Description
The self-titled debut album the American rock group Sweet Comfort Band was released on Maranatha! Music in 1977. The album was recorded by Jack Joseph Puig and Jonathan David Brown at Martinsound Studios in Alhambra, California; with Tommy Coomes of Love Song fame and Brown producing. Logo designed by Rick Griffin.
Sweet Comfort Band features Bryan Duncan on vocals and keyboards, Randy Thomas on guitar (later of Allies fame), and a rhythm section consisting of bassist Kevin Thomson (January 6, 1953 – May 30, 2010) and his brother Rick Thomson on drums.
The album track “When I Was Alone” was later covered by the pop/dance duo Heather & Kristen Ostrom on Arcade, a multi-artist urban dance project released on Maranatha! Music in 1988.
The ‘70s certainly had its share of jazzy soft rock bands. Most are pretty forgettable. Sweet Comfort rises above the fluff as fairly competent funksters. Though sometimes sinking into an MOR moment here and there, most of the time they serve up winners, soulful lead vocalist Bryan Duncan be-boppin’ his way through peppy melodic grooves, mid-tempo funky things, and slow smooth lounge crooners. Bryan also provides the keyboards and is joined by Kevin Thomson on bass, Rick Thomson on drums and Randy Thomas on guitars. Good guitar licks, catchy arrangements, slick layered harmonies, infectious song-writing, joyful spirited presentation. At their best doing brassy funk movers («It’s So Fine (Soul Tune Boogie)» and «Let It Go»), animated jazz-rock grooves («God’s Got A Plan») and hard-edged rock («Get Ready»), the latter with a notable drum solo, Just might get a conservative fella’s feet movin’ in an unguarded moment. Produced by Jonathan David Brown and Tommy Coomes. See also Maranatha 5. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]
I was a young man from Rialto California who could play guitar. In the early seventies, I had kicked around San Bernardino in a little-known Christian band called Sonrise. Later I joined an Orange County horn band known as Psalm 150, which played prisons and churches throughout California. Both of these bands appeared with Sweet Comfort on occasion.
Sweet Comfort got hounded about needing a guitar player. I joined in 1976 and we immediately went to Martinsound studio in Alhambra to make the first record. We were loaned $8000 by Bryan’s future wife, Jodi. What followed was a grueling self-inflicted schedule of touring and recording.
Bryan Duncan brought brutally honest lyrics and a soaring vocal to match. Rick Thomson had a smooth voice, was a solid drummer, and was the joker of the band. Kevin Thomson was known for his bass solos, and probably did the most work behind the scenes, keeping the band going. I came in quietly and developed my songwriting and playing as the band matured.
The debut record was largely Bryan’s songwriting. Breakin’ The Ice was more of a group effort and was the sound that set us apart. Hearts Of Fire and Hold On Tight continued the quality songcrafting. Cutting Edge, produced by Jack Joseph Puig revealed the band stretching artistically. Perfect Timing may show evidence of the struggle that artists face, when the choice is between becoming stale, or moving on. It was our last record together.
Sweet Comfort Band spanned a decade, from the laid-back seventies to the more pretentious eighties. We stayed true to the original vision: we were musical missionaries. The band preached the gospel in concert and explored deep emotional issues in the studio. I think what we did has worn well with the passing of time. Those fans that loved it then, still love it now. I hope these releases create more than fans. If you listen closely you’ll hear the gospel; “Somebody loves you. Somebody died for you.”
– Randy Thomas, Sweet Comfort Band [Liner notes featured in the “Perfect Timing: Limited Edition – Remastered” 2009 CD released by Retroactive Records]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/sweet-comfort/716453216)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “It’s So Fine (Soul Tune Boogie)” – 2:58
A2. “Ryan’s Song” – 4:05
A3. “Childish Things” – 2:42
A4. “Let It Go” – 2:26
A5. “Your Life” – 2:24
Side Two
B1. “Somebody Loves You” – 2:56
B2. “His Name Is Whispered” – 3:11
B3. “God’s Got A Plan” – 3:08
B4. “Get Ready” – 3:01
B5. “When I Was Alone” – 3:37
Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl LP by Maranatha! Music. Re-issued on CD by Maranatha! Music in 1990, manufactured and distributed by The Benson Company.
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