Description
Evergreen is the third album by the American singer and songwriter Honeytree (a.k.a. Nancy Henigbaum), released on Myrrh Records in January 1976, a division of Word. The album was recorded by Bud Billings at Superior Sound Studios in Hendersonville, Tennessee; with Billy Ray Hearn producing. Mixed by Brent Maher at Creative Workshop in Nashville, Tennessee. Arranged by Bergen White. Phil Keaggy also assisted in arranging and producing the album (and did as well play guitar). All songs written by Honeytree except “(Lovely Jesus) Here I Am” written by Phil Keaggy and “I Am Your Servant”, a song written by Larry Norman and featured on his 1976-album, In Another Land.
The album was included among Harmony Magazine‘s Best Albums of 1976, a list of ten albums featured in issue No. 11. (“Harmony picks Jesus Music’s best of ’76” – “Regardless of music style, “the best” were picked on the basis of their ability to communicate beyond the four walls of the church.”)
The album track “Sometimes I Need You” was included on the sampler album Jubilation, Too! released on Myrrh Records in 1976, while “Say You Told Me So” was featured on another multi-artist compilation, Great, Great Joy, released by Myrrh in 1977.
Billy Ray Hearn, who produced Evergreen, was the one who came up with the idea of my recording Larry Norman’s «I Am Your Servant». That was just the Lord. I have heard so many testimonies of people who decided to serve the Lord with their whole lives as a result of listening to that song. If I had to pick out just one song to represent the heart of the Jesus Movement it would be «I Am Your Servant». [Honeytree]
Back in college I volunteered for a short time at a small Christian book-store. They had a stack of a dozen or so demo records for in-store play, one of them being this album by Honeytree. Since Evergreen has the honor of being one of the very first CCM albums I was exposed to, it naturally has a special place in my heart. But my own biases aside, I’m sure many would have to agree that Evergreen is one of Jesus music’s most classic albums. Honeytree’s song-writing, diversity, and knack for writing a catchy tune are all at their peak here. Having explored folk and acoustic MOR on her first two albums, Miss Tree now successfully captures that middle-ground rock sound that along with the works of 2nd Chapter of Acts, Love Song, Phil Keaggy, et all came to be a style of its own simply known as “Jesus music”. Phil Keaggy’s electric guitar presence is a boon, giving warmth and atmosphere to gentle cuts like «Ruth», while growling away on the rocky ones («Mary And Martha» in particular). Many classics here: «It’s Only Right», the jazz-rocking «Searchlight», «Say You Told Me So», the novelty «Rattle Me Shake Me», as well as the Keaggy-penned «(Lovely Jesus) Here I Am» and Larry Norman’s «I Am A Servant». Light stirring string orchestration in parts, plus some attractive flute work. Love that denim hat! [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]
Here’s an album that leaves you whispering “Amen.” It is a classic that deserves an in-depth look.
The title cut is a lovely rendition of the original ‘Honeytree’ melody, but with beautiful new lyrics added. That melody has found its way onto all three of her albums.
«It’s Only Right» has a black gospel flavor, as does about one third of the album. It’s a nice change, but hopefully will not become too permanent.
Honeytree sings mostly here own compositions, and when she deviates from them, she sticks with the best. «Lovely Jesus (Here I Am)», one of Keaggy’s goodies, fits Honeytree like a glove. An acoustic guitar solo by Keaggy would have been suggested here.
Speaking of Phil, he accompanies with his Les Paul in various places on the album. «Mary and Martha» has him coming in like an anointed Carlos Santana. Bill Puett does a fine job on flute and Honeytree’s writing takes a interesting new turn to bossa nova rock. The smooth transition in her vocals demonstrates why Honeytree has been called the best female vocalist in Jesus music.
«Ruth» brings us back to the Honeytree “norm”: another mellow acoustic tune.
As has been said before, Larry Norman’s «I Am Your Servant» is destined to become a Christian classic. Careful production and Nancy’s flawless vocal enhance «Servant»’s quality.
Side two opens up with a corny tune (shades of «Hummer, Bummer, Bashmobile»). «Rattle Me, Shake Me» is a hilarious story about the world’s reaction to the joy of the Spirit. It is very appropriately placed.
«Searchlight» was wisely chosen for single release. Everything on this cut, from lyrics and melody to Keaggy’s few tasteful licks, Bill Puett’s sax solo and Jerry Carrigan’s drumming, makes it shine, shine, shine.
«Say You Told Me So» carries the same basic theme as Andrae Crouch’s «Take Me Back», equally powerful, yet in a lighter vein.
«Sometimes I Need You» is a powerful lyric about the need for for brothers and sisters to minister to each other. A very timely song done in an appropriately minor melody.
«Lullaby in Jesus’ Name» close out the album with “In His Name I Say good night, but never have to say goodbye.”
Two last things: finally, a cover photo that accurately represents the pretty Miss Henigbaum (some nice shots on the back, too). And the fact that even though each album is an improvement over the last one, the earlier ones are not made musically obsolete as often happens.
Obviously, a lot of prayer, practice, and just gut-level life went into this album. Nancy, Phil, producer Billy Ray Hearn and all the rest have presented a flawless offering to the bride and to the Groom. [Chuck Brown, Harmony, Vol. 1, No. 6, March/April 1976]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/evergreen/1168428882)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Evergreen” – 1:46
A2. “It’s Only Right” – 3:17
A3. “(Lovely Jesus) Here I Am” – 2:50
A4. “Mary And Martha” – 3:18
A5. “Ruth” – 3:17
A6. “I Am Your Servant” – 3:12
Side Two
B1. “Rattle Me, Shake Me” – 3:20
B2. “Searchlight” – 3:46
B3. “Say You Told Me So” – 3:02
B4. “Sometimes I Need You” – 3:38
B5. “Lullaby In Jesus’ Name” – 1:55
Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl LP by Maranatha! Music. (The original issue features a shorter version of “Searchlight” (3:27) with more echo on the vocals, extra sax and lead guitar parts before the fadeout and the “rough” part of the sax solo edited out by Billy Ray Hearn as well as the original mix of “Rattle Me, Shake Me” which has a dryer vocal and is missing the lead guitar during the outro on both the LP and cassette. The 8-track edition features the same song order as the cassette, but includes the more common remixes of “Searchlight” and “Rattle Me, Shake Me” instead.) Re-issued on CD in 1998, paired with The Melodies in Me.
The July-August 1976 issue (vol.2, no.2) of Harmony Magazine featured a cover story on Honeytree.
Left to right: Billy Ray Hearn, Marijohn Wilkin, Honeytree and Phil Keaggy are shown outside Superior Sound Studios where Honeytree was recording a new LP for Myrrh. With Phil Keaggy doing some of the back-up work, we are certainly looking forward to hearing this one! [A note featured in Harmony Magazine, Volume 1, Number 4, 1975]
Nancy Honeytree Miller, Acoustic Live In Concert 10/5/2013 in Mooresville, IN. Featuring songs like “I Am Your Servant”, “(Lovely Jesus) Here I Am”, and “Rattle Me, Shake Me”.
CREDITS. Produced by Billy Ray Hearn. Arranged by Bergen White. Recorded at Superior Sound Studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee, engineered by Bud Billings. Remixed at Creative Workshop in Nashville, Tennessee, engineered by Brent Maher. Cover photo by Bill Grine. Backliner photos by Janny Grine. Album design by Roger Sanders. Special thanks to Phil Keaggy for assisting in arranging and producing.
Musicians: Honeytree (Vocals, Guitars), Ron Oates (Piano), Tony Brown (Organ), Cindy Reynolds (Harp), Bill Puett (Flute, saxophone), Phil Keaggy (Guitars), Joe Osborn (Bass), Jerry Carrigan (Drums). Voices: Bergen White, Sherry Kramer, Janie Fricke.
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