Description
Because I Am is a rock musical featuring various artists, released as a double album on Clear Light Productions in 1973. The album was recorded by John Nagy at Aengus Studios in Fayville, Massachusetts; with George Andrews and Don Andreson producing. Mixed by Nick Koumoutseas and John Nagy with additional mixing by Jack Malken. String and horn arrangements by George Andrews (except “Babylon” and “Where Do We Go From Here”).
Two of the tracks – “Overture” and “If A Child” – were written by Greg X. Volz, later of Petra fame. Featuring Turley Richards. (A blind American singer and guitarist, born Richard Turley in 1941 in Charleston, West Virginia. Best known for his cover of “I Heard the Voice of Jesus”, the old hymn that was a radio hit in the US in 1970.)
Diverse two-disc rock musical featuring various artists, including input from Turley Richards, Greg Volz, Mike Johnson and numerous others. Best of the lot here is “e”, an early Jesus rock band featuring Greg Volz, later to become the lead singer of Petra. Two of their three songs approach eight minutes in length, including the intense hard rocker «Journey To Calvary» that inspired one house guest to ask me “is that Led Zeppelin?”. Their other two songs are also solid entries: «If A Child» and «Rejoice» (the latter also appears on The Sheep’s Lonesome Stone and Servant’s Shallow Water). Volz’s trademark screams are’ easily recognizable amidst the heavy organ and electric guitars. Mike Johnson’s «Empty Hollow Choruses» is strong, a lengthy orchestrated acoustic piece typical of his output during that era. Everyday People has a big brassy rock sound ala Chicago, not entirely consistent but still managing a few decent hard-edged soulful-organ grooves within the eight-minute «Babylon» and «Where Do We Go From Here». Newine also makes use of horns on the seven-minute «The Search», although their other song «He Is In Me» seems to rock more convincingly (Volz appears on vocal harmony on both tracks). Turley Richards sings the acoustic title ballad. Also a couple instrumentals, one with funky ‘70s crime-drama jazz-rock breaks. More or less top of the heap as far as Christian rock musicals go. Colorful fold-out cover. Many of the participants would go on to appear on the label’s follow-up release Cry 3. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]
As is the case with ‘Cry 3‘ (reviewed in Harmony Issue 2) this is a concept album of a future multi-media show to be produced by this Boston-based corporation.
‘Because I Am’ contains probably the most diverse array of music and instrumentation yet produced by Christians, and with 28 artists from across the country participating on this double album, each song has a flavor all its own. However, no song is a separate entity in itself, but rather they all depend on each other to pull the whole idea together. What is represented is the psychological fight of modern man with the claims of Christ, and it is a very seesaw battle throughout.
‘Because I Am’ opens with a soft orchestrated version of the title track which is pleasantly interrupted by the extremely funky overture. It’s the type of “get down” number you’d expect to hear at a disco… and you’ll sometimes catch yourself “boogying” to Charles Lloyd Chittendon’s excellent bass lead.
«If A Child» is really where the message of the LP starts as you visualize the philosophies of Jesus being preached to the children of our generation.
«Babylon» counters back with scriptures from the O.T. exclaiming “How can we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?” Here we see the large influence of the brass jazz/rock fusions of Chicago and BS&T. A moving jam featuring Vern Gibson’s Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) type flute is very energized throughout.
«Empty Hollow Choruses» is a straight ahead, no-punches-pulled look at the false philosophies of humanistic thought and the real despair the world is in. Mike Johnson sings “Somewhere beyond a different voice cries, “I’m waiting for you… if you just call my name.” ”
Following the same thought, «The Search» asks many questions of bewilderment. But the puzzle begins to fall together through deep contemplation about the prophets and Jesus. The song fades out with visions of Christ’s glory and a beautiful rendition of the 23rd Psalm. But some very tense, eerie string music, perhaps representing second thoughts and apprehensions about this Jesus stuff, leads us to forsaken Gethsemane where we see Christ being crucified, and we ask, “Might this be the one we seek?” As Christ dies during the «Journey To Calvary», earthquakes, storms, and the battle with death are portrayed through rising waves of explosive rock a la Led Zeppelin. The question is repeatedly asked, “Could this man you’ve cruified be God’s Son indeed?” Greg Volz’ powerful blues wailing is quite effective here and reminiscent of Ian Gillan (part of Christ in the J.C. Superstar brown album and former lead singer for Deep Purple). Cold winds of death and doubt blow hauntingly for several minutes after the “storms” die down.
Questions are once again raised about Jesus just as they may have been by the disciples in «Where Do We Go From Here?» But after some spiritual and musical turmoil, we are reminded gently of Christ’s love with a brief flashback into the 23rd Psalm. [Harmony, Vol. 1, No. 6, March/April 1976]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. Turley Richards – “Because I Am” (Instrumental) – 2:04
A2. E Band – “Overture” – 3:37
A3. E Band – “If A Child” – 3:52
A4. Everyday People – “Babylon” – 8:13
Side Two
B1. Mike Johnson – “Empty Hollow Choruses” – 7:38
B2. Newine – “The Search” – 7:01
Side Three
C1. E Band – “Journey To Calvary” – 8:14
C2. Everyday People – “Where Do We Go From Here” – 6:00
Side Four
D1. Newine – “The Search – Reprise” – 1:00
D2. Newine – “He Is In Me” – 2:33
D3. Turley Richards – “Because I Am” – 4:03
D4. E Band – “Rejoice” – 7:47
Note: Re-issued on CD by Hidden Vision Records in 2005.
[youtube_sc url=”J-HMEb9K5Bk” title=”E Band – Journey To Calvary” autohide=”1″ rel=”0″]
CREDITS. Production: George Andrews and Don Andreson. Recording engineer: John Nagy. String and horn arrangements (except “Babylon” and “Where Do We Go From Here”): George Andrews. Recorded at Aengus Studios. Mixing engineer: Nick Koumoutseas and John Nagy. Additional mixing: Jack Malken. Artwork details: Jacket design, layout and photograph: Ronald Thomas. Sun design: Tony Russo. Concept: Clear Light Productions.
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