Description
Land of the Living is an album by the American singer and songwriter Diane Tong, released on the Canadian gospel label New Born Records in 1980, a division of Praise Industries Corp. The album was recorded by Harvey “Rabbit” Gilkerson with Dave Tong producing and arranging. Mixed by Mike Deasy. All songs written by Diane Tong except tracks A2 and B5 written by husband Dave Tong.
Featuring Diane Tong on vocals, 6- and 12-string guitars, and banjo, backed by Tom Billingsly on keyboards (also providing flute arrangement on track B1); producer Dave Tong on guitars, bass, and autoharp (with Mike Deasy on additional guitars and bass); Tom Garfield on drums; and Dennis Wilson on percussion (as well as vocals on track A2). Also featuring Mark Lamoreaux on pedal steel; Lynn Yanagihara on flute; and Judy Garfield on violins. Background vocals provided by Ina Bressler; Dean Orrico; Sylvia Byrd; and Diane Tong.
Another lady with a striking voice and a natural relaxed contemplative folk style. Diane’s 6 and 12-string acoustic guitars (and occasional banjo) mingle with flute, autoharp, violin, electric piano and layered harmonies. Standout tracks for this listener are «Heartbeat Of The Lord» (with beautiful flute work and psychy sitar-like effects) and the dreamy «Morningstar». «Faith» is a stirring ballad effectively backed by flute and gentle phased electric guitar. Pedal steel brings a soft pastoral edge to tracks like the title song, «Too Long», «Jesus Is The Lover» and «I’ve Seen Your Smile». Sometimes leaves impressions of early Judy Collins or Honeytree. Mike Deasy appears on additional guitar and bass. Members of Mountain Angel Band also assist. Perfect for those lean back, close your eyes and soak it in occasions. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition ]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “In The Land Of The Living” – 4:20
A2. “I’ve Seen You Smile” – 4:00
A3. “The Lilies” – 4:45
A4. “How Lovely” – 2:50
A5. “Dear Brother” – 3:05
Side Two
B1. “Faith” – 4:15
B2. “Too Long” – 2:15
B3. “Heartbeat Of The Lord” – 3:25
B4. “Jesus Is The Lover” – 4:45
B5. “Morning Star” – 3:45
Note: Released on both 8-track tape and 12-inch vinyl LP.
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