Ralph Carmichael & Friends - Ralph Carmichael & Friends Live

Monday 1st June 1998
Ralph Carmichael & Friends - Ralph Carmichael & Friends Live
Ralph Carmichael & Friends - Ralph Carmichael & Friends Live

STYLE: Jazz
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 7659-7419
LABEL: Brentwood CD50026
FORMAT: CD Album
RELEASE DATE: 1997-12-08
RRP: £4.99

Reviewed by Jane Benson

This is an album which was recorded on the campus of Southern California College in Costa Mesa at the 1977 Alumni Homecoming Celebration as SCC is Ralph's Alma Mater class of 1947. Ralph is a legend in his own time including lengthy associations with ministries as diverse as Billy Graham and Andrae Crouch. Here he returns to his "big band1 roots with a great sound and it brought to mind the days of romance and intimacy. There are many styles of music contained on this album from folk rock to Spiritual and with this variety it makes it a very exciting happening due to the excellence of the musicians along with the special arrangements. It kicks off with "Here And Now" sung by Larnelle Harris. Straight away you know you are into something different and quite exciting. The fact that you can hear the audience participation also adds a rich atmosphere to a very special occasion. I gave first place to "Come On Home" (track seven). This was about the prodigal son's return and sung with such joy and celebration, which is the way I know God feels about us. The old spiritual "Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen" is another track which greatly impressed me. The musical arrangement of the alto and tenor sax along with the keyboards, breath box and horn section on this track certainly make that very special ingredient that says, "Hey, listen to this, something really creative is happening." The only thing that I was slightly disappointed with was some of the lyrics were outdated which took something away from an otherwise outstanding album.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Sample Track Listing:
1. Here And Now I Believe [Listen]
2. The Savior Is Waiting [Listen]
3. Love [Listen]

This track data is supplied by the Cross Rhythms CD/DVD review library. Please note that CD tracks may vary according to release region or product version.

Reader Comments

Posted by Louis Plank in Forest, Ohio @ 16:07 on Jul 8 2009

I believe that Ralph Carmichael is the best arranger I have ever heard. I'm a retired musician (low brass, keyboards), and I've played Big Band charts all my life. Would have loved to play in his bands. Wish I could tell him personally how I feel.
Thanks,
Lou Plank



Posted by Pat Patterson in Sacramento CA @ 06:19 on Jul 27 2008

I love "Ralph Carmichael and Friends Live"! Its very exciting!



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

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