Description
Walk by Love is the sophomore and final solo album by the American singer and songwriter Steven Soles of The Alpha Band fame, released on Good News Records in 1982, distributed by Word. The album was recorded by Larry Hirsch at Monterey Recording Studios in Glendale, California; with Steven Soles producing. Mixed by Hirsch at Paramount Recording Studios in Hollywood, California.
Featuring Steven Soles and fellow Alpha Band member David Mansfield on guitars, Danny Timms on keyboards, as well as Elvis Presley’s rhythm section – bassist Jeff Scheff and drummer Ron Tutt of the TCB Band. Background vocals provided by Jude Johnstone, Wendy Matthews, and Tommy Funderburk (later of The Front).
The first time I heard Steven Soles was on what seemed to me to be a rather eccentric album called ‘The Statue Makers of Hollywood‘, by a group known as The Alpha Band. Later I found out that Soles & Co. had toured with Dylan as part of the Rolling Thunder Revue. I grew quite fond of the AB’s music, but none of this had the impact like that one line from Steven’s first solo album, ‘The Promise‘, “My God is a Live Wire!/ A connection to all the power.” That’s when I knew God could reveal Himself to men in personal ways, ’cause I knew just what that meant, and it spoke to me.
All this is to point out what a special kind of artist Steve Soles is. It follows then, that the release of his new album would be a special event – which it is. ‘Walk By Love’ (Good News GNR-8113) is a joyous and very musical celebration of the Gospel with words that speak comfort and encouragement to the poor in spirit. It could be thought of as a devotional album (worship would also be appropriate, but could connote a certain style of music to some people), in the sense that time spent pondering the lyrics of these songs could have the same effect as time spent reading the writings of a great Christian author. One emerges refreshed, built up and more fully devoted.
If the album had none of the edifying lyrics mentioned above and was merely instrumental, the music alone would be worth the price of admission. It’s based around reggae and other Jamaican styles and rings with a true authenticity yet, at the same time, bears unmistakable stamp that is solely Steven’s. This tricky musical tightrope has only been successfully balanced by a few: Ry Cooder, David Lindley, Dave Edmunds and The Police come to mind.
Put simply, ‘Walk By Love’ is great stuff, played by Steven (on guitar) with Jerry Scheff and Ron Tutt on bass and drums (formerly with Elvis, if I recall) along with Danny Timms on keyboards and the always-remarkable David Mansfield on guitars and violin. Soles produced it himself and Larry Hirsch (veteran of the Alpha Band sessions) recorded it. [Thom Granger, CCM, December 1982]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Walk By Love” – 3:44
A2. “Shepherd Of The Valley” – 3:29
A3. “The Last Round Up” – 5:07
A4. “Joy In All” – 2:43
A5. “The Talents” – 4:32
Side Two
B1. “Let Him In” – 3:17
B2. “Standing In His Power” – 3:35
B3. “Love Come To You” – 3:59
B4. “Light Of Lights” – 3:20
B5. “Walk By Love (Reprise)” – 1:29
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Good News Records.
CREDITS. Produced by Steven Soles. Recorded by Larry Hirsch. Assistant Engineers: Dave Goldstein and Bobby Macias. Recorded at Monterey Recording Studios, Glendale, CA. Mixed at Paramount Recording Studios, Hollywood, CA. Directed by Grace. Arranged by the Group. Photography, Art Direction, and Design by Herbert W. Worthington III. Lettering by Sandy Marvin. All songs written by Steven Soles, except track A2 and B3 co-written with David Carson, track A5 co-written with Joseph H. Burnett, and track B4 featuring lyrics co-written with Burnett. Special thanks to Freddie and Teri Piro for their constant support and faith and to Chuck Fromm who dialed the right number.
Musicians: Steven Soles (Vocals, Guitar), Danny Timms (Keyboards, Vocals), Marco Macisso (Flute, Saxophone), David Mansfield (Guitar, Violin), Jeff Scheff (Bass, Vocals), Ron Tutt (Drums, Vocals), Larry Hirsch (Percussion). Background Vocals: Jude Johnstone, Wendy Matthews, Tommy Funderburk.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.