Voices

Description

Voices is a multi-artist project released on Myrrh Records in 1987, a division of Word. (Came with a sticker saying “10 of The Best Voices in Christian Music.”) The album was produced by Mike Mierau and Rick Thomson, the latter of Sweet Comfort Band fame.

Voices was a charity project that brought together the cream of the CCM AOR scene, performing songs specifically composed for this album released in 1987 via the legendary Christian label Myrrh and conducted & produced by Mike Mierau (Petra, Halo, Mastedon, Guardian, etc.). Mierau’s liner notes words: “There are certain singers which voices are instantly recognizable. The minutes you hear them, you know they’re one of your favorites. Here on this record are ten new songs by ten great singers. It’s a collection of amazing talents.”

The main focus of this album are, obviously, the voices. We have beautiful performances by the likes of the exquisite Tommy Funderburk (of The Front and What If), Bob Carlisle, John Elefante, Rick Riso (of Messenger fame), etc, all highly respected singers from the AOR / WestCoast golden age. There’s smooth arrangements, elegant instrumentation by renowned session musicians and well crafted songs. My favorite is John Elefante’s track, penned with his bro Dino, and of course, the mighty Tommy Funderburk, one of the greatest AOR singers of all time.

‘Voices’ is a compilation album designed to show off the talent of some of Christian music’s best singers. You’ll know many of these singers by name, but will recognize nearly all of them once they start singing. Some names you will know are Matthew Ward, Bryan Duncan, Bob Carlisle, Kim Boyce, and Benny Hester. Some names you may not recognize are Tata Vega (after a couple of great albums for Motown, she was last heard singing the gospel numbers in ‘The Color Purple’), Tommy Funderburk (who fronted The Front), and Howard McCrary, who sang and played with Andrae Crouch.

Produced by Mike Mierau and Rick Thomson (former drummer for the Sweet Comfort Band), this album is fun to listen to. The producers, who had a hand in co-writing most of the songs, have made a valiant attempt to find songs which highlight the voices who sing them. Musically, this album falls into the up-tempo pop/rock genre, but lyrically it’s seared toward worship and exultation.

As you might expect, it is hard to pick a favorite on this album. Highlights are «Light of the World» with Matthew Ward, «Lift Up My Voice» with Tommy Funderburk, «Heaven Is Waiting» by Bob Carlisle, and «Come As You Are» by Bryan Duncan. (This, by the way, is the first time Duncan and Thomson have worked together since the demise of SCB.)

The material on ‘Voices’ is good, not great, but it’s still worth a listen just to hear so many great vocalists. [Devlin Donaldson, CCM, September 1987]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. Tata Vega – “In Your Light” – 3:50
A2. Bob Carlisle – “Heaven Is Waiting” – 4:29
A3. Bryan Duncan – “Come As You Are” – 4:32
A4. Matthew Ward – “Light Of The World” – 4:30
A5. Howard McCrary – “In Your Presence” – 4:23

Side Two
B1. John Elefante & Kim Boyce – “Helpless” – 3:28
B2. Rick Riso – “Heaven Must Have Sent You” – 3:48
B3. Bob Carlisle – “Teach Me How” – 4:29
B4. Benny Hester – “Then You Call My Name” – 3:19
B5. Tommy Funderburk – “Lift Up My Voice” – 4:14

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by Myrrh Records. Myrrh also released a 12-inch promo maxi-single featuring 5 tracks; two CHR/ROCK tracks on one side (Heaven Must Have Sent You + Helpless) and three AC tracks on the other side (Teach Me How + In Your Light + In Your Presence). Re-issued on CD by specialized Japanese label Cool Sounds.

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CREDITS. Produced by Mike Mierau, Rick Thomson and John Elefante. Orchestration by Bill Kilpatrick. Programming, Overdubs: Rick Thomson, Mike Mierau.

Musicians: J. Schreiner (Keyboards), James Raymond (Keyboards), John Elefante (Keyboards), David Hlebo (Saxophone), Warren Ham (Saxophone), Michael Hodge (Guitars), Terrance Elliot (Guitars), Dino Elefante (Guitars), John Pierce (Bass), Rick Thomson (Drums). Horn Section: The Martin Brothers.