Description
Together Live is a live album by 2nd Chapter of Acts & Michael and Stormie Omartian, released on Sparrow Records as a double LP in 1983. The album was recorded live at Church On The Way in Van Nuys, California. Edited and mixed at Weddington Studios in North Hollywood, California. Produced and engineered by Buck Herring.
2nd Chapter of Acts – Annie Herring, Nelly Greisen, and Matthew Ward – is backed by Greg Springer on synthesizer, Peter York on guitar, Herb Melton on bass, and Jack Kelly on drums. The Omartian part of the album features Michael Omartian on piano and 2nd Chapter of Acts on background vocals.
At first glance, the coupling of the 2nd Chapter of Acts and the Omartians seems to be a stroke of corporate genius. The Acts are true Christian music originals, one of the few viable links with the early days of “Jesus Music.” Michael Omartian is nothing less than contemporary Christian music’s single most influential musician-producer. Why then is ‘Together Live’ only partially successful?
There’s no questioning the message. Both Annie Herring and Stormie Omartian write insightful, Christ-centered lyrics. Always have. And there’s no problem with the “chemistry.” The two groups collaborated beautifully on their C.S. Lewis tribute, ‘The Roar Of Love‘.
But ‘Together Live’ suffers from erratic performances and quirky song selections. Obviously you want to keep the “live” feel of a concert, but the tentative accompaniment that mars parts of side one and two is in direct contrast to Buck Herring’s tight, muscular studio production. The anthemic «Rejoice» suffers the most by comparison.
Things come back together on side four, culminating with Annie’s chilling, apocalyptic «Killing Thousands», a soaring, surging plea for life. Annie and Nelly are in good voice throughout the set. Matthew had to strain for the high notes he used to hit with ease, but age has given his voice a pleasing patina and nice rasp.
The Omartians play an abbreviated five songs (compared to 13 for the Acts), including both old and new numbers. The weakest of the lot is «Dr. Jesus», with its strained analogy and slightly silly chorus. Fortunately, «Mainstream», «See This House», and «Praise His Name and See It Happen» are all buoyed by Michael’s sinewy vocals and playing.
What sets ‘Together Live’ apart from so many concerts is the continuing thread of personal testimony that ties together the four sides. Each of the five soloists takes a turn and their words are terse and compelling – a welcome change from the rambling, self-indulgent, chest-beating too often heard in such a context.
Like most double albums, ‘Together Live’ would have been a great single album, instead of a pretty good double album. Even so, the performances are high-spirited and true, the testimonies are fascinating, and anything Michael Omartian touches somehow turns to gold. Or platinum. [Bob Darden, CCM, August 1983]
2LP tracklist:
Side One – 2nd Chapter of Acts
Buck Herring introduces 2nd Chapter of Acts
A1. “Rejoice” – 3:05
Personal sharing by Annie Herring
A2. “I Fall In Love” / “Change” – 4:20
A3. “Lightning Flash” – 2:52
Personal sharing by Nelly Greisen
A4. “Bread Of Life” – 2:14
A5. “Come Holy Spirit” – 2:45
A6. “Easter Song” – 3:15
Side Two
Personal sharing by Annie Herring
B1. “Here I Go” – 2:30
Personal sharing by Matthew Ward
B2. “‘Til The Walls Fall Down” – 2:53
Personal sharing by Annie Herring
B3. “Nobody Can Take My Life” – 3:24
Buck Herring introduces Michael and Stormie Omartian
B4. “Mainstream” – 4:33
Side Three – Michael and Stormie Omartian
C1. “See This House” – 3:04
Personal sharing by Stormie Omartian
C2. “Believing For The Best In You” – 3:27
Personal sharing by Michael Omartian
C3. “Dr. Jesus” – 3:28
Personal sharing by Stormie Omartian
C4. “Praise His Name And See It Happen” – 3:07
Side Four – 2nd Chapter of Acts
D1. “Which Way The Wind Blows” – 4:22
D2. “Killing Thousands” – 4:12
Personal sharing by Annie Herring
D3. “Mansion Builder” – 3:23
Personal sharing by Annie Herring
D4. “Haven’t You Heard” – 3:37
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.