Description
The Anvil of God’s Word is the debut album by the American singer, songwriter, and keyboardist Jeff Johnson, independently released on his own label Ark Records in 1977. The album was produced by Jeff Johnson. All songs written by Jeff Johnson.
In contrast to the high-tech sonic textures of his later works, multi-keyboardist, guitarist and songwriter Jeff Johnson’s debut album is obviously quite sparse. Instead of soaring synths, electronic drums and pristine production, we are treated to simple arrangements with acoustic guitar, piano, chimes, violins, bells, flute, harpsichord, sound effects and organ, all in an acoustic soft-rock-bordering-on-“art”-rock style. Gentle songs for the most part, often led by piano, other times with acoustic guitar as the focus. Some intriguing song titles and topics, including the lullaby-ish «Bible Bedtime Blues» (with strange through-a-telephone vocals) and the solemn «Funeral For A Church» (which has some cool electric guitar). The introduction of brass brings a soft breezy jazz/pop mood to «Sing, We Are Children Of The Light». Although its presence is not as commanding as on subsequent albums, synthesizer can still be found on a few songs, including «The Struggle». «It’s In His Hands» would re-appear on 1989’s Pilgrimage. Though most consider his first truly great work to be his third album The Face Of The Deep, this is still a superb beginning for one of Christian music’s most respected artists and poets. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “The Anvil Of God’s Word”
A2. “The Struggle”
A3. “Sometimes When We Pray”
A4. “Jesus Has Risen”
A5. “It’s In His Hands”
A6. “Your Grace”
Side Two
B1. “Sing, We Are Children Of The Light” – 5:38
B2. “Bible Bedtime Blues” – 3:33
B3. “Funeral For A Church” – 4:00
B4. “Timothy, Preach The Word” – 4:20
B5. “The Rock” – 4:17
B6. “The Anvil Of God’s Word (Reprise)” – 0:33
Note: Available at Bandcamp: https://jeffjohnsonarkmusic.bandcamp.com/album/early-songs
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