Illustrations

Description

Illustrations is the sophomore and final album by the American country-rock band Parable, released on Maranatha! Music in 1977. The album was recorded by Jack Joseph Puig and Jonathan David Brown at Martinsound Studios in Alhambra, California; with Tommy Coomes of Love Song fame producing. Horns arranged by Kim Hutchcroft of Seawind fame.

The band lineup on this album features Chuck Butler and Lisa Faye Irwin on lead vocals (with Butler also providing rhythm guitar), Alan DiCato on keyboards and vocals, John Wickham on lead guitar and vocals, Gary Arthur on bass and vocals, and Don Kobayashi on drums. (After The Way disbanded both the band’s guitar virtuoso John Wickham and bassist Gary Arthur joined Parable for this second album with Wickham adding a significantly more rock sound with his amazing guitar work.)

A few personnel changes for this one, picking up Gary Arthur and John Wickham from The Way. Heavier rock edge than their mellow debut, mainly from Wickham’s lead guitar, particularly rousing on «Come Untangled», «The City», «The Plain Truth» and Joy Cull’s «Got To Decide». «A Friend» recalls early Servant, with lead vocals by new member Lisa Faye Irwin. Becky Ugartechea also makes an appearance on vocals. Brass arrangements on a couple songs courtesy of Seawind’s Kim Hutchcroft, blending right in on the upbeat opener «There’s A Reason». Gate-fold cover with simple silver-on black graphics. See also Horizon Special. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

This record jacket opens up to reveal credits, lyrics, and a sketch of the band members. There are so many credits I may be attributing my comments to the wrong crew members. The song after «Untangled», «The City», is a perfect radio song, with drums by Dan Kobayashi counterpointed by John Wickham’s nimble guitar leads, and sailing overall, Lisa Irwin’s vocals. At first I thought, how did Eric Clapton get on this record? My new theory is Eric and John were separated at birth, and both got the guitar genes. Most of the songs are by Chuck Butler except «The Plain Truth» was co-written with Fred Field, «There’s a Reason» by Gary Arthur, «Got to Decide» is by Joy Cull, and the closing song, «Prayer» by John Wickham. Five of the six band members pictured are listed for “vocals”, and there are also guest vocalists, which allows for interesting arrangements and adds to this record’s unique sound. [Gord Wilson, 2021]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/illustrations/715973909)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “There’s A Reason” – 4:30
A2. “Come Untangled” – 3:24
A3. “The City” – 5:27
A4. “A Friend” – 3:23
A5. “The Pain Truth” – 3:34

Side Two
B1. “Act 3” – 3:55
B2. “The Promise” – 3:20
B3. “Ladder Song” – 4:24
B4. “Got To Decide” – 3:54
B5. “A Prayer” – 4:08

Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl LP by Maranatha! Music with the vinyl edition housed in a gatefold sleeve. Later re-issued on CD.

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CREDITS. Produced by Tommy Coomes. Recorded an mixed at Martinsound. Engineered by Jack Joseph Puig and Jonathan David Brown. Mixed by Jonathan David Brown. Horns arranged by Kim Hutchcroft. Strings arranged by Jim Stipech (track B5).

Musicians: Lisa Faye Irwin (Lead Vocals), Chuck Butler (Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar), John Wickham (Lead Guitar, Vocals), Alan DiCato (Keyboards, Vocals), Gary Arthur (Bass, Vocals), Don Kobayashi (Drums). Guest musicians: Becky Ugartechea (Vocals), Virgil Beckham (Vocals), Alex MacDougall (Percussion), Donnie K. (Percussion), Mike Escalante (Organ B3), Malcolm & The Honeys (Handclaps). Horns by Allen Gregory, Glen Myerscough, and Kim Hutchcroft.