Michele Pillar

Description

The self-titled solo debut album by the American singer Michele Pillar was released on Sparrow Records in 1982. The album was recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in Sheffield, Alabama; with Jerry Wallace and Lonnie Ledford producing. Featuring “You” written by Phil Keaggy.

When I was just learning to walk with the Lord and taking my first baby steps into contemporary Christian music, I heard the female part of a duo sing «Hurting People» and «Love Hurts», both of which quickly etched themselves into my musical memory. Of all the assorted styles and mediocre music emanating from local ccm stations, those songs, that voice and this lady, Michele Pillar, won my admiration by the sheer power of her voice.

And now, Michele is on her own. Her debut LP, ‘Michele Pillar’ (Sparrow SPR-1059), is a sampler of tasty Christian rock, unleashed in Michele’s seemingly effortless alto. Producers Lonnie Ledford and Jerry Wallace, who themselves are respected secular songwriters, co-wrote with Michele many of the standard formulated songs contained on the LP. Michele was also joined by Lenny LeBlanc, another secular sensation, in writing a couple of songs, as well as a vocal duet on what may be the LP’s finest and most elegant song. «You Were There All Along», with Lenny and Michele alternating verses, then coming together on the chorus, is by far the most touching cut from a ministerial and musical perspective.

Lyrically the overall package does not carry a deep evangelistic, edifying, or exhortive message, but rather glazes over each. «In Nazareth There’s a Carpenter» is a rock ballad destined to be a favorite, along with «Walk Across Heaven» and «More Than Just A Man». Michele’s voice is at its best on «More Than Just a Man», «You», a Phil Keaggy composition, and as mentioned earlier, the Pillar/LeBlanc duet, «You Were There All Along».

Recorded at East Avalon Recorders in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the album contains a measure of southern-styled arrangements most notable in the keyboards. Through the efforts of the Ledford/Wallace team, a strong musical balance was achieved throughout the album. [Carolyn A. Burns, CCM, August 1982]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/michele-pillar/716394038)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Walk Across Heaven” – 4:03
A2. “You Were There All Along” – 3:30
A3. “More Than Just A Man” – 3:30
A4. “You’ve Known Me All My Life” – 3:15
A5. “Free From The Night” – 3:20

Side Two
B1. “Rock Of Love” – 3:15
B2. “The Things I Hope For You” – 3:17
B3. “In Nazareth There’s A Carpenter” – 4:18
B4. “You” – 3:37
B5. “I Can Do It All By Myself” – 4:20

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Sparrow Records.

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