Description
Dark Horse is the eighth album by the American singer and songwriter John Fischer, released on Myrrh Records in 1982, a division of Word. The album was produced and recorded by Jack Joseph Puig at Bill Schnee Studios in North Hollywood, California, with additional recording done at Martinsound Studios in Alhambra, California. Mixed by Puig at Mama Jo’s Recording Studio in North Hollywood. Strings arranged by David Diggs. All songs written by John Fischer.
John Fischer is backed by a ace session band featuring John Hobbs on keyboards and organ, Billy Joe Walker Jr. on guitar, and a rhythm section consisting of bassist Leland Sklar and drummer Rick Shlosser, with Victor Feldman on percussion. Background vocals provided by Bob Carlisle and Bryan Duncan, of Allies and Sweet Comfort Band fame respectively. Also featuring a duet with Leslie Phillips on “Losin’ Is Winnin'”. The title track entered the CCM charts in January 1983 and stayed on the charts for almost half a year.
Unless one is a regular reader of CCM’s “Sound Advice” by John Fischer, chances are one has not heard much new from the man who helped pioneer the contemporary Christian folkrock of the ’70s. But the new that is spoken of here is not an editorial column of excellent theological truths; it is a musical album of equally excellent theological truths.
‘Dark Horse’ (Myrrh MSB-6713) is a concept album developed from the thought that Christians should be dark horses; the ones society throws back because of their uncompromising stance and willingness to charge against anything that threatens their faith. To fully realize the specialness of ‘Dark Horse’, one must read the album sleeve, on which Fischer has transcribed and affectionate bedtime conversation with his son Christopher. Fischer begins with the story of the «Dark Horse» and on the album sleeve patters lovingly between the rest of the songs on the album, bringing to mind the exhortation Moses gave the Hebrews in Deut. 6:7.
Don’t allow yourself to be turned off by what may sound at this point as the overly sentimental murmurings of a doting father. The is an important work. Fischer, always the profound lyricist, has cracked down on some serious problems such as: “Everyone wants to get to heaven/ Nobody wants to die.”
In a musical style reminiscent of Gordon Lightfoot, but unmistakably Fischeresque, Fischer gently and surely hangs memorable melodies upon the imagery created with his words. Guitars, handled by Leland Sklar, are close to the surface, with a stirring richness which forces the listener to seek them out. Although some synthesizer touches here and there add some interest, the personality of the album is quite acoustic.
Best cuts include: «Nobody Wants to Die», «Dark Horse», and «Only A Few». [C.A. Burns, CCM, December 1982]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/dark-horse/1672712316)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Dark Horse” – 3:55
A2. “Beggar” – 2:49
A3. “Only A Few” – 4:53
A4. “Fallin’ In Love” – 3:21
A5. “Christopher’s Toes” – 2:51
Side Two
B1. “Nobody Wants To Die” – 3:34
B2. “Losin’ Is Winnin'” – 2:54
B3. “Roses On Wednesday” – 3:10
B4. “Lookin’ Straight On” – 2:49
B5. “Leavin’ It All To You” – 3:01
Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl LP by Myrrh Records. Some copies of Dark Horse came with a bonus LP entitled Valualbum, a multi-artist promo LP released by Word in 1982. Digitally re-mastered by Dan Collins in the early 2020s for digital-release.
CREDITS. Produced and engineered by Jack Joseph Puig. Recorded at Bill Schnee Studios in North Hollywood, CA. Additional recording at Martinsound Studios in Alhambra, CA. Mixed at Mama Jo’s Recording Studio in North Hollywood. Second engineers: David Schober and Steve Ford. Mastered by Doug Sax at The Mastering Lab in Hollywood. Strings arranged by David Diggs. Art Direction by Paradise Graphics/Paul Gross. Front cover concept by Craig McNair Wilson. Illustration by Kurt Triffet. Sleeve layout by Ronald E. Garman. Liner photography by Sam Emerson. All songs written by John Fischer.
Musicians: John Fischer (Lead Vocals), John Hobbs (Keyboards, Synthesizer, Organ), Billy Joe Walker Jr. (Guitar), Leland Sklar (Bass), Rick Shlosser (Drums), Victor Feldman (Percussion). Backing vocals by Bob Carlisle and Bryan Duncan.
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