Description
The self-titled debut album album by the American folk outfit The Sonlight was released on Customcraft Recordings in 1970 (??). The album was produced by Dean Talley.
The Sonlight features Vicki Higgins, Betty Davis, Patti Bryson, Doug Norby, Ron Quigley, Richard Johnson, and Roger Walck.
Lots of these sunny mixed-gender obscure folk groups seemed to crop up in California in the ‘70s. Bands like Son Shine, The Second Collection, The Joyful Sound, The Family. Most are fairly pleasant as is also the case for the seven-member Van Nuys outfit The Sonlight (CA). Here are fifteen of their own songs (plus «All My Trials») presented with fresh amateur passion, moving harmonies and a brisk jangly 12-string acoustic sound. Some fine dual guitar work. «II Chronicles», «Committees», «Crucifixion», «When I Was Seventeen», «Sister-Brother», «Look Into His Face», «His Eyes», «Smile Song». «1831» is spoken word over guitar that strikes some similarities to The Moment Of Truth. Nifty home-made red-orange-yellow cover art with psychy logo. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “II Chronicles” – 1:17
A2. “Patience” – 2:49
A3. “Committees” – 1:17
A4. “It’s Jesus” – 1:57
A5. “Spirit” – 2:26
A6. “Crucifixion” – 3:48
A7. “1831” – 2:50
A8. “When I Was Seventeen” – 2:44
Side Two
B1. “Sister-Brother” – 3:08
B2. “My Thing” – 2:31
B3. “All My Trials” – 3:15
B4. “Sunday-Monday” – 1:54
B5. “Look Into The Face” – 2:49
B6. “Smile Song” – 2:44
B7. “His Eyes” – 2:41
B8. “Go To Your Home” – 1:46
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What a thrill to discover this site and kind remembrance of our band. We traveled two summers (1969 & 1970). The Sonlight was one of the last groups combining the folk sound with gospel music. Right on our heels was Larry Norman, Love Song and the marriage of rock and gospel music.
Three of us were songwriters and our quality of vocals are attributable to our harmonizing taskmaster Doug. Our original music evolved into more complex songs that are a fair bit more timeless than those on our first album.
Opening one of our 1970 concerts in Hollywood was one of the first local performances by Randy Stonehill. Larry Norman joined him on stage and did a killer performance of a yet unknown song titled: «Put Your Hand in the Hand». Much better version than the version charted a few months later by Ocean.
The third group in our concert that evening consisted of two guys and two gals who showed up dressed in camping gear. Our first impression of them caused us to learn a lesson in humility the minute they started singing. Their group name was Children of the Day. They were out of Calvary Chapel and to this day are probably the best vocal group I have ever heard. Led by Peter Jacobs.
Thanks for the compliment of the “brisk jangly” 12 string guitar. That was me and it is still my guitar of choice.
[Comment posted on Internet in 2018 by group member Rich Johnson, 2018]
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