Description
Appalachian Melody is the sophomore solo album by the American singer and songwriter Mark Heard, released on Solid Rock Records in September 1979, through the Jubilation Group distribution arm of Myrrh Records, a division of Word. The album was recorded December 1977 through January 1979, produced and arranged by Larry Norman with Mark Heard co-producing. Mixed by Heard and Ken Suesov using the EXR Exciter System. Orchestrated by Tom Howard. All songs written by Mark Heard.
Featuring Mark Heard on vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, and acoustic piano, backed by Jon Linn on lead guitar, Tom Howard on Fender Rhodes, and a rhythm section consisting of Jimmy “Flim” Johnson and Peter Johnson on bass and drums respectively, with Al Perkins sitting in on pedal steel and dobro. Background vocals provided by Larry Norman, Randy Stonehill, and Janet Sue.
A feature of this album is the beautifully recorded guitars, particularly the acoustic guitars around which most of the arrangements are built. CCM Magazine described the album as a “quality package from Mark Heard” and “a bonafide winner.” It was also awarded Album of the Year by Group Magazine.
Back in the late ‘70s every new release on the Solid Rock label was a momentous occasion for me. I remember when this one hit the racks Mark who? It looked kinda folky. but it had that “Larry Norman Presents” teaser on the front so I bought it on the spot, took it home, played it and immediately thought that’s nice – the “Christian James Taylor”. The album didn’t sink in immediately as I was hoping for something musically more radical, but over time I began to see that there was something very special here. As with Mark’s debut, Appalachian Melody is mostly acoustic ballads with a gentle-breeze back-to-nature vibe («Bless My Soul», «With The Setting Sun», the title song), a few tenderly orchestrated by Tom Howard («Castaway», «Two Trusting Jesus»). Also some light-to-middle-ground rock of the Stonehill-Norman variety, including «Here I Am (Once Again)» and the rocking opener «On The Radio». Credits include Jon Linn on lead electric guitar, as well as Larry Norman on “ooohs” and Randy Stonehill on “aaahs”. Mark’s sense of humor surfaces here and there on tracks like «Jonah’s Song» and «Happy Cornbread Anniversary», the latter featuring Randy on “living horns” (sounds suspiciously like an armpit). Still sounds just as fresh today. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]
One of the most pleasant listening experiences of 1978 was Mark Heard’s first album, On Turning To Dust. What it lacked in budget was made up in integrity and musicianship. This resulted in a simple and beautiful record that was to be a model for others to come (e.g., Ron Moore, Larry Groce, Michael Kelly Blanchard and Dave Mattson).
Mark’s new album, Appalachian Melody, is a bonafide winner. Evidently the budget has been a bit more gracious this time around, for the sound of this record is superb, reminiscent of the work of producer Peter Asher (kudos to Larry Norman, who produced here). The album, as well as Heard himself, is heavily influenced by James Taylor both instrumentally and vocally. The other influences most certainly felt here are the almost trademark contributions from the Solid Rock Family (background vocals by Larry Norman and Randy Stonehill, etc.). However, these are merely influences, not rip-offs (an important distinction), and do not rob Mark of his own individuality as an artist.
Musically, Appalachian Melody offers quite a variety. All 11 songs were written by Heard and range from ballads to folk-country, with a bit of rock ‘n’ roll thrown in for good measure. The title tune, a song about autumn, sets a pattern for the album. Its peaceful mood exemplifies most of the other songs as well as the artwork, a blend of fall colors and photos. A well-timed release of a quality package from Mark Heard. [CCM, What’s New – October 1979]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/appalachian-melody/541297377)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “On the Radio” – 3:38
A2. “Castaway” – 3:26
A3. “Bless My Soul” – 4:04
A4. “Here I Am (Once Again)” – 3:54
A5. “With the Setting Sun” – 1:42
Side Two
B1. “Appalachian Melody” – 4:17
B2. “Happy Cornbread Anniversary” – 1:48
B3. “Two Trusting Jesus” – 4:13
B4. “Jonah’s Song” – 5:26
B5. “Sidewalk Soliloquy” – 3:18
B6. “The Last Time” – 3:16
B7. “The Saints” – 0:22
Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl LP by Solid Rock Records. Solid Rock also released a two-sided 7-inch promo single featuring “Here I Am (Once Again)”, b/w “Castaway” (Solid Rock SRS-206-DJ). Re-issued on CD by Solid Rock Records featuring seven bonus tracks (six voice and guitar demos recorded in 1978, plus one track – “Saints Are Singin'” – that didn’t make the original album): “Bless My Soul”, “Appalachian Melody”, “Happy Cornbread Anniversary”, “Two Trusting Jesus”, “Jonah’s Song”, “The Saints”, as well as “Saints Are Singin'” (never before released).
The Rock & Religion Radio Show #90 (Air Date 11/25/1979), released on a 12-inch vinyl LP by Sangre Productions, features several interview segments with Mark Heard along with songs from Appalachian Melody. Tracklist: Intro – Appalachian Melody / Interview / The Last Time / Interview / Happy Cornbread Anniversary / On the Radio / Interview / Castaway / Interview / Here I Am / Interview / With the Setting Sun / Closing. (Show #89, included on the flip-side of the LP, features interview segments with singer/songwriter Terry Talbot.)
Gatefold Cover Artwork
CREDITS. Produced and Arranged by Larry Norman. Written, layered and co-produced by Mark Heard. Orchestration by Tom Howard. String ensemble conducted by Howard. A Solid Rock Studios Production. Recorded December 1977 through January 1979. Pre-Production at Horse and Sandwich and The Hooey Room. Engineered by Ken Suesov, George Price, John Rhys, Skip Taylor and Tom Seufert. Mixed by Heard and Ken Suesov using the EXR Exciter System. Mastered by Bernie Grundman at A&M. Photography, Album Artwork, etc, by Mark and Larry. Additional photos by Chuck, Janet, and David K. Hills.
Musicians: The band – Mark Heard (Vocals and Harmonies, Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Piano, Mandolin, Hambone), Larry Norman(Ooohs), Randy Stonehill (Aaahs), Tom Howard (Fender Rhodes), Jon Linn (Lead Guitar), Flim Johnson (Bass), Peter Johnson (Drums). Additional Musicians: Al Perkins (Pedal Steel, Dobro), Chuck Long (Acoustic and Electric Guitars), Alex MacDougall (Percussion and Congas), Janet Sue Heard (Harmony).
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