Description
Bringin’ the Message is the sophomore and final album by the American jazzrock/fusion band Messenger, released on Light Records in 1978. The album was recorded and mixed by Jack Joseph Puig at Martinsound Studios in Alhambra, California; with founding members Si Simonson and Rick Riso producing. Strings recorded at United Western Studios in Hollywood, California. Instrumental arrangements by the band with vocal arrangements by Si Simonson. Strings arranged by Clark Gassman.
Featuring Rick Riso on lead and background vocals, as well as guitar, Si Simonson on keyboards, and a rhythm section consisting of Dave Marotta on acoustic and electric bass (who also played on the debut album) and new member Mike Feller on drums and percussion. As well featuring Fred Petry on percussion, Larry Troxel on vibes (track B5), and Rebecca Sue Sherburn on background vocals. Also featuring The Seawind Horns (Jerry Hey, Kim Hutchcroft and Larry Williams, as well as Bill Reichenbach) and L.A. Super Strings conducted by Sid Sharp.
Messenger was a terrific 70’s gospel band who disbanded before reaching their full potential. Their songs are a mix of jazz, latin and funk styles, and was one of the earliest bands in the contemporary Christian music field to record this style of music. Lead singer Rick Riso went on to record numerous solo albums, the first being Gotta Have The Real Thing released in 1985. Keyboard player Si Simonson went on to tour with Reba Rambo, was a member of the Christian pop/rock band Scepter on StarSong Records, as well as Silverwind on Sparrow Records.
Horns courtesy of the group Seawind further accentuate the jazz angle on Messenger’s sophomore release. The title track and «Now Is The Time» get some respectable funk action going, while «Livin’ In Love», «Pressin’ On» and «Changin’ Me» lay down smooth disco jazz grooves that are easily digested. Strong George Benson influences on the latter, as well as «I Still Love You». Elsewhere it’s like Sweet Comfort Band, Billy Preston and Spyro Gyra all getting whipped up together in a blender. Walking bass lilies, multifaceted jazz keyboards, saxophone solos. Interspersed with more of those hyper-smooth string-blanketed ballads. Mike Feller is the new drummer. Glossy gate-fold cover. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Bringin’ The Message” – 2:57
A2. “Our Love Will Grow” – 4:40
A3. “Livin’ In Love” – 2:44
A4. “Pressin’ On” – 3:47
A5. “Song In The Night” – 3:51
Side Two
B1. “Changin’ Me” – 4:16
B2. “All You Need” – 3:20
B3. “I Still Love You” – 5:08
B4. “Now Is The Time” – 3:16
B5. “Home To You” – 4:25
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Light Records. Remastered from the original master tape and re-issued on CD in Japan by Cool Sound in 2003.
CREDITS. Produced by Si Simonson and Rick Riso. Recorded at MartinSound Studios United/Western, Hollywood. Engineering & Mixdown: Jack Joseph Puig. Instrumental Arrangements by Messenger. String Arrangements by Clark Gassman. Vocal Arrangements by Si Simonson. Executive Producer: Bill Cole.
Messenger: Rick Riso (Lead & Background vocals, Guitar), Si Simonson (Keyboards), Mike Feller (Drums & Percussion). Additional musicians: Dave Marotta (Electric & Acoustic Bass), Fred Petry (Percussion), Larry Troxel (Vibes). Seawind Horns: Jerry Hey (Fluegelhorn & Trumpet), Kim Hutchcroft (Saxophones), Larry Williams (Tenor Saxophone), Bill Reichenbach (Trombone). Female Background Vocals: Rebecca Sue Sherburn. Strings: Sid Sharp, L.A. Super Strings.
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