A Little Broken Bread

Description

A Little Broken Bread is the solo debut album by the American singer, songwriter, and session bassist Bill Batstone of Good News fame, released on Maranatha! Music in 1991, distributed by Benson Music Group. The album was recorded and mixed by Mark Heard at Fingerprint Recorders in Montrose, California; with Billy Batstone producing and arranging. (Drums and Chapman Stick recorded at Neverland in Cerritos, California.) All songs written by Billy Batstone except the music of tracks 4 and 5 written by Wayne Brasel and the music of track 7 written by John Andrew Schreiner.

Trivia: In 1970, Billy Batstone started a very early Jesus Music band called Rebirth with David Diggs and percussionist Alex MacDougall. Although not directly affiliated with Chuck Smith’s Calvary Chapel, Rebirth did play a lot in Costa Mesa, California and the surrounding area. The group enjoyed a reputation for musical excellence and was comprised of several musicians who would later play in better known bands. When Rebirth ended, Batstone went on to form a group called Good News with several other accomplished players, including Diggs, Erick Nelson, a then-unknown Keith Green and a young Bob Carlisle (who would later become lead singer of Allies). Bill Batstone then spent five years touring and recording with the Richie Furay Band, playing bass on Furay’s Dance A Little Light release, and writing three songs on Furay’s I Still Have Dreams album (including the title track). Solid Rock Records also turned out to be a hangout of sorts for Batstone; he was the bass player on many recordings and tours for Larry Norman, Randy Stonehill, and Mark Heard.

Billy Batstone is one of those guys who’s made fine, high-quality music, often i supportive roles of artists like Randy Stonehill, Mark Heard, and Tom Howard, among others. This multi-talented individual has only stepped forward as an artist in his own right on one other occasion, the fine 1985 collaboration with Howard on the regrettably overlooked ‘One by One‘. ‘A Little Broken Bread’ is a bright, thoughtful pop album filled with honest praise and encouragement. Batstone produces, with Mark Heard engineering, as he plays most of the instruments and sings most of the bgvs and leads as well. Batstone’s strong suit is a crisp, light style, not unlike the early Jesus music he made with the artists above. Batstone is not likely to be the Next Big Thing, but fans of early Jesus Music and introspective persons who long for contemplative worship music that remains fresh and relevant will find a treasure buried here. [Brian Quincy Newcomb, CCM, December 1991]

Batstone’s the seasoned veteran of many a classic West Coast USA “Jesus Music” album. His contribution to the ministry of the many fine musicians and innovative concepts presented by Maranatha! Music has been priceless. He has quietly given much to the quality of contemporary Christian music. This set of Bill’s thoughtful, perceptive songs indicate an observer, a noticer, able to perceive beyond facades and to present the listener with those few things that really matter. His style’s a rich, mellow folk rock – interesting how his phrasing occasionally calls Bruce Cockburn to mind, same kind of dreamy beauty. The album floats breezily along, sharing many Scripture teachings, and if the word ‘edifying’ leaves you cold, let’s say that this set can do you a power of good. Very undervalued is Billy Batstone. See what you can do, eh? [Tony May, Cross Rhythms, February 1992]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/a-little-broken-bread/715869926)

CD tracklist:

01. I Long for Your Love – 3:15
02. O Lord, Come – 4:40
03. I Will Be With You – 4:15
04. Call for Surrender – 3:05
05. There Will Come a Time – 4:46
06. A Little Broken Bread – 5:18
07. Walking On Water – 4:05
08. The Reign Is Over – 4:08
09. To Every Generation – 3:39
10. Nobody Like You – 4:41
11. Your Throne O’ God – 3:41

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Maranatha! Music.

---