Don’t Give In

Description

Don’t Give In is the sophomore solo album by the American singer, songwriter, and keyboardist Leon Patillo, released on Myrrh Records in 1981, a division of Word. The album was recorded by Willie Harlan and Brook Johnson at International Automated Media in Irvine, California; with Skip Konte producing. Mixed by Harlan at International Automated Media. Orchestrated by Dave Garland. All songs written by Leon Patillo except tracks A5 and B4.

Featuring Leon Patillo on lead vocals and all keyboards, backed by a rhythm section consisting of Charlie Souza of Darrell Mansfield band on bass and Patillo’s former bandmate from his days with Santana, Gaylord Birch on drums, with producer Skip Konte sitting in on percussion. Background vocals provided by Donn Thomas and Leon Patillo. Additional background vocals on tracks A4 and B1 by Tim and Denny Correll, Fred Field, Joni Dias, Kirsten Konte, Mickey Rooney Jr., Patty Bolton, and Regunia Peoples.

The former Santana vocalist delivered a second solo gospel set in 1981 which highlighted his funky keyboard-driven pop gospel. So songs like «Blessed Is» and «Have Faith» are a message and groove-driven intro to the album. The production from Skip Konte is more sophisticated than his debut and although this wasn’t a huge breakthrough success, that would come ‘The Live Experience‘ in 1983, ‘Don’t Give In’ did help Leon build on his popularity. And the set did contain one absolute classic «Flesh Of My Flesh» which has been subsequently covered by plenty of artists and become a romantic staple for solo spots at church weddings. There are also a couple of covers on this set with the updating and gospelisation of Jackie Wilson’s «(Your Love Is Lifting Me) Higher And Higher» works OK. Less successful is an ill advised version of George Harrison’s «My Sweet Lord». «Star Of The Morning» and the title track are the kind of Christian pop which Leon would later develop so well on albums like ‘Sky’s The Limit‘. The album finishes with another fine song, a soulful reminder that we need to respond to the challenge of the great commission with «Go». Interestingly, his debut ended with the altar call invitation «Come» and this one ends with the command to go! Overall, a solid album. [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, December 2010]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/dont-give-in/1165995319)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Blessed Is” – 3:33
A2. “Have Faith” – 4:33
A3. “Flesh Of My Flesh” – 4:42
A4. “We Must Believe” – 4:38
A5. “(Your Love Is Lifting Me) Higher And Higher” – 3:14

Side Two
B1. “Star Of The Morning” – 3:48
B2. “Don’t Give In” – 4:13
B3. “How Can I Begin” – 4:04
B4. “My Sweet Lord” – 3:13
B5. “Go” – 3:27

Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl LP by Myrrh Records.

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