Sweet Comfort Band - Hold On Tight! - Music & Performance - CD

Release Date: November 10, 2009 Catalog Number: RAR7890 UPC: 845121012101 Style: Pop/Rock (Jesus Music) Tracks: 11 Time: 39:51 Lyrics: No Packaging: 4 panel digipak ABOUT THE ALBUM Originally released 1979, Hold On Tight shows Sweet Comfort Band beginning to move away from the jazz-fusion stylings they had become known for and easing toward the more mainstream rock sound that would become evident on their later releases. The album was produced by Jesus Music veteran, Tom Stipe (Country Faith, Richie Furay Band). The title track scores an early high point lyrically with an inspirational call for struggling believers to hold fast to the truth of Christ, which alone can sustain them. 'Carry Me' is an interesting track musically with progressive, moody stylings. 'Undecided' is some major ear-candy that exemplifies the sort of melodic pop that gives Top 40 radio something with hooks and a stunning melody! Duncan's voice soars and floats over countless magical, memorable moments by the album's end. This 30th Anniversary Edition comes packaged in a full color digipak with enhanced original artwork and is properly remastered for a high quality audio experience! KEY SELLING POINTS **Full promotional/magazine campaign **Features CCM giants, Bryan Duncan (solo) and Randy Thomas (Allies) **Features guest appearances by Richie Furay, Tom Stipe, Alex MacDougall (Phil Keaggy Band), Bob Wilson (Seawind) and the Seawind Horns **Classic album reissued in full color digipak **Classic out-of-print and in-demand album now an affordable, high quality reissue **Band toured internationally for a decade TRACKS 01. Hold On Tight 02. Take It - Save It 03. Falling Star 04. You're The One 05. Angel 06. Chasin' The Wind 07. Don't Tell Me You Love Me 08. Undecided 09. Carry Me 10. More Than You Need 11. Find Your Way WHITE THRONE BLOG REVIEW Sweet Comfort Band performed their last shows in 1984. I was privileged to see them on that tour. It was probably my 3rd or 4th concert ever. They played at Great America amusement park if front of maybe 1000 people. I remember being amazed even then (I was what... 16 maybe??) at their musicianship. I remember seeing a young Brian Duncan and Randy Thomas exchange pitches on their respective instruments, guitar and voice. The vocalist won that duel. At that time I was listening to primarily Heavy Metal, yet Sweet Comfort Band was a different. It was loud and so was the guitar but they weren't hard rock. Hearing those albums back then they didn't have the energy of their live performance, at least to a 16 year old. Well I'm 41 now and hearing these releases is simply mesmerizing. The melodies soar and the performances are top notch. Bryan Duncan really shows he can rock, he also shows why he continued into a long solo career. A top notch singer/songwriter. Randy Thomas also shows why he continued on into Allies and made them the strong rock/pop band they were. Retroactive Records has re-released 5 Sweet Comfort Band albums, 'Perfect Timing (1984),' 'Cutting Edge (1982),' 'Hearts of Fire (1981),' 'Hold on Tight (1979),' 'Breakin' The Ice (1978).' And a good job they've done with them. To hear them without all the vinyl noise (don't get me wrong I like vinyl, but after 25 years the advantages of the compact disc shine bright. A clean and warm sound that allows the original performances to shine in a way they couldn't before. "Cutting Edge" enjoys a fresh sound that has depth and feel. "Perfect Timing" sounds the most produced for the time. Perhaps it's because of the production of Dino Elefante but 'Timing' has the strongest guitar and drum sound. "Hearts of Fire" has bright guitars with a clean vocal sound that really is enhanced by the mastering at Steinhaus. The songs 'Isabel,' 'Contender' and 'Now or Never' are some great rock 'n' roll. A heartfelt solo by Randy Thomas on 'Never'.... At times these discs remind me of Toto or perhaps aspects of Kansas as far as musical aptitude and style. The pop leanings of 'Hold on Tight' glean some new life with a great remastering job. It's not until this albums last song 'Find Your Way' is a hint given as to what was to come. 'Breaking the Ice' has some nice moments as well. Both of those albums are pure 70's rock with a feel not unlike Steely Dan or Billy Joel. One of the charms of Sweet Comfort Band was that lyrically they avoided the clichés. They made no bones about their faith, but you won't find a lot of simple answers and Jesus loves me lyrics here. Real life and the difficulties that come along with it are topics often explored. Fans of Sweet Comfort Band will want to pick these up, so they may save their vinyl releases. Music lovers who want some Jesus music that is not overtly polished, but played by musicians will want to obtain these releases ASAP. Myself I'd start with 'Perfect Timing' and go from there. 7 axes.