Denise Klahn – “Closer to the Savior”

The Sleeve:

The Liner/Sleeve Notes:
“As well as to the ministry and glory of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, throughout all the Earth, I would like to dedicate this recording to my precious loving family. They raised me, with the love and help of God, as a “normal” child, in spite of my visual impairment. Each member, no matter how old they are, makes me feel as though I’d fit right in anywhere. If I ever need to talk anything over, each member is right there and eager to listen. Each one of these people, a gift from our Savior, has filled a special place in my heart that no one else can have. So, my dear parents, grandparents, brothers, sister-in-law, niece, aunts, uncles and cousins, thanks so much for what you’ve given and done for me.

 Dear Heavenly Father– thanks for the wonderful gift of our families. We pray now for those who have lost their familes and ask your blessing upon them. But, most of all, dear Father, thanks so much for Your most precious gift, Your only Son, our Lord. May we, in each day of our lives, realize that without His death on that old, rugged cross, we would now be lost… eternally. This we ask in Your holy name! –Amen!”

Personal Review:
 This is the record that started it all for me – it got me into the collecting. The record was given to me by Denise’s aunt, my friend Linda, after a long hunt for trying to find the record on eBay, Musicstack and various other places.
 So, the A-Side opens with the track “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” – and well, this record is probably my most played record that I own. Denise’s voice is different than many female vocalists I’ve heard (over many, many genres) she has this distinct tone. She should be the voice of Southern Gospel. Every track on this album is great! So, track two is my favorite Denise song “In A Little While” (I haven’t heard this song covered by anyone, or performed anyone else.) The song goes on to prove Denise’s incredible talents. Anyways, the next track is “Part the Waters” – Denise is one of the few I can actually stand doing high notes. She pulls a couple off during this song. It makes for another great Denise Song. The title track of the album, “Closer to the Savior” was written by Denise herself! and what a great track it is! Anyways, the A-Side closes with the track “Life’s Railway to Heaven” which is another great song! It’s mainly banjo and Rhodes with Denise singing. It makes for a great closing track.

 The B-Side opens with the track “I Don’t Need to Understand” – which is quite an amazing opening track on the B-Side – Denise is ever so talented, she is not only providing the lead vocals, but the backing vocals as well! “I don’t need to understand, I just need to hold the saviors hand” – that’s such a sweet line. It’s followed by the song “My Tribute (To God Be the Glory)” – which is an amazing song all on it’s own, but even better sung by Denise, Especially when Denise hits the chorus, the song just becomes an over the top amazing part of the album – and makes it totally worth the five star rating. Oh, and did I mention Denise can hit those high notes amazingly? Anyways, she follows up with “Eternal Life” – which features, many, many high notes. Denise shows no limits to her never ending talent, and is just so impressive, I’m kind of jealous of how great she is. The album closes with the song “I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked” which makes for an amazing ending track to such a great album by such a wonderful woman. Denise is truly one of the great gospel musicians.

In closing, Denise was a very, very talented young woman. Sadly, Denise passed away April 24th, 2001. This record, along with “Singing for Salvation” were recorded by Denise when she was in her late teens – early twenties.

Interesting Facts:
My copy comes from the Klahn family.

Track Listing:
A1 – Just a Closer Walk with Thee
A2 – In a Little While
A3 – Part the Waters
A4 – Closer to the Savior
A5 – Life’s Railway to Heaven

B1 – I Don’t Need to Understand
B2 – My Tribute (To God be the Glory)
B3 – Eternal Life
B4 – I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked

Label:
Crusade Enterprises

Catalog Number:
LP S 1726

Studio Musicians & Other Album Credits:
Photography: Dennis White
Piano, Organ & Rhodes: Denise Klahn
Owner and Technical Advisor: Ray Harris
Engineer & Assisting Musician: Bill Casolari

Other Albums I Own by Denise Klahn:
“Singing for Salvation”

Released:
198?

Related Vinyls:

Denise Klahn – “Singing for Salvation” Gail Moyers – “The Man in My Life” Kelly & Kathy – “Lowell Mason Presents Kelly and Kathy” Merrill Womach – “Reborn”