Still Life

Description

Still Life is the third album by the American singer and songwriter John Fischer, released on Light Records in 1974. The album was recorded by Keith Olsen (while he was also working on the Buckingham Nicks album by Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac fame) at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California; with Dan Collins and John Fischer producing. All songs written by John Fischer.

Featuring session musicians like keyboardist Michael Omartian, guitarist Dean Parks, and a rhythm section consisting of bassist Reine Press and Elvis-drummer Ron Tutt (actually the rhythm section of Neil Diamond around that time).

It was on the Light label that Fischer’s popularity in Christian music flowered and where he settled into his characteristic soft rock style. While often mellow and heavily string-orchestrated, Still Life seldom dips to the point of sappiness. Fischer still plays acoustic guitar, although on half the songs his preferred instrument is now piano (as on the title ballad). «Simple Pleasures» has a relaxed easygoing singer/songwriter melody that brings to mind James Taylor. Rockers will be glad to find a harder-edged gem in «Matthews Blues», with the organ-backed «Brightest And Best» not too far behind. Also includes his familiar sing-along «All Day Song» (“love him in the morning when you see the sun arising”). Michael Omartian provides keyboards on a few songs, while Pam Mark appears on backing vocals. Fold-out cover. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Still Life” – 2:04
A2. “Open Your Heart” – 4:17
A3. “Simple Pleasures” – 3:24
A4. “Setting Of The Sun” – 4:01
A5. “I’m Human” – 4:02

Side Two
B1. “Matthew’s Blues” – 4:40
B2. “Brightest And Best” – 2:46
B3. “All Day Song” – 4:00
B4. “We Are All Together” – 3:41
B5. “Rest In Him” – 2:26

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Light Records with the LP edition housed in a gatefold sleeve with the lyrics printed on the inside. Light Records/Lexicon Music also released a 71 page songbook entitled Still Life for Youth Choirs. Remastered in 2015 by the original producer, Dan Collins. Available at Bandcamp: http://johnfischer.bandcamp.com/album/still-life

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Gatefold Cover, Inside

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CREDITS. Produced by Dan Collins and John Fischer. Recorded at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, CA. Engineered by Keith Olson with assistance from Steve Escallier. Instrumental Arranged by Clark Gassman. Vocal Arranged by Dan Collins. Track B3 directed by Clark Gassman. Cover Design by Harry Smallwood. All songs written by John Fischer.

Musicians: John Fischer (Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Piano), Michael Omartian (Piano, Fender Rhodes Electric Piano), Clark Gassman (Organ, Electric Piano Fender Rhodes), Sid Sharp (Violin Solo on track A2), Dean Parks (Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar), Dennis Budimir (Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Mandolin), Louie Shelton (Electric Guitar), Reine Press (Bass), Ron Tutt (Drums). Backing Vocals: Dan Collins, Melba Caster, Pam Mark, Walt Harrah. Backing Vocals on track B4: Barb Harrah, Cal Harrah, Dan Collins, Jan Gassman, Jill Gassman, Jim Harrah, John Harrah, Melba Caster, Pam Mark, Phillis Harrah, Walt Harrah.