(If you came over from Michael & Christine Cortright's site: "Believers Music", I want to let you know that you can't order these songs. They are just for listening.)
To advance the song list in the media player below, click on the right arrow. To play, click the bottom arrow. (Remember to first turn off the Myspace Media player at the top of the page or you'll hear two songs at the same time.) If you can't see the media player below (it looks like an IPOD), it may be because you don't have the latest version of Adobe Flash player installed in your browser. It's required in order to view flash players (both audio and video). If you want to install the Adobe Flash player, here's the download link: Adobe Flash Player
I took it upon myself to publish this page with songs circa 1974-1975 from the band formerly known as Amazing Grace. We were not together very long as bands go, but for the time we were, we had some moments for which I am very thankful. (Oh, by the way, I am Annette. I sang with the band from 1973 through 1975). If you'd like to contact me Click Here
We ministered the Word in song as well as on our breaks in the audiences and saw the salvation of a number of people which, in my opinion, was the whole point of what we were doing.
Some background: the band was an original band living up in Tannersville N.Y. in the early 70's in a house on 23A called the "Pine Cone". I believe it was Tony C. who started the band. A few of their members left in early 1973. Those who stayed were: Tony C, Scott W, Bruce E, and Gregg as band members and Mark E. (Bruce's brother) who helped with the equipment and Jack who cooked. (Kind of macro biotic style. A bit odd for my taste but did wonders for me physically. Thanks Jack.) Tony asked Albert A. to come in as drummer in the spring of '73 (who, in my opinion, is among the best in his field). I also came up at that time as did Clair and Paulie M. Paulie played flute for a while with the band and, by his contribution, helped to keep the band afloat. A few months later, Gregg, the bass player left to go to California. I had already been singing a few songs with the band at the time. But, when Gregg left, who also did the third harmony part, they asked me to do his parts.
The band was called Bacchus in those days which is the name of the "god" of wine, women and song. Anyhow, a few of the new arrivals couldn't live with that name so, after some deliberation, we renamed the band "Brethren". Then we found out the name was taken so we changed it to "Kindred" for about 15 minutes :) (also taken) then "Divine Favor" and eventually we settled on Amazing Grace. (John Steffen who managed the band '74 and '75 suggested that name. It stuck.)
Ok, back to 1973. We gigged in local bars like "The Well" in Kingston N.Y. and a bar in Ellenville N.Y. (can't remember the name) and a resort called the Sugar Maples and quite frequently at Rapsoms in Portchester N.Y. among other places.
Initially it went well with us. But after a while, things got a bit grim. Band members would come and go. For some reason, we just couldn't keep a bass player at that time. Also, a few of the places we worked at were dives. We got very low pay. One place we worked at, after we finished playing, the owner told us he couldn't pay us in cash so he ended up paying us in pizza. Heh. And of course, living together had it's own set of problems. But good changes were on the horizon. I think Scott put this so well in his song: "First Time Ever" describing the downs as well as the up we all experienced at the same time when we opened the door of our hearts to Jesus Christ. I put two versions of that song here. One is with Tony C. singing and playing guitar and the other is a live version with John F. singing and playing guitar.
Tony C. was already a believer. He wrote the first song about Jesus that the group did called: "Jesus is Love". (That's his beautiful, crystal clear voice singing lead). It was the first song I ever sang with the group when I first moved up there. Tony had been encouraging me to receive Christ and not too long afterwards, I was touched by the Master's hand and accepted Jesus as my Lord wholeheartedly. My heart was so full of joy and I began to write songs about Jesus, knowing that He was my life and my song. Around this time, Al asked Tommy G (killer bassist) to come up. Shortly afterwards, John Steffen moved up by invitation to manage the band. One by one, each band member received Christ and was born again. It was quite miraculous! Steffen helped in ministering to the last few band members to receive Christ. He encouraged us all in the Word which, to me, was invaluable. He also suggested we do some Top 40. At the time, many of the club owners were concerned about the people wanting to dance and most of our original material was not danceable, so including some top 40 songs helped us to get more gigs. But what we did was rework the lyrics in many of the songs so they would have truth but with a dance beat so everyone was happy. But mainly, he further strengthened the group in purpose...that the music was a ministering tool, not a means to gain glory for it's members. Some of the other writers in the group also began to write songs about Christ and their experience with Him. It was quite a wonderful time for all. Also, in '74 Andy, Lee, Edie and Bennett E. (another of Bruce's brothers) came in. Andy helped with the equipment but his greatest asset was his love for Christ. A quiet power, this brother had. (I love you Andy.) Bennett also helped with the equipment. Lee, a joyful soul, worked together with Edie to put together delicious meals.
The songs on this site are from 1974 and 1975. The early songs (Jesus is Love, Didn't Have to Ask Him to Love Me, Born Again and First Time Ever) are with Tony C. on guitar and vocals and the later songs are with John F. on guitar and vocals. In my opinion, his solo on "He's Alive" is classic. A few of the later songs also include: Tommy A. who played keyboard (who brought a bit more soul to the sound of the band) and Tony I. on congas (who's abilities as a drummer himself, made his conga playing a unique addition to the rhythm section.) Tony, who also assisted in management, brought his love and commitment to Christ with him.
Most are live recordings done in bars and a few were recorded in a home studio. Bear in mind that these recordings are 33-34 years old. Some of them are from a very old cassette tape that came my way a few years back. And one song is only a piece, not the whole song.
My prayer is that these songs will continue to do what God would have them to do.
God Bless!!!
Annette E.
BAND MEMBERS
(in the order that they joined the band to the best of my knowledge):
Tony C. - Singer/Songwriter, Rhythm and lead Guitar
Scott W. - Singer/Songwriter, Sax, guitar
Bruce E. - Lead guitar (he was only 17 at the time!)
Albert A. - Singer/Songwriter, Drums and guitar
Annette E. - Singer/Songwriter, and a little tamborine
Tommy G. - Bass
John F. - Rhythm and lead guitar and vocals
Tommy A. - Singer/Songwriter, Keyboards
Tony I. - Conga
SONG CREDITS:
JESUS IS LOVE
Words and Music: Tony C.
HE'S WITHIN REACH Words: All of us --- Music: Tony C.
HE'S LOVING YOU Words and Music: Albert A. Ending Scott W.
HE'S ALIVE Words: Annette E. --- Music: Albert A. and Annette E
LOVE IS A GIVING THING Words and Music: Tommy A.
YOUR MUSIC MY SONG Words and Music: Tony C.
SO MUCH MORE Words and Music: Scott W.
FIRST TIME EVER Words and Music: Scott W.
JESUS CHRIST IS RESSURECTED Words: All of us --- Music Tony C. and friend DIDN'T HAVE TO ASK HIM TO LOVE ME Words Annette E. --- Music Albert A. and Annette E. ending Scott W.
DAY AND NIGHT Words: All of Us --- Music: Tony C.
BORN AGAIN Good Seed
