Happenin’

Description

The live album Happenin’ is the sophomore effort by the American singer, songwriter, and producer Gary Chapman, released on Lamb & Lion Records in 1982, distributed by The Benson Company. The album was recorded live at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 26, 1982, and was engineered and produced by Ed DeGarmo and Dana Key of DeGarmo & Key Band. Mixed at Ardent Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. All songs written by Gary Chapman except “The Secret of Love” co-written with Keith Thomas, “Always” and “In His Hand” co-written with Michael W. Smith, as well as a cover of “You Need A Hero”, a song written by Richard Page, Steve George, and John Lang and originally featured on Pages’ self-titled 1981-album (Page and George’s band prior to establishing Mr. Mister).

Gary Chapman is backed by “The Happenin’ Band” featuring Michael W. Smith on keyboards, Gerritt Wilson on synthesizer, Dennis Solee on saxophone, Jon Goin on guitar, and a rhythm section consisting of Mike Brignardello on bass and Mark Hammond on drums. Background vocals provided by Donna McElroy, John Emmitt, and Ellen Dockery. Guest vocals by Amy Grant on the duet “Alway”.

The new release by Gary Chapman is a live recording that’s Happenin’ (Lamb & Lion LL-1066). Rather than a shallow retrospective, the album has Chapman stepping out in new directions to create his own musical identity – but he’s not alone. There’s sound advice from engineers/producers Ed DeGarmo and Dana Key and the Happenin’ Band – Mike Brignardello on bass, Jon Goin on guitar, Mark Hammond on drums, Michael W. Smith on keyboards, Dennis Solee on sax, and Gerritt Wilson on synthesizer. Ellen Dockery, John Emmitt, and Donna McElroy provide strong background vocals.

The best uptempo tracks – «Feelin’ Right» and «The Secret of Love» – open the album with a driving pop/R&B sound with bright solos by Solee and Goin. Chapman follows with «Father’s Eyes» and «Treasure», both played on acoustic guitar with vocal harmonies. The songs highlight Chapman’s compositional skill and strong, emotive voice. Side one closes with «In His Hand», a pop ballad with hauting saxophone riffs.

«Playin’ in the Street», a hearty rocker, opens side two with a blast. «You Need a Hero» returns to the pop/R&B groove, as popularized by Michael McDonald.

Amy Grant joins her husband for the duet, «Always», a love ballad as good as anything heard today. However, «Finally», another ballad, sounds weaker and slows down the album’s momentum.

The funky closing number, «I’m Yours», is hampered by an explanation of the lyrics at the beginning and a closing that comes just as the tune really starts to cook.

Live albums need a reason to be, and Happenin’ makes a good case for itself. Chapman comes across as a witty and creative southern gentleman. Along with the band’s strong performace and catchy songs, Happenin’ makes a living statement nearly impossible to achieve in a sound studio. [Quincy Smith-Newcomb, CCM, April 1983]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Feelin’ Right” – 3:29
A2. “The Secret Of Love” – 3:35
A3. “Father’s Eyes” – 4:54
A4. “Treasure” – 3:31
A5. “In His Hand” – 3:48

Side Two
B1. “Playin’ In The Street” – 3:04
B2. “You Need A Hero” – 3:50
B3. “Always” (feat. Amy Grant) – 3:45
B4. “Finally” – 3:55
B5. “I’m Yours” – 5:08

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Lamb & Lion Records.