Description
Yes, I Believe! is an album by the American singer and songwriter John Blake, released on Heartland Records in 1982. Distributed by Priority Records the following year. The album was recorded by Greg McNeily and Gary Platt, with Jon Phelps producing (the latter president and part owner of Heartland, and a former member of Suncast). Mixed by McNeily. Featuring five songs written by John Blake, four songs written by Lloyd Boldman of Prodigal, and one song by Theo French.
John Blake’s ‘Yes, I Believe’ (Heartland HRC-102) doesn’t exactly scream out at you in the maze of new record releases. It doesn’t have a day-glo hot-pink cover. Nor does it boast some brand of ultra-new-wave music. ‘Yes, I Believe’ is a simple album moderately produced around an acoustical guitar and Blake’s vocals. But as the Quaker folk hymn says, «Tis a gift to be simple».
Instead of slick, Blake gives us worship. But the album is much more than your usual sing-along praise-chorus album. Each song is a gentle exhortation to come commune with our God; to let your heart sing in the presence of the Father. “Father come take me to Your inner court/ A quiet place to seek Your face in the Holy of Holies,” pleads Blake in «Inner Court».
John Phelps produced this album for the new Heartland label, and it carries Phelp’s signature. Although sparingly used, the background vocals are beautifully layered and soothing. And if you’re an obscurity hound, you’ll notice that ‘Believe’ sounds a lot like recordings made by Phelp’s old band, Suncast. Maybe it’s because three out of four former Suncasters wrote, played, sang and engineered for this album.
Unfortunately, Suncast’s gentle acoustical music got lost in the quick proliferation of mid-70’s Christian albums. As Blake begins to explore the realms of worship music that Suncast helped blaze, let’s hope he doesn’t get lost in a market of star-studded, polished, Christian music. Creative worship music is sorely needed. It seems there’s never a crowd in the Throne Room. [Tom Stribling, CCM, February 1983]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Take Some Time For Me” – 3:19
A2. “In The Morning” – 2:14
A3. “Say Goodbye” – 2:50
A4. “Advent Song” – 3:37
A5. “Inner Court” – 4:05
Side Two
B1. “Jerusalem” – 3:20
B2. “Show Your Love” – 4:10
B3. “Time” – 4:32
B4. “Jonathan” – 3:52
B5. “Yes, I Believe!” – 3:10
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Heartland Records.
A full-page advertisement for John Blake’s Yes, I Believe! was featured in the April 1983 issue of CCM Magazine.
CREDITS. Produced by Jon Phelps. Engineered by Greg McNeily and Gary Platt. Assistant Engineer: Steve Moller. Recorded and Mixed in Nashville and Florida. Mixed by Greg McNeily. Mastered by by Ron Lewter at JVC Cutting Center.
Musicians: John Blake (Acoustic Guitar, Vocals), Alan Steinberger (Acoustic and Electric Piano, Synthesizers), Jon Goin (Acoustic and Electric Guitar), Greg McNeily (Bass), Larrie Londin (Drums), Farrell Morris (Percussion). Background Vocals: Jeff Doles, Greg Doles, Jon Phelps, John Blake (A1 and B2); Kay Roebuck, Theo French, Jon Phelps (A3, A4, B4). John Blake & Kay Roebuck (duet on track B1).
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