Kevin Gallagher – “Praise and Promises”

The Sleeve:

The Liner/Sleeve Notes:
“Dear Friends,
As far back as I can remember, I have loved music. In 1974 this love led me to sing with the Phoenix Boy’s Club Choir. Through the guidance of their director, “Uncle Fred” Ratford, I was exposed to the beauty and meaning of sacred music.
During the past six years I have become more active in the greater Phoenix area holding concert. After being a part of GENERAL DELIVERY, U.S.A., for two gospel tours, I realized that gospel singing was a great way to give a Christian witness. In 1982 I began a solo gospel ministry, holding concerts locally and on a four week tour of the Midwest.
As long as Christ wants to use me, I am available to Him.
I sincerely hope that you will enjoy this album; even more important, my prayer is that the real message of Christ’s love will reach out and touch your heart, bringing you into a closer, more personal walk with Him.
In His service,
Kevin.”

Personal Review:
One of my first Gospel records I owned. (I think maybe 5th or 6th…)
Anywho. So, the song “We Are the Reason” is a personal favorite of mine, (I believe Joni Eareckson-Tada did it on one of her albums, still not sure who’s version I prefer). Anyways, if you were to just look at the cover you’d probably not expect Kevin to have a voice like he does, you’d probably expect something whiney or nasally, but alas! Kevin is a slight baritone! (I’m jealous of his suit… I wish I had that for my prom.)
So, the song “It is Well” is another strong track, then it goes weak… But thank God (quite literally) for the song “Cornerstone”! It picks up the album once more! Then comes “How Great Thou Art” – which is a total Christian classic, so many Gospel singers have done it, Kevin’s version starts off slow… very, very slow… slower than molasses, slower than a slug… or a snail… ANYWAYS. Kevin picks it up like you would not believe for the chorus! It’s just absolutely amazing.
Holy Gosh! The opening track of the B-Side…”Trumpet of Jesus”… KEVIN WHY ARE YOU SO AMAZING?! I wish I wasn’t tonedeaf so I could do a cover of that song… (Though, I see an album in my future titled “Leigh Raccoonson covers Gospel Hits… Tonedeaf Style!”)
Kevin, don’t slow down on me! …Darn, you did. “Reach Out to Jesus” is another slow track, this does not amuse me. Then he comes back fighting! With the track “Rise Again” – slow yes, but amazing nonetheless! Followed by the also amazing track “I’d Rather Believe in You”! Kevin, good sir, thank you for blessing us with this amazing music!

Track Listing:
A1 – We Are the Reason
A2 – It is Well
A3 – Praise the Lord
A4 – Cornerstone
A5 – How Great Thou Art

B1 – Trumpet of Jeus
B2 – Reach Out to Jesus
B3 – Rise Again
B4 – I’d Rather Believe in You
B5 – My Tribute

Interesting Fact:
None.

Label:
Lad Productions

Catalog Number:
LP-6028

Studio Musicians & Other Album Credits:
Crossroads Sound Studio, Joplin, Missouri
Crossroads Studio Musicians
Photos – Updike Studios, Phoenix, Arizona

Other Albums I Own by Kevin Gallagher:
None.

Released:
1982

Related Vinyls:

Denise Klahn – “Singing for Salvation” Ken & LuAnn Snyder – “Unity” Ray Harris Trio – “The Ray Harris Trio” Tommy Ellison – “Let This Be a Lesson to You (Drunk Driver)”