Genre: rock
Rating: **** (4 stars)
Title: Rock and Scroll
Company: C&C
Catalog: RRRS 191277-AB
Year: 1977
Country/State: New Jersey
Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+
Comments: includes lyric and promotional inserts; bottom left corner had slight crush (see picture)
Available: 1
GEMM catalog ID: 4471
Price: $100.00
We normally shy away from Christian rock and on those rare
occasions where we've made exceptions, we've typically been disappointed (recent acquisitions by The Moonrakers and The Water Into Wine Band coming to mind). Here's one of the true exceptions that deserves it's rapidly growing reputation in collector circles ...
Besides, how can you avoid buying an album with
liner notes that read "The time has come to probe into the soul &
spirit of human kind & caress a new experience in sound. A sound
that is as ageless as the universe!" ?
First off, we can't say we know much about this duo. Apparently from New Jersey (their album was recorded at C&C Studios in Glassboro NJ and released by the small Jersey-based C&C label), Ron and Shirley are singers/guitarists Ron Russo and Shirley Bristle. Co-produced by Russo and Ed Candelora, their sole release, 1977's
"Rock and Scroll" offered up an interesting blend of Christian themes and rock instrumentation. Certainly a turnoff to many rock fans, the duo's religious agenda was out front and center on material such as "Sealer Healer", "Christian Man" and "Troubled Sea". That said, with backing from the trio Universe (drummer Jay Baccile, guitarist Tom Boyer and bassist Jack Deluca), Russo and Bristle packaged all nine original tracks in surprisingly mainstream and attractive rock arrangements. The proceedings were certainly helped by the presence of guitarist Boyer's first-rate playing and the fact Russo had an attractive voice (Shirley's obtrusive and occasionally shrill supporting vocals took a little getting use to - check out her performances on "Jude" and "Comforter"). Interestingly, we've seen the LP turn up on a number of big dollar psych sales lists. While the closing number "Bad Love Is a Demon" boasted a distinctive psych edge (complete with weird time signature and oddball sound effects), it's an exception. The majority of the set, including selections such as "Soul Winner" and "Love Is Real" sport a more mainstream rock sound. Certainly not for everyone, but if you can live with the religious overtones, the LP's a pleasant surprise and something we play with surprising regularity. (Our copy contains a lyric insert and what appears to be a homemade promotional flyer.)
"Rock and Scroll" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Soul Winner (Ron Russo) - 4:06
2.) Sealer Healer (Ron Russo) - 2:44
3.) Christian Man (Ron Russo) - 3:05
4.) Troubled Sea (Ron Russo) - 4:31
5.) (Write a Letter) Jude (Ron Russo) - 5:13
(side 2)
1.) Backslider (Ron Russo) - 2:56
2.) Comforter (Ron Russo) - 3:01
3.) Love Is Real (Ron Russo - Shirley Bristle) - 5:20
4.) Bad Love Is a Demon (Ron Russo - Shirley Bristle) - 6:19
This appears to be their only recorded effort. Anyone know what happened to them?