Description
One on One is the seventh studio album by the American singer and songwriter Steve Camp, released on Sparrow Records in 1986. The album was recorded at Bill Schnee Recording Studios in North Hollywood, California; and was produced and arranged by Steve Camp and John Rosasco. Mixed by Bill Schnee.
Featuring an ace studio band with Dann Huff and Michael Landau on guitars, Smitty Price on keyboards, and a rhythm section consisting of session bassist Lee Sklar and Toto-drummer Jeff Porcaro. Background vocals provided by Bill & Tamara Champlin, Jason Scheff, Steve Lively, Bob Carlisle of Allies, as well as Tommy Funderburk of The Front fame. The title track is a duet with Margaret Becker.
By now it should be clear to just about anyone familiar with Christian pop that Steve Camp means business. After some routing around in various musical styles – a timid pop duet, a bit of black gospel belting, walking the singer/songwriter line a la Jackson Browne, and a rock ‘n’ roll excursion to Europe – Camp forged Fire and Ice in the mold of Toto before setting into his own niche with Shake Me to Wake Me. I the crisp, polished pop-rock sound often associated with L.A., Camp brought together the strengths of previous endeavors in a solid and consistently recognizable form. One on One contains no real surprises but rather extends and improves upon Camp’s now established formula.
Camp’s great distinctive vocal style tinged with R&B inflection and emotive soul moods as well as his talent for shaping memorable melodies have established him musically, but what sets Steve Camp apart is that he has something to say and he says it well. Often writing a careful balance between pointing a finger at the failings of others and reflecting on his own human brokenness, Camp speaks of the compassionate acceptance and understanding of God while holding high a standard of saintly responsibility. It’s a fine line to walk without judgmental attitudes and false sentimentality, but Camp pulls it off with integrity and artistic value. While these songs are pointed theological statements, they do not have the feel of words stiffly applied over a preconceived melody. They stand up on any level.
Although mellower than recent “Shake Up” tour performances, One on One puts Camp’s strong ballads, bouncy pop, and gentle rock over to the widest possible Christian music audience. Backed by some of the best players around – Jeff Porcaro on drums, Lee Sklar on bass, Michael Landau and Dann Huff on guitars, and Smitty Price on keys – Camp excels throughout. Rockers will find side two most palatable with Huff’s satisfying noodling and the fine «Threshing Floor» to pique their interest. While the ballads will reap the greatest attention, Camp’s duet with the delightful Margaret Becker on the title track is the album’s strongest moment.
Camp does mean business and although for the most part it’s business as usual, One on One is marked by integrity and warmth, something that is welcome and enjoyable. [Brian Quincy Newcomb, CCM, January 1987]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/one-on-one/771784122)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Foolish Things” – 4:01
A2. “Other Side Of The World” – 4:36
A3. “Judgement Begins With The House Of God” – 3:42
A4. “One On One” – 4:32
A5. “He Covers Me” – 4:45
Side Two
B1. “Cheap Grace” – 5:10
B2. “Mr. Brokenhearted” – 4:51
B3. “Threshing Floor” – 4:53
B4. “He’s All You Need” – 5:04
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by Sparrow Records.
The November 1986 issue of CCM Magazine featured a cover story on Steve Camp. (Trivia: Back in early 1983, CCM actually changed its name from Contemporary Christian Music to Contemporary Christian Magazine (“we hoped to broaden our editorial horizons…”), though restored their original name in November 1986 with the magazine featuring a new graphic look as well as new logo.)
CREDITS. Produced and Arranged by Steve Camp and John Rosasco. Orchestrated by Rosasco. Recorded and mixed at Bill Schnee Recording Studios, North Hollywood, CA. Additional studio: Weddington Studio, North Hollywood, CA. Rhythm tracks engineered by Dennis MacKay. Additional engineering by Dan Garcia, David Schober, Peter Hayden and Mike Ross. Mixed by Bill Schnee. Mastered by Steve Hall at Future Disc, Hollywood, CA. Jacket Design by Stan Evenson Design. Photography by Phil Fewsmith. Lyric Sheet Design by Jim Shanman. Music written by Steve Camp except A5 and B2 co-written with John Rosasco, B3 co-written with Ashley Cleveland, and B3 co-written with Rob Frazier. Lyrics by Steve Camp except A1, A5, B2 and B4 co-written with Frazier, A4 co-written with Margaret Becker, B1 co-written with Becker and Phil Madeira, and B3 written by Cleveland.
Musicians: Steve Camp (Vocals, SP-12 Drum Machine Programming), Smitty Price (Keyboards), Jon Clarke (English Horn), Dann Huff (Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar), Michael Landau (Rhythm Guitar), Lee Sklar (Bass), Jeff Porcaro (Drums), Dan Greco (Percussion). Backing Vocals: Bill Champlin, Bob Carlisle, Jason Scheff, Steve Camp, Steve Lively, Tamara Champlin, Tommy Funderburk. Female vocal on track A4 by Margaret Becker.
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