Description
Holy Rollin’ is the sophomore solo album by the American singer and songwriter Bryan Duncan, formerly lead singer of Sweet Comfort Band, released on Light Records in May 1986. The album was produced, recorded, and mixed by Larry Brown November 1985 at Salty Dog Recording in Van Nuys, California. Additional recording at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys. Arranged by Larry Brown and Bryan Duncan. Featuring the Tower of Power horns, arranged by Greg Adams. All songs written or co-written by Bryan Duncan except “Givin’ Up Givin’ Up” written by Keith Ward.
Holy Rollin’ gives us more of Bryan Duncan’s R&B-flavored ’80s pop, as featured on his epic debut album Have Yourself Committed, which as well was produced by Larry Brown, though this time with a little less R&B and a little more ’80s pop.
[Brian Quincy Newcomb, CCM, July 1986]
Holy Rollin’ was recorded in November of 1985 and also produced by Larry Brown. What’s most interesting about the album is that I wanted to do a very energetic presentation of living with all the enthusiasm I could find, so I wrote everything in major keys. It’s the only album on which I’ve ever consciously done that. It’s been one of the most consistently best-selling records I’ve ever made.
My earliest influences were in the funk category; Sly and the Family Stone would have been on the top of the list. So to have the Tower of Power Horns on both Light Records albums was a seriously big deal for me. They were featured on «Only Wanna Do What’s Right», which eptiomizes the funk groove which really is the heart of me. After we cut it, they asked me if I had any songs they might want to cut for themselves…a serious compliment.
The group Tears For Fears was big on pop radio during this periode, and «Lead Me to the Water» was inspired by the groove of their hit, «Everybody Wants to Rule the World». «Givin’ Up Givin’ Up» was a musical bridge from the first Light album to this one, sort of «Have Yourself Committed» at double speed.
«Remember Me» was a song I had written that Randy Thomas and Bob Carlisle wanted to use on an Allies project. I didn’t exactly care for it; I thought it was too dysfunctional. But my wife loved it, so after some discussion, I finally gave in to her (like I always do) and recorded it myself.
When I was young and writing songs, I pictured the world as a huge sea of people, and in a lot of ways, I was screaming at waves of humanity. Today, when I sing, I picture one person. That’s how different I am. In seeing the world and looking for the sinner, I recognize the sinner as me. I think that we’re all very close; we’re all very much alike when it comes to our emotions – the fact that we all hurt and we all hate. All those things are so commonplace, no matter what race or nationality.
Back then, I was the “righteous” man; I was trying to change everybody. Today, it’s more personalized. It’s still about change; but now I sing to the heart of a single individual.
Bryan Duncan, June 1995.
[Excerpt from the CD-booklet featured in the Bryan Duncan compilation The Light Years]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/holy-rollin/662321324)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Only Wanna Do What’s Right” – 4:56
A2. “My Little World” – 3:48
A3. “Lead Me To The Water” – 4:43
A4. “Hope Of The Brokenhearted” – 3:57
Side Two
B1. “Holy Rollin'” – 3:30
B2. “Remember Me” – 3:58
B3. “So Far, So Good” – 3:43
B4. “Your Everlasting Love” – 3:45
B5. “Givin’ Up Givin’ Up” – 4:12
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Light Records. Later re-issued on CD. Re-issued on CD by Retroactive Records in 2021 as part of the label’s Legends Remastered Series, remastered with 8-page booklet in jewel case with lyrics.
The May 1986 issue of CCM Magazine featured a cover story on Bryan Duncan.
A full-page advertisement for Bryan Duncan’s Holy Rollin’ was featured in the June/July 1986 issue of CCM Magazine.
CREDITS. Produced by Larry Brown. Recorded at Salty Dog Recording, Van Nuys, CA, November 1985 – 1986. Additional recording at Sound City Studios, Van Nuys. Engineered by Larry Brown assisted by Jeff Park. Arranged by Larry Brown and Bryan Duncan. Horns arranged by Greg Adams. Graphic Design by Paul Gross. Photography by Aaron Rapoport. Typesetting by U Got It Express. Jetty Stutzman: Hair and Make-Up Artist for Cloutier. Direction: Ray Ware Artist Management.
Musicians: Bryan Duncan (Lead Vocals, Keyboards), Larry Brown (Keyboards, Drums, Computer Technology), Dennis Brown (Guitars, Programming, Charts), Chuck Barth (Keyboards Sequencing, Drum Programming, “Sound Selections Assistant”), Brad Carr (Guitar Solo on track B3), Peter Rafelson (Guitar Solo on track A2). Jim Keltner for the great snare sounds. Mike Sanders (MSE Panner). Bob Carlisle (Vocals, all over the record). Devan Payne (Vocals on track B4). Maranatha Community Church Choir (Vocals on track B1). Tower of Power Horns: Greg Adams (Trumpet, Section Arranger), Stephen “Doc” Kupka (Baritone Saxophone), Emilio Castillo (Tenor Saxophone), Lee Thornburg (Trumpet), Richard Elliot (Alto Saxophone). Also: Kim Scharnberg (Trombone on track A1), Phil Kenzie (Saxophone on track A3), Howard McCrary (Keyboards and Choir Direction on track B1, appears courtesy of Good News Records), Dwight Glodell (Keyboard Equipment Provisions: appreciation). David Coe and staff at Salty Dog Recording Studios. Phil Keaggy appears courtesy of Nissi Records … and they call this a “solo” album!
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