Lifters

Description

The self-titled, six-track debut EP by the American rockabilly combo The Lifters was released on MRC Records in 1983, a sub-label of Maranatha! Music. The album was produced by Dan Willard.

The Lifters were a trio fronted by Chris Brigandi on guitar and lead vocals, backed by a rhythm section consisting of Kass and Brian Ray on bass and drums respectively. The EP features guest musicians like Joey Taylor of Undercover on piano and Darrell Mansfield on harmonica, both artists signed to MRC Records as well. “Living Water” was co-written by Chris Brigandi and Joey Taylor and “Baby Left Me” was written by Michael Knott of L.S.U..

The album track “Living Water” was featured on Back to the Rock #2, a multi-artist compilation released by Maranatha! Music through their label A&S Records in 1983. The following year Lifters was featured with the non-album track “Listen Children” on the multi-artist compilation What’s Shakin’ released by MRC Records, and in 1985 the band released What Love’s All About, their sole full-length album.

EP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Living Water” – 1:49
A2. “Baby Left Me” – 2:20
A3. “Bucket of Blues” – 3:07

Side Two
B1. “Eternity Bop” – 1:42
B2. “I’m Yours” – 2:54
B3. “He’s My Lord” – 2:06

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Interview with Chris Brigandi of the Lifters, January 2025.

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CREDITS. Produced by Dan Willard. Songwriters: Chris Brigandi, Brian Ray, Mark Kirschak, Eddie Espinoza, Michael Knott, Joey Taylor.

Musicians: The Lifters – Chris Brigandi (Guitars, Lead Vocals), Kass (Bass Fiddle, Electric Bass, Background Vocals), Brian Ray (Drums, Percussion, Background Vocals). Additional Musicians: Joey Taylor (Piano), Darrell Mansfield (Harmonica), Eddie Espinoza (Additional Guitar), Bill Walden (Horns), “Antwan” Adams (Horns), Dave Hackbarth (Horns).