Description
The Edge of Flight is the eighth and final studio album by the American singer and songwriter Randy Matthews, released on Wave Records in 1990, distributed by The Benson Company. The album was recorded by Lee Groitzsch at various studios in Nashville, Tennessee – Quad Studios, OmniSound Studios, Midtown Tone & Volume, and Digital Recorders – with Billy Smiley of White Heart fame producing. Mixed by Groitzsch and Smiley.
“… And on the eighth day, God created Randy Matthews.” Well, actually, Randy hasn’t been around quite that long. But Matthews must certainly be considered one of the cornerstones of contemporary Christian music. Randy was playing “Jesus rock” before the term was invented; in fact, Myrrh Records, the oldest champion in contemporary Christian music, was started, in part, as home for Randy and a handful other young artists. It’s been over fifteen years since Matthews released ‘Now Do You Understand?‘, a live album many consider his best. During the last decade, Randy’s mounted a number of what came to be called “comebacks,” though if truth be told, he’s never really been away, having been actively touring and working on behalf of Compassion International. But none of his post-Myrrh attempts has been the equal of his Wave debut.
‘The Edge of Flight’ contains a great abundance of the two things for which Randy is best known: tightly-arranged, acoustic-based rock music, and touching, highly personal songwriting. Matthews’ own vintage Martin guitar is not heard, but an assortment of all-star pickers, such as Billy Smiley, Robin Crow, and Gordon Kennedy turn in fine fret-work, along with impressive contributions from Tom Hemby, Phil Madeira and Chris McHugh. Smiley, who produced the album, also surfaces as co-writer of a number of songs, along with long-time Matthews pals Michael Johnson and John Thompson. Two of the best tracks are direct dedications to family members. «Defender of the Faith» tells the story of Randy’s grandfather and his life spent serving God. «Sir», for Randy’s dad, finds a son timidly speaking to his father, and promising to follow in his footsteps. Matthews contrasts that offer with his own determination to follow the Lord’s call.
Other outstanding tunes include «Beautiful Hands», a reminder that we’re never too old to learn, «Ti Chape», a touching journal of Randy’s Compassion travels, and «Make Me Believe», a poignant anti-abortion anthem, which finds a despondent Santa Claus unable to deliver toys to children whose lives were snuffled out. ‘The Edge of Flight’ is a dramatic illustration that time has not diminished Randy Matthew’s gift for storytelling. Let’s hope this album gets the promotion and attention it deserves. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, April 1991]
‘The Edge of Flight’ is Randy Matthews’ return to recording after nearly 10 years away. In those years our industry has changed immensely. So has Randy Matthews. In the 70s I was a big Randy Matthews fan. In fact, he was one of the first Christian artists that I ever heard at Explo ’72 in Dallas, Texas. Back then I thought Matthews was great, but I never felt he got the help he needed in terms of production and arrangements.
Now, in 1991, Matthews has re-entered the market with a triumphant return. ‘The Edge Of Flight’ is so much better than anything else Matthews has done in his career, you might wonder if it is the same guy. It is, and the tell tale sign is the intelligent, articulate and passionate lyrics of this veteran Christian music songsmith.
The album is overflowing with hopeful and encouraging songs from the simple prayer «Sir», to the yearnings of a Christian’s heart in «The Dream», to the apocalyptic «China Sea», to the emotionally charged «Beautiful Hands». There are story songs like the saga of his grandfather in «Defender Of The Faith», and «Make Believe», is perhaps one of the best anti-abortion songs ever written. Matthews co-wrote on this album with several great writers, Billy Smiley, John Thompson, and Mike Johnson. Lyrically, the character of Randy Matthews the man, with a battered and weathered faith, scarred and standing humbly before his God, permeates the record.
The album was produced by Billy Smiley (of Whiteheart fame), who has completely moved his talents to another level of admiration with his careful and thoughtful work on ‘The Edge Of Flight’. The album has an ambiance and consistency that pulls the listener in and won’t allow them to stop listening. It affects the listener in much the same way as 1989’s album by Robbie Robertson (another long-awaited return). There are a few little things that I wish were done differently, such as less reverb on Matthews’ vocals, but these little wrinkles in many ways just add to the character of the music.
But the real proof is in the listening. The first time I listened to this album, I was in tears at least three times. Truth, real life and compassion pour out of every song. And then I listened again. Because I wanted to, not because I had to. And the tears were back again. The truth will cut you like a knife. Randy Matthews is a skilled wielder of truth, so handle ‘The Edge Of Flight’ with great care, it could cut into your life without a warning. [Devlin Donaldson, Harvest Rock Syndicate, Issue 2, 1991 (Volume 6)]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-edge-of-flight/272279743)
CD tracklist:
01. Man Of The Morning Sun – 5:34
02. Defender Of The Faith – 5:18
03. Beautiful Hands – 4:56
04. Heart’s Still Beating – 4:08
05. Sir – 4:33
06. The Dream – 5:19
07. China Sea – 4:33
08. Ti Chapé – 4:52
09. What A Good Lady – 4:46
10. Make Believe – 5:26
11. Lookin’ Back – 3:59
12. Morning Sun (Reprise) – 1:43
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Wave Records.
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