Dust & Ashes

From Both Sides Custom Fidelity 1970
Groups like Dust & Ashes typified the second generation of Christian folk groups picking up the baton from the primitive sing and strum of pioneers like Ray Repp and Joe Wise. Strong sense of urgency in the immaculately harmonized interplayed vocals of Tom Page and Jim Moors. Effective moodsetters balancing melancholy depictions of Gethsemane and urban desperation with cheerful calls for courage and brotherhood, along with impassioned pleas for justice. Overall the production has a light echoed feel, the two guitars rounded out by John Duvall on bass. A high point for the genre and very different from their two Avant Garde lps. KS

A Different Shade Of Blue Avant Garde 1972
For their second release, D & A picked up additional singer/guitarist Jim Sloan. Also added were drums, electric guitar, harmonica, dobro, pedal steel - obviously no longer just a folk band, the trio has forged into country-flavored folkrock - and they do a good job of it. Case in point - the quintessential 'Charleston'. The folk roots are still pervasive, so a good deal of the album is pleasantly laid back. Some of the ballads what with the violins come dangerously close to easy listening - but fortunately are still enjoyable. A successful transition. KS

The Lives We Share Avant Garde 1972
Continues in the vein of A Different Shade of Blue. Charlie Daniels would be proud of the novelty 'Talkin' Jesus Freak Blues' spoken over a backdrop of dobro twang. Equally good. KS