View from the Bridge

Description

View from the Bridge is the debut album by the American singer, songwriter, keyboardist, and arranger Tom Howard (February 23, 1950 – January 29, 2010), released on Solid Rock Records in 1977, through the Jubilation Group distribution arm of Myrrh Records, a division of Word. The album was recorded during the summer of 1976 by Jonathan David Brown at Mama Jo’s Recording Studio in North Hollywood, California (at night time, from midnight till eight in the morning); with label head Larry Norman producing and arranging. Mixed by Brown. Orchestrated and conducted by Tom Howard who also wrote all the songs.

“All Through The Day” was later covered by the Sharretts on their 1978-album, You Turn Me Around. The song is as well featured on the sixth installment of Maranatha! Music’s Praise Series, Praise Six: Come and Sing Praises.

From the “Larry Norman presents” series on Solid Rock comes keyboardist Tom Howard’s nicely packaged contribution of soft rock tunes. «Mansion On The Sand» is the most interesting song here, coasting along with a jazzy Steely Dan Katy-Lied era vibe. «Come On In» and «One More Reason» both also have a bit of energy. The rest of the album is extremely mellow, slow ballads like «To Learn By Living», «We All Mean Very Well», «She Likes To Look At Pictures», «Blessed Are The Children» and «All Through The Day» resting in easy soft-jazz or calm acoustic guitars and harmonies. The usual Solid Rock deluxe gate-fold treatment, with accompanying large fold-out interview sheet. Some of these songs were recorded by Larry Norman for his limited 1982 release Labor Of Love. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]

Released back in the day (1977) when records from Larry Norman‘s Solid Rock label were the most polished and accomplished in Christendom, this, the debut from the late, great pianist/composer who, during this era, was also an excellent vocalist, is a near classic well worth searching out. Tom’s debut was a lush mixture of pop melodies and atmospheric production. Opening with an orchestrated intro straight into the invitation «Come On In», this is the perfect entry to an album. Issued back in the era when albums were to be enjoyed as whole works and many sported gatefold LP sleeves burst with artwork and information, ‘View From The Bridge’ went on to be considered a Jesus Music gem. Highlights include the parable «Mansion On The Sand» and the cinematic feel of songs like «To Learn By Living» and «She Likes To Look At Pictures». Everything here is driven by Howard’s keen piano skills from the celebratory «One More Reason» to the closing and worshipful «All Through The Day». [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, October 2010]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Intro” – 0:38
A2. “Come On In” – 4:18
A3. “Mansion On The Sand” – 4:15
A4. “To Learn By Living” – 4:38
A5. “We All Mean Very Well” – 3:59

Side Two
B1. “One More Reason” – 5:09
B2. “She Likes To Look At Pictures” – 4:15
B3. “Blessed Are The Children” – 4:23
B4. “Marriage Of Our Souls” – 3:59
B5. “All Through The Day” – 4:15

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Solid Rock Records with the vinyl edition housed in a gatefold sleeve, with lyrics printed on the inside.

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Gatefold Cover Artwork

Gatefold Cover, Inside

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CREDITS. Produced and arranged by Larry Norman. Recorded at Mama Jo’s Recording Studio, North Hollywood, during the summer of ’76 and engineered by Jonathan David Brown. Tapes prepared at Solid Rock, Davlen, and Mama Jo’s. Mastered at ABC. Orchestrated and Conducted by Tom Howard. All songs written by Tom Howard.

Musicians: Tom Howard (Lead Vocals, Piano, Electric Piano, Acoustic Guitar), Larry Norman (Acoustic Guitar, Harmony Vocals), Randy Stonehill (Acoustic Guitar, Harmony Vocals), John Pantano (Harmony Vocals on track B1), Wayne Johnson (Electric Guitar, Harmony Vocals), Jim Coile (Saxophone, Flute), Max McCoy (Auxiliary Keyboards, Flugelhorn), Jimmy Johnson (Bass), Peter Johnson (Drums, Percussion, Harmony Vocals), Vance Tenort (Congas, Cabasa).