Description
Blue Skies is the tenth solo album by the American singer and songwriter Bryan Duncan, formerly lead singer of Sweet Comfort Band, released on Myrrh Records in 1996, a division of Word. Also manufactured and distributed by Epic, a division of Sony Music. The album was recorded by Dan Garcia at Seventeen Grand Recording in Nashville, Tennessee, assisted by Greg Parker; at A To Z Studios in San Dimas, California, assisted by Scott Lovelis; at Terra Nova Studio in Pasadena, California; at Granite Studios in West Hollywood, California, assisted by Brian Carney; and at LA F/X in North Hollywood, California, assisted by Teresa Cactin; and was produced by Dan Posthuma, assisted by Garcia. Mixed by Steve MacMillan at Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California, assisted by Tim Gerron; and at A&M Studios in Hollywood, California; assisted by Krishan Sharma. Tracks arranged by Tim Pierce and Alan Pasqua with brass arranged by Bob Wilson of Seawind fame. All songs co-written by Bryan Duncan except track 7 written by Peter Roberts and Scott Cross.
Bryan Duncan is backed by a session band featuring Alan Pasqua on keyboards, Tim Pierce on guitar, Jimmie Lee Sloas on bass (with James Raymond providing Mini-moog bass), Scott Williamson and Bob Wilson on drums, with Eric Boseman and Steve Latanation on percussion. Brass by Kim Hutchcroft (saxophone), Larry Hall (trumpet), and David Beetty (trombone and euphonium). Background vocals provided by Thaddis “Kuk” Harrell, Lisa Lashawn, and Dave Pettway.
Stellar, blue-eyed soul singin’, masterful musicianship, learned lyrics – Duncan has quite the collection of tunes on his hands. They’re tasty enough to set even the most jaded grunge rocker’s oft-gazed upon toes tappin’ to the groove. And that’s really Blue Skies’ most apparent strength. Duncan’s band (that’s right, no sequenced instruments) sounds like an amalgamation of ’70s Philly session players, a few studio cats from Motown’s heyday, and the spirit of Grover Washington, Jr. thrown in for good measure. These dudes are that tight… Another plus is the instrumental selection. Jazzy guitar, bass, and drums are a constant presence, but subtly joining that trio throughout are organ, piano, horn, and savory percussion. Among the tastiest grooves can be found on the funky «A Whisper Heard» and especially «Joy is a Singable Thing». This latter is guaranteed to get you out of your seat (but be careful if you’re driving…). Which is not to say that Blue Skies is devoid of quieter moments. Duncan sings tenderly on «After This Day is Gone», the almost flamenco-sounding «Dying to Meet You», and the piano-dominated «Tell Me Where You Are». [Dave Urbanski, CCM, January 1997]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/blue-skies/1165946822)
CD tracklist:
01. Blue Skies – 4:18
02. Turnin’ – 3:19
03. After This Day Is Gone – 5:17
04. One Touch Away – 3:45
05. Dying To Meet You – 5:32
06. A Whisper Heard Around The World – 4:25
07. No Greater Love – 5:07
08. Tell Me Where You Are – 3:50
09. Joy Is A Singable Thing – 3:19
10. Take Another Look At Me – 4:53
11. Take Heart – 6:25
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Myrrh Records.
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