First Gear Myrrh 1972
Soulful jazzy brass-based rock outfit that believe it
or not featured Larnelle Harris
on lead vocals. And if that conjures up images of quiet contemporary ballads or
Sandi Patti duets, check out his groovin' rendition
of Carole King's 'I Feel The Earth Move' or those
screaming yeah-yeah-yeahs that keep croppin' up. Can't imagine what he thinks of this stuff now
given the inspirational route his later music took. Sax, trumpet, trombone, and
organ all get periodic solo workouts, and there's a smokin'
rendition of 'Better Times' from label-mates Crimson Bridge's lp. Although released on a Christian
label, the lyrics are not so much Jesus music, but more positive pop, including
covers of 'He Ain't Heavy' and 'Mr. Bojangles'. Not bad for early Myrrh. KS
Caution Steep Hill Use First Gear Myrrh
1974
Opening with an Earth Wind & Fire-ish mover, Larnelle and crew's
follow-up album has more of a bite to it. Funkier, more electric guitar, loads
of horns. As with the first lp,
it's mostly derivative - proficient but not much to distinguish it. Lyrics of
titles like 'Get In Gear', 'Share The Feelin', 'Together' and 'Do You Like The Sound Of The
Music' don't give much to dig in to, but I guess the intent here is more
positive-message entertainment. A pair of Seals & Crofts
tunes are done and 'Give Me A Break' dishes out a serious portion of
mega-heavy funk. Mildly intriguing. KS