Description
Brand New is the sixth studio album by the American singer, songwriter, and keyboardist Leon Patillo, released on Sparrow Records in 1987. The album was produced by Leon Patillo with additional production by Norbert Putnam. All songs written by Leon Patillo except track A2 written by Tim Miner and track B2 co-written by Mark Baldwin and Phil Madeira.
Leon Patillo’s brand new record (his Sparrow debut) is a vibrant, mature praise album which combines elements of jazz, R&B, soul, and traditional black gospel styles. Patillo says, “This is the best one yet.” No joke! This impeccably-recorded effort augments Patillo’s patented one-man electronic band sound with skillful backing from a variety of studio singers and players. Mostly written by Patillo, the songs provide some of his strongest material yet. No flaky fun-from-outer-space fluff here; ‘Brand New’ is a tasteful set of worship-oriented tunes that should find ready acceptance.
Several cuts feature Patillo’s expressive baritone voice in dramatic Scripture recitations. Who knows, with a voice like that, maybe Patillo could narrate planetarium shows as a sideline! «Alpha and Omega» floats on spacey sound effects and orchestral flourishes courtesy of the Sydney Australian Orchestra.
The understated «New Thrill» is one of the record’s most memorable songs, and has been an emotional centerpiece of Patillo’s recent live shows. The haunting chorus recalls Al Green‘s soul classics in its smooth charm.
Other standout tracks include the title song (with instrumental solos by Patillo), «Isn’t It Crazy» (written by Tim Miner), and «Blessed Are You». «Strong Tower» is blessed with one of Leon’s finest melodies.
Leon knows how to sell a lyric, and his masterful vocal shadings are never obscured or upstaged by the flashy instrumentals. He sounds very much at home with these songs – and not just because most of the album was recorded at his personal studio in Scotts Valley, California. With help from co-producer Norbert Putnam, the result is a polished, mature, soulful record. Leon’s right – it is his best one yet. [Mark Eischer, CCM, October 1987]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/brand-new/715990140)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “I’m Brand New” – 4:39
A2. “Isn’t It Crazy” – 4:36
A3. “Deliver Me” – 4:48
A4. “Strong Tower” – 3:24
A5. “Melody of Praise” – 5:50
Side Two
B1. “Alpha & Omega” – 4:52
B2. “Blessed Are You” – 3:30
B3. “Golden City” – 3:35
B4. “New Thrill” – 3:53
B5. “Try, Try Again” – 4:08
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by Sparrow Records (with the cassette and CD editions replacing the “New Thrill” LP version with and extended version of length 9:09 minutes). “Isn’t It Crazy” (b/w) was released as a promotional 7-inch single by Sparrow, pressed on orange vinyl.
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