Description
Crusader is the debut album by the American singer and songwriter Cindy Richardson, released on Heartland Records in 1984, distributed by The Benson Company. The album was recorded by Greg McNelly at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in Sheffield, Alabama; with Jon Phelps producing. Mixed by McNeily in The Full Sail Dream Machine. All songs written by Cindy Richardson or co-written with Ava Aldridge, except track A5 written by Mary Ethel Wiess and James Vaughn and track B2 written by James Rowe and Howard E. Smith.
Featuring various members of The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section such as Clayton Ivey on keyboards, Jimmy Johnson and Will McFarlane on guitars, bassist David Hood, and drummer Roger Hawkins.
Cindy Richardson is also known for providing backing vocals for artists like Michele Pillar, Kelly Willard, Twila Paris, Lenny LeBlanc, and David and the Giants.
You may not have heard of Cindy Richardson, but chances are you have heard her. Her gospel music credits include work with Lenny LeBlanc and Michele Pillar. She’s sung McDonald’s jingles and contributed to projects by Crystal Gayle, America, and Barbara Mandrell. Her most recent success was co-writing credit of the Sheena Easton hit, «Almost Over You». ‘Crusader’ is Richardson’s first solo project – and easily the equal of anything in her impressive resume.
‘Crusader’ is essentially an introspective album, a portrait of an artist in transition, searching for her niche and longing for God’s presence and guidance in that search. However, the singer’s resiliency and positive attitude, transmitted through her personal writing style and intimate vocal technique, make ‘Crusader’ far from a “gloomy Gus” record.
Side one begins with the title track, a song of encouragement for those who feel deserted by “fair weather” friends. «Father Don’t You Know Me?» recounts a dream of someone turned away at heaven’s gates. It’s scary enough in its imagery to make anyone straighten up and fly right. «Roll Away the Stone» is a compassionate plea to have one’s heart softened and turned toward the Lord.
The first three cuts are rather somber in tone and presentation. It’s not until the fourth track, «Safe in the Harbor», that Richardson’s vocal prowess equals her writing ability. The first single from the album, «Safe in the Harbor» portrays a person who’s grown apart from the Lord. Bluegrass fans will love «I Dreamed I Searched Heaven», a gospel standard done with traditional country instruments (fiddle, mandolin, and guitar) and pristine three-part harmony.
Side two kicks off with a rocking track that almost sounds like it belongs on a different record, «Celebrate the Son». Pentecostal piano meets honky-tonk sax, resulting in a wonderfully rollicking celebration. «Love Lifted Me», another camp-meeting classic, follows as the strongest vocal on the album.
Backing Richardson on ‘Crusader’ is the famed Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. These gents have made musical history with Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon, and Rod Stewart, to name but a few. No playing favorites for these boys, as they mix a rich musical broth that includes country, black gospel, roadhouse rock, and r&b.
Cindy Richardson has paid her dues. She’s proved to be an accomplished songwriter/vocalist, and an accurate interpreter of the constant struggle that happens within every believer. [Bruce Brown, CCM, November 1984]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Crusader” – 4:01
A2. “Father Don’t You Know Me” – 4:15
A3. “Roll Away The Stone” – 4:47
A4. “Safe In The Harbor” – 4:25
A5. “I Dreamed I Searched Heaven” – 3:28
Side Two
B1. “Celebrate The Son” – 4:13
B2. “Love Lifted Me” – 5:39
B3. “Doesn’t He Know” – 3:45
B4. “Save Me” – 3:58
B5. “For Loving You” – 1:07
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Heartland Records. Later independently re-issued on CD.
CREDITS. Produced by Jon Phelps. Cello Arrangement by Ted French. Engineered and mixed by Greg McNelly. Assistant Engineers: Greg Doles and Lee Dailey. Tracks recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, Sheffield, Alabama. Additional recording on location in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and Orlando, Florida, with The Full Sail Dream Machine. Cello overdub recorded at Mama Jo’s Recording Studio, North Hollywood, California. Mixed in The Full Sail Dream Machine. Cover Photography by Rick Diamond. Layout and Design by Stephen Welis & Associates.
Musicians: Cindy Richardson (Vocals, Keyboards – tracks: A3, B4, B5), Steve Nathan (Keyboards), Clayton Ivey (Keyboards), Ronnie Eades (Saxophones), Bill Darnell (Harp), Lisa Silver (Violin), Melissa Hasin (Cello), John David Willis (Mandolin), Duncan Cameron (Guitars), Jimmy Johnson (Guitars), Will McFarlane (Guitar on track A2), Mac McAnally (Guitar on track A5), David Hood (Bass), Gary Baker (Bass), Roger Hawkins (Drums). Background vocals: Cindy Richardson, Ava Aldridge, Lenny LeBlanc, Robert Byrne, Lisa Silver, Jeannie Greene.
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