Rising Hope


Farewell To The Shadowlands custom 1975
 Farewell To The Shadowlands
Besides coming up with one of the coolest album titles of all time, the Cincinnati trio of Michael Goldberg, Susan Goldberg, and Ross Johnson managed to create a brilliant homemade release of contemplative acoustic/folk music. All three have nice soothing voices that harmonize well together (Susan sounds a lot like Debby Kerner). Quiet and acoustic-oriented with some folky percussion, plus banjo and jew's-harp for 'The Lord Will Be My Snowtires', a novelty bluegrass sidetrip. Mostly originals plus a couple Martin Bell songs and a lovely version of 'Help O Lord' that's accompanied by flute and what sounds like a hammer dulcimer. Closes with the Narnia-inspired 'Further Up'. Best cover art seen in years. KS


Where The Songs Came From custom 1979
 Here's My Family
Top-rate second custom lp of gentle folkrock tunes, mostly originals. Pretty simple sound but it's the catchy melodies, creativity, beautiful arrangements (including some nice flute, mandolin, violin), and the overall atmosphere of charm and radiant joy that makes this one of my all-time favorites. 'Here's My Family' and 'A Wind In The Door' are some of the most exuberant moving pieces of Jesus music to my remembrance. 'Listen To The Singer is an equally touching acoustic ballad. It's albums like this that make this whole record collecting thing worthwhile. Attractive cover art by Susan. KS