Description
Just Give Me Jesus is an album by the Cuban-born, US based singer and songwriter Jason Alvarez, released on Light Records in 1981. Also manufactured and distributed by Elektra/Asylum Records. The album was recorded by “El Cliffo” (a.k.a. Cliff Hodsdon) at House Of Music in West Orange, New Jersey; with Jason Alvarez and Charlie Conrad producing. Mixed by “Mundane Willis” (a.k.a. Gordon Shryock) at Western Recorders in Hollywood, California. Arranged by Manny Arroyo, Kenny Guarino, and Jason Alvarez. All songs written or co-written by Jason Alvarez
The songwriting talents of Jason Alvarez predominate this album, but cannot overshadow his additional talents as performer and producer. Alvarez covers a diverse range of styles, from slow ballads like «Lord I Love You» to the almost bluesy title cut. Solid production enhances the polished overall effect, leading to crossover potential. [CashBox Magazine, May 2, 1981]
Jason Alvarez has written songs for many famous artists. His talent shows on this, his debut album. His songs are good, his voice exceptional. There is, however, something a bit confusing here. Advertised as rhythm’n’blues, this album comes dangerously close to that dying or dead genre, disco. If this album had been released two or three years ago, it could have been a viable crossover product. Now, however, it simply stands as a tribute, albeit a good one, to that extinct cultural phenomenon.
The production and players are excellent, no matter how dated the music seems. There are several good rhythm’n’blues tunes here, however. Although the uptempo songs have a little too much rhythm and not enough blues, the mellow tunes hit a better balance.
Some of these songs seem to have been written several years ago and just found their way onto Alvarez’s first LP. Perhaps we can look forward to a next album with that special something that makes rhythm’n’blues.
(Best cuts: «Lord, I Need You», «Turn to Me», «It’s You».) [RDD, CCM Magazine, May 1981]
> Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/album/7h218OBeCU2YXBmNWAr55v)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “I’m Healed By The Stripes Of Jesus” – 2:56
A2. “It’s You” – 5:30
A3. “He’s Alive And Well” – 4:43
A4. “Lord, I Love You” – 4:40
Side Two
B1. “Sounds Of Music” – 3:15
B2. “The Love Of Jesus” – 2:55
B3. “Turn To Me” – 3:33
B4. “Lord, I Need You” – 4:07
B5. “Just Give Me Jesus” – 4:05
A double-page advertisement for various new albums released by Light Records, including Jason Alvarez’s album Just Give Me Jesus, was featured in the April 18, 1981 issue of Record World.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.