Description
Static on the Frequency is the sophomore solo album by the Australian singer, songwriter, and keyboardist Peter Beveridge of Connexion fame, originally released in Australia on Myrrh Records in 1982, a division of Word. Re-issued in the US by StarSong Records the following year, distributed by Word, re-titled Grinding Wheel and featuring new cover artwork. (As well released in the UK in 1984 by Myrrh Records.) The album was recorded by Brian Tankersley at Rivendell Recorders in Texas; and was produced by Fletch Wiley of Sonlight fame for Unleavened Productions, with Peter Beveridge co-producing. Arranged by Wiley and Beveridge. Lead vocals co-produced by Marty McCall of Fireworks fame. Includes a cover of “Add Up The Wonders”, a song written by Michael Omartian and originally featured on his debut album released in 1974, White Horse.
Featuring Peter Beveridge on lead vocals as well as grand piano, Fender Rhodes, and Yamaha CS80 synthesizer; backed by an American session band consisting of Jerry McPherson on acoustic and electric guitars, David Miner on bass, David Kemper on drums, and Pat Bautz on percussion, with Bill Tillman of Blood, Sweat & Tears fame sitting in on soprano, alto, and tenor saxophone. Backing vocals provided by Marty McCall and Tyana Parr.
With Australian groups like Men At Work consistently topping the charts, it seems reasonable that Star Song Records should showcase a Christian talent from “down under”. Peter Beveridge’s ‘Grinding Wheel’ proves that there’s more than kangaroos hoppin’ on the island continent.
Beveridge’s musical style may be hard to pin down as the jumping beasts. He rocks out on songs like «Static on the Frequency» and «Another Marriage on the Rocks». He then gracefully moves to ballads in «Winter Nights» and Michael Omartian’s classic, «Add Up the Wonders».
Although Beveridge is fairly talented on his own, the album is saved from certain mediocrity by producer Fletch Wiley and Beveridge’s choice of the supporting cast. Rez Band‘s Glenn Kaiser and Jon Trott lend “hit ’em where it hurts”, no-nonsense lyrics on half of the tunes. And it certainly doesn’t hurt to have the likes of Marty McCall and David Kemper on background vocals and drums, respectively.
In all, Beveridge’s ‘Grinding Wheel’ will help sharpen you sword of the Spirit instead of grinding your nerves. [Tom Stribling, CCM, November 1983]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Static On The Frequency” – 5:20
A2. “Mr. Media” – 3:04
A3. “Add Up The Wonders” – 4:57
A4. “Another Marriage On The Rocks” – 3:47
A5. “Make Up Your Mind” – 4:07
Side Two
B1. “Tonight’s Your Night” – 2:39
B2. “Grinding Wheel” – 3:28
B3. “Teflon Salvation” – 3:31
B4. “Winter Nights” – 3:28
B5. “Shine Your Light” – 4:01
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by StarSong Records.
A full-page advertisement for Peter Beveridge’s Grinding Wheel was featured in the May 1983 issue of CCM Magazine.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.