, with Mike Brignardello stepping in on bass for Tommy Cathey), as well as singer-songwriter Billy Sprague on guitars and vocals with Gerry Peters playing Oberheim OB-X synthesizer. Background vocals provided by David Durham, Theresa Ellis, Jan Harris, and Gary Pigg.

With the exception of two new songs, this album is really just a collection of some of Amy Grant’s more popular songs recorded live. The set was taped last February on the opening nights of her current tour (with the DeGarmo & Key Band backing her).

The recording quality is great, as is the band. In fact, except for the audience response (which is enthusiastic, even if a little slow), this sounds a lot like a studio recording. Apparently aware that non-musical segments don’t usually wear well on a live recording, Amy wisely kept the “sharing” at a minimum. This leaves the emphasis on the songs themselves, which is good since Amy’s performance is a little lackluster.

‘In Concert’ opens with a medley of «Beautiful Music», «Giggle»,«Old Man’s Rubble», and «Never Give You Up», then moves into «Mimi’s House», a song about her great-grandmother. She then performs «My Father’s Eyes» and «Faith Walkin’ People». Side two of this single-pocket disc includes «Walking Away With You», «Mountain Top», «All I Ever Have to Be», «Don’t Give Up On Me» and a gentle acoustic number called «Singing A Love Song».

(Best cuts: «Walking Away With You», «Faith Walkin’ People» and the medley.) [John W. Styll, CCM (What’s New), July 1981]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/in-concert-live-vol-1/716693999)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. Medley: “Beautiful Music”/”Giggle”/”Old Man’s Rubble”/”Never Give You Up” – 9:31
A2. “Mimi’s House” – 3:26
A3. “Father’s Eyes” – 5:50
A4. “Faith Walkin’ People” – 3:56

Side Two
B1. “Walking Away With You” – 4:38
B2. “Mountain Top” – 3:40
B3. “All I Ever Have To Be” – 3:16
B4. “Singing A Love Song” – 5:52
B5. “Don’t Give Up On Me” – 4:04

Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl LP by Myrrh Records. Later re-issued on CD.

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