Description
Live Wires is the major label debut album by the American singer and songwriter Donn Thomas, released on Myrrh Records in 1980, a division of Word. The album was recorded by Christopher Banninger at Davlen Sound Studios in North Hollywood, California; with David Diggs producing and arranging. Mixed by Bill Bottrell at the Soundcastle in Hollywood. All songs written by Donn Thomas except tracks A3 and B2 co-written with Charles Williams and track A4 written by Williams only.
Donn Thomas is backed by a session band consisting of producer David Diggs on acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes, and synthesizers; Paul Jackson Jr. on guitar (joined by Carlos Rios on a couple of tracks); and a rhythm section consisting of bassist Scott Edwards and drummer Ed Greene (replaced by bassist Dennis Belfield and drummer Jim Keltner on three tracks; A3, B3, and B4). Background vocals provided by nurmerous singers: Bob Carlisle of Good News and Allies fame, Denise Hunt, Elisecia Wright, Lillian Tynes, Carol Rogers, and Steven Hunt.
Donn Thomas is an assistant pastor at the Vineyard Christian Fellowship in southern California. He released a custom album a few years ago, but this is his first in national release. Live Wires was not recorded live, as the title may lead some to believe. Rather it is the work of noted producer/arranger David Diggs (not to discount Thomas’ role, however).
All of the songs are original, and are given a fine black contemporary treatment, characterized by a driving rhythm section and sizzling horns. Thomas is a good singer and songwriter, and his songs make powerful Christian statements (to be fair, we should add that Charles Williams contributed to one tune and co-wrote two others). A worthy debut and an exceptional cover. [CCM, May 1980]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Live Wires” – 3:57
A2. “God’s Love (Is What The World Needs)” – 4:04
A3. “Not Now Doesn’t Mean Never” – 4:17
A4. “Walking With My Father” – 4:32
A5. “Oh My Livin’ Brother” – 5:14
Side Two
B1. “Soul’d Out” – 3:13
B2. “A Shield About Me” – 2:19
B3. “Can’t Make It Without You, Lord” – 4:34
B4. “You Got Me Through” – 4:22
B5. “Soul’d Out (Reprise)” – 1:23
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Myrrh Records.
A double-page advertisement for various new Black Gospel album releases on Word Records, including Donn Thomas’ Live Wires, was featured in the April 18, 1981 issue of Record World.
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