Nightwatch

Description

Nightwatch is a mostly instrumental album by the American session musician, composer and producer Fletch Wiley of Sonlight fame (the early ’70s backup band of Andrae Crouch, which morphed into Koinonia in the beginning of the ’80s), released on StarSong Records in 1981, distributed by Word. The basic tracks were recorded by Brian Tankersley at Paramout in Hollywood, California; with Fletch Wiley producing and arranging. Mixed by Wiley and Tankersley at Rivendell Records in Pasadina, Texas. Featuring members of Koinonia as well as backing vocals by Andrae Crouch and The McCrary siblings on the album’s two non-instrumental cuts.

Contemporary jazz instrumentalists such as Chuck Mangione, Earl Klugh, Bob James and others have been gaining popularity in the pop field so perhaps it’s no surprise that such an offering would surface in contemporary Christian music. ‘Nightwatch’ (Starsong, SSR-0031A) is actually Fletch Wiley’s third instrumental release, and it is far and away the superior product.

This is an eminently listenable record. Smooth. Soothing. Classy. Sophisticated. With Wiley on Fluegelhorn, it sounds very much like Mangione. To be fair, it should be said that there are two non-instrumental cuts included: a re-worked version of the old PG&E tune, «Are You Ready», and Curtis Mayfield’s «People Get Ready». Both cuts provide a nice change of pace. Wiley’s band on the album is LA’s super session group, Koinonia.

Best cuts: «Fiesta», «I Am That I Am», «Nightwatch», «People Get Ready». [John W. Styll, CCM, December 1981]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Fiesta” – 6:11
A2. “Are You Ready?” – 3:50
A3. “Started Right” – 5:50
A4. “I Am That I Am” – 5:55

Side Two
B1. “Nightwatch” – 6:11
B2. “People Get Ready” – 4:30
B3. “Joy Dance” – 4:26
B4. “On My Way Home” – 3:55

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by StarSong Records. Re-issued on both 12-inch vinyl LP and CD by BBC Records/Prestige Records in 1990.

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“Nightwatch”, Fletch Wiley and Friends at New Hope Oahu, May 23, 2003

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CREDITS. Produced and Arranged by Fletch Wiley. Engineered by Brian Tankersley. Basic tracks recorded at Paramout, Hollywood, CA. Strings recorded at January Sound, Dallas, TX. Mixed by Brian Tankersley and Fletch Wiley. All overdubs and mixing recordings completed at Rivendell Sound, Pasadena, TX. Mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound, New York. Jacket Design by Randy Rogers and Bob Thigpen. Photography by Bob Thigpen. Layout by Lisa Williamson.

Musicians: Fletch Wiley (Flugelhorn, Trumpet, Flute, Clavinet), Harlan Rogers (Keyboards), Paul Mills (Synthesizer), Larry Muhoberac (Keyboards), Hadley Hockensmith (Guitar), Jerry McPherson (Guitar), Abraham Laboriel (Bass), Bill Maxwell (Drums), Alex Acuña (Percussion). Backing Vocals: Andrae Crouch (track A2), Charity McCrary (tracks: A2, B2), Howard McCrary (tracks: A2, B2), Linda McCrary (tracks: A2, B2), The McCrary’s (tracks: A2, B2).