…The New Has Come

Description

…The New Has Come is the debut album by the American jazzrock/fusion band Messenger, released on Light Records in 1976. The album was recorded by Howard Steele at Studio 55 in Hollywood, California; with Bill Cole producing.

The band features Rick Riso on lead vocals as well as acoustic and electric guitars, Si Simonson on various keyboards and synthesizers, and Jim DeLong on drums and percussion (a former tympanist with the Monterey California Symphony who had toured for two years with Danny Lee and the Children of Truth, and later a member of Paul Clark’s touring band, Crossection). Acoustic and electric (Fender) bass provided by David Marotta.

Sleek jazzy pop-rock trio whose music is equal parts George Benson, Seawind, Sweet Comfort Band and Steve Lawrence, including some smooth cocktail crooning of the highest order («Take My Yoke Upon You» absolutely takes the cake, begging for karaoke action). Strong jazz angle throughout, primarily from Si Simonson’s snazzy keyboards, which include piano, Fender Rhodes, Hammond organ, synthesizer and Arp string ensemble. Rick Riso leads the vocals with his rich flawless croon, while Jim DeLong’s drums provide the beat. Touches of disco («Set Your Mind») and funk («Fill Me With Your Spirit»), along with some ultra-mellow ballads. A few electric guitar leads here and there, along with soulful male/female background vocals. Can be excessively lustrous, almost to the point of being comical, yet frequently irresistible at the same time. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “The New Has Come” – 4:01
A2. “I Feel Secure” – 4:05
A3. “Jesus Died for Me” – 3:49
A4. “I Love My Jesus” – 3:39
A5. “My Savior’s Love” – 4:20

Side Two
B1. “Set Your Mind” – 4:03
B2. “Take My Yoke Upon You” – 3:24
B3. “Fill Me With Your Spirit” – 3:53
B4. “Wings of Salvation” – 3:54
B5. “Live in Jesus’ Light” – 4:03

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Light Records. Remastered and re-issued on CD in Japan by Cool Sound in 2003.

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CREDITS. Produced by Bill Cole. Recorded at Studio 55, Hollywood. Engineered by Howard Steele. Mastered by Ken Perry at Capitol Records, Hollywood. Cover Design and Wood Carving by Thel Eichmann. Logo Design by John Darnall. Photography by Tina Farley.

Messenger: Rick Riso (Lead Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitar), Si Simonson (Acoustic Piano, Fender Rhodes, Clavinet, Hammond Organ, Synthesizer & ARP String Ensemble), Jim DeLong (Drums & Percussion). Additional musicians: David Marotta (Acoustic & Fender Bass), Ken Lopez (Electric Lead Guitar). Background vocals: De Anza Brock, Cathy Cornell, Vicky McDermitt, Jim DeLong, Rick Riso and Si Simonson.