Description
The self-titled debut album by the American R&B/funk band First Gear featuring Larnelle Harris was released on Myrrh Records in 1972, a division of Word. The album was recorded at Wessex Studio in London, England; and at MICSIDE Recording Studio in Minneapolis, Minnesota; with Thurlow Spurr producing. Arranged by Darrell Rodman. Larnelle Harris is featured soloist on all tracks except “Better Times” featuring vocals by Russ Gregory. (Harris, originally a drummer, also provides percussion on the album.) First Gear (catalog number MST-6505-LP) was the sixth album released on Myrrh Records, Word’s first – and at the time brand new – contemporary music label.
Larnelle Harris originally began as drummer with seminal Jesus music group the Spurrlows. From there he joined the equally influential Spurrlow spin-off First Gear, where he moved to lead vocals. Eventually, he began a solo career and also became a key member of the New Gaither Vocal Band.
Soulful jazzy brass-based rock outfit that believe it or not featured Larnelle Harris on lead vocals. And if that conjures up images of quiet contemporary ballads or Sandi Patti duets, check out his groovin’ rendition of Carole King’s «I Feel The Earth Move» or those screaming yeah-yeah-yeahs that keep croppin’ up. Can’t imagine what he thinks of this stuff now given the inspirational route his later music took. Sax, trumpet, trombone, and organ all get periodic solo workouts, and there’s a smokin’ rendition of «Better Times» from label-mates Crimson Bridge’s LP. Although released on a Christian label, the lyrics are not so much Jesus music, but more positive pop, including covers of «He Ain’t Heavy» and «Mr. Bojangles». Not bad for early Myrrh. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Get Happy” – 2:58
A2. “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” – 3:31
A3. “I Feel The Earth Move” – 3:50
A4. “Mr. Bojangles” – 3:16
A5. “Ain’t No Stoppin'” – 4:12
Side Two
B1. “Peace, Peace” – 4:28
B2. “Show It” – 2:10
B3. “Better Times” – 2:59
B4. “Baked Bean Jam” – 3:27
B5. “Thank You Very Much” – 2:09
An article entitled On the Myrrh label, which included a short note about First Gear, was featured in the October 14, 1972 issue of Billboard Magazine.
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