Description
Mourning to Dancing is the third studio album by American singer, songwriter, and keyboardist James Ward, originally self-released on Music A.D. (Music Anno Domini) in 1979. Re-issued the following year on Lamb & Lion Records, distributed by Word Records. (The Lamb & Lion edition was actually re-mixed by James Ward and Mal Davis, and featuring new cover artwork as well.) The album was recorded by Mal Davis at Hedden West Studios in Schaumburg, Illinois; with songwriter/keyboardist Stephen Alexandersen producing. Mixed by Davis and Alexandersen (except tracks tracks A1, A4, B1, and B3 mixed by James Ward and Davis). Arranged by Bob Schiff. All songs written by James Ward.
The sound craftsmanship was boosted significantly on Mourning To Dancing, an enjoyable custom blend of rock, pop, jazz and ballads. Ward’s keyboards are balanced with some nice guitar leads, bringing solid rock edges to tracks like «Highway» and the jaunty «Holy Observer». Cuts like the smooth jazz-grooved «Who Can Separate Us» show Ward adding electric piano to his sound. Gets pretty funky on «Precious Is Your Mercy». Closes with an updated version of «So His Honor» from his first LP. Effective use of strings and brass on a few songs. Produced by fellow keyboardist Stephen Alexandersen. The original pressing has a cover photo of Ward with a mime. Later picked up by the Lamb & Lion label in a different cover, though from what I’ve read that version was re-mixed to have more of a “pop” edge. [Ken Scott, The Archivist]
James Ward has been capturing the hearts of audiences (mostly in the East) for some time, but has been without a nationally distributed album until now.
Although Ward can be appreciated based upon this album alone, he is best understood after seeing a live performance. One way or another, James Ward is an artist who deserves to be heard. On ‘Mourning To Dancing’ he deals with themes usually treated superficially (if at all) in Christian music – the musician’s constant question of balance between his professional, spiritual and family life. Each song is a personal “state of mind” message. One gets the feeling that this is more than just another record album – it sounds like an audio diary of personal thoughts, struggles, prayers and the like.
Instrumentally, Ward’s piano playing is the centerpiece of the album. It has a rough, slightly underproduced sound to it. The rough edge is totally authentic, and probably necessary to help capture the honesty in James’ voice and lyrics. “Honest” is, in fact, probably the best word to describe the album. Like Bob Dylan’s ‘Slow Train Coming‘, ‘Mourning To Dancing’ displays the kind of integrity that can only come from an artist’s emotional involvement in the music he is singing. Possibly this month’s most refreshing release. [CCM, January 1980]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/mourning-into-dancing/412043458)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Highway” – 4:00
A2. “Hold Up My Hands” – 3:35
A3. “Who Can Seperate Us” – 2:43
A4. “Mourning To Dancing” – 3:32
A5. “Late At Night Again” – 2:36
Side Two
B1. “Holy Observer” – 4:40
B2. “Gotta Get Home” – 3:45
B3. “Precious Is Your Mercy” – 4:10
B4. “So His Honor” – 4:18
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Lamb & Lion Records. (Original custom release in “Mime” cover has lyrics & credits printed on cover, while the re-issue edition has a semi-glossy inner sleeve enclosed featuring lyrics & credits.) Re-issued on CD in 2009, re-mixed and re-mastered by renowned jazz engineer Paul Richardson.
CREDITS. Produced by Steven Alexandersen. Recorded at Hedden West Studios by Mal Davis. Mixed by Mal Davis and Steven Alexandersen, except tracks tracks A1, A4, B1, and B3 mixed by James Ward and Davis. Mastered at Diskwerks. Arranged by Bobby Schiff. Horns contracted by Jack Barron. Cover Design by Hans Altena. Final Design Layout by Carl Meinke Artdesign. Photos by Greg Quist. (Re-issue Edition: Art Direction and Design by Bill Barnes, Peter Honsberger, and Randy Martin. Artwork [Color Tinting] by Charlie McCallen. Photography by Clark Thomas.) Executive Producer: Hans Altena.
Musicians: James Ward (Lead Vocals, Keyboards), Barry Radman (Synthesizer Program), Nick Kircher (Oboe), Bruce Gaitsch (Guitar), Cary DeNigris (Additional Guitar: tracks – A1, B1, B3), Dennis Johnson (Bass), Gary Smith (Drums), Tom Radtke (Drums), Steven Alexandersen (Bongos). Backing Vocals: Don Wayland (track B1), Ed DeYoung (track B1), Laurie DeYoung (track B1), Myriad (Gail Tossing, Judy Watermann, Chris Ziebka), James Ward. Strings by members of The Chicago Symphony Symphony.
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