Face the Distance

Description

Face the Distance is the solo debut album by the Canadian singer Bob Hardy of Servant fame, released on Regency Records in 1990, distributed by Spectra Distribution. The album was recorded and mixed by Bob Benson at Seacoast Sound in Victoria/British Columbia, Canada; with former Servant bandmate Bruce Wright producing and arranging, and Benson co-producing. All songs written by Bruce Wrigh except track 3 written by Bob Hardy and Joey Holder.

It is not often that a solo debut is also a comeback effort, but Bob Hardy, the male co-vocalist of Servant with Sandie Brock through ‘Light Maneuvers‘, seeks to return to music ministry with ‘Face the Distance’. Actually, the disc is more a collaboration with old Servant mate, Bruce Wright, who produces, writes, and plays most of this release. For Hardy’s part, he sings, and does so quite well.

While Hardy offers up fine interpretations, the real draw here is Wright’s mature pop and rock songs written with an adult experience in mind. The musicianship and production values are excellent, I especially enjoyed several piano excursions by Morry Stearn and saxophone part by Chris Millington, but again Wright often plays numerous guitars, keys and drum programs. Wright will not be part of Hardy’s touring group, which may create some identity problems, but here the team works together to make a solid effort from some old friends. Completing the reunion, Servant’s Owen Brock provided the album’s cover design, and the band’s old manager, Jim Palosaari, will be booking Hardy. This one will warm th hearts of old Servant fans, while breaking new artistic ground for Bruce Wright and Bob Hardy. [Brian Q. Newcomb, CCM, December 1990]

CD tracklist:

01. Chariots – 4:39
02. Different Drum – 4:23
03. Moment With You – 5:27
04. Egypt – 4:35
05. Song Of Songs – 3:54
06. Heaven In Disguise – 4:02
07. Runaway – 3:42
08. Written Word – 4:16
09. Trains – 5:51
10. East To West – 4:23

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Regency Records.

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