Shades of Gray (album)
Encyclopedia
Shades of Gray is the second studio album and the first EP
released by Christian alternative rock band The Choir (known as "Youth Choir" at this point), released in 1986.
, the EP was recorded in a furious rush to be ready in time, hence the "demo" feel to the songs. Youth Choir never intended to release an EP, but the record company acquired it as the resolution to a contract dispute, which freed the band to be signed by MyrrhLA
later that year.
While brief, Shades of Gray is more musically diverse than the band's debut, because Youth Choir is now a foursome. The quality of the songs also attracted praise from not only critics, but other musicians such as Sam Phillips
, who seriously considered covering "All Night Long" for her album The Turning
. Although most of the drums on the album are once again drum machines, Steve Hindalong
makes his official recording debut as the band's drummer on "15 Doors," which proved to be a live favorite.
All five songs were later included as bonus tracks on the CD release for Chase the Kangaroo
.
. All music composed by Derri Daugherty
.
Dan Michaels was selected to join the band after Youth Choir's roadie pulled his name off a church bulletin board. The band sought to emulate Romeo Void
, which also featured a saxophone player
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
released by Christian alternative rock band The Choir (known as "Youth Choir" at this point), released in 1986.
Recording history
Because the band was gearing up for a 20-city tour in support of Steve TaylorSteve Taylor
Roland Stephen Taylor , is an American Christian singer, songwriter, record producer and film director.-Early life:Taylor, the eldest of three children, was born in Brawley, California. Taylor's father, Roland Taylor, was a Baptist minister. When Taylor was six years old, the family relocated to...
, the EP was recorded in a furious rush to be ready in time, hence the "demo" feel to the songs. Youth Choir never intended to release an EP, but the record company acquired it as the resolution to a contract dispute, which freed the band to be signed by MyrrhLA
Myrrh Records
Myrrh Records, also known as Myrrh Worship, is a Christian music record label. According to Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music, the label was instrumental in developing a popular following for Contemporary Christian music as the label that first published music by Barry McGuire, 2nd Chapter of...
later that year.
While brief, Shades of Gray is more musically diverse than the band's debut, because Youth Choir is now a foursome. The quality of the songs also attracted praise from not only critics, but other musicians such as Sam Phillips
Sam Phillips (singer)
Leslie Ann Phillips, aka Sam Phillips is an American singer and a songwriter.-Biography:Phillips was born in Glendale, California. She began her musical career as a vocalist in the early 1980s, singing background parts for Christian artists Mark Heard, Randy Stonehill and others...
, who seriously considered covering "All Night Long" for her album The Turning
The Turning
The Turning is the title of the fourth album by Leslie Phillips , originally released in 1987 on Myrrh Records....
. Although most of the drums on the album are once again drum machines, Steve Hindalong
Steve Hindalong
Steve Hindalong is an American drummer, percussionist, songwriter and producer best known for his work with the alternative rock band The Choir...
makes his official recording debut as the band's drummer on "15 Doors," which proved to be a live favorite.
All five songs were later included as bonus tracks on the CD release for Chase the Kangaroo
Chase the Kangaroo
Chase the Kangaroo is the fourth studio album from Christian alternative rock band The Choir, released in 1988.-Recording history:Chase the Kangaroo was a radical departure from the upbeat, alternative pop sounds of Diamonds and Rain, and quickly proved to be a seminal work—not only for The Choir,...
.
Track listing
All lyrics written by Steve HindalongSteve Hindalong
Steve Hindalong is an American drummer, percussionist, songwriter and producer best known for his work with the alternative rock band The Choir...
. All music composed by Derri Daugherty
Derri Daugherty
Derri Daugherty is an American record producer, songwriter, guitarist and singer, best known as the lead singer and guitarist for band The Choir....
.
- "Fade Into You" – 3:58
- "15 Doors" – 3:05
- "More Than Words" – 2:36
- "Tears Don't Fall" – 4:02
- "All Night Long" – 5:01
Personnel
- Derri DaughertyDerri DaughertyDerri Daugherty is an American record producer, songwriter, guitarist and singer, best known as the lead singer and guitarist for band The Choir....
- Lead vocals, guitars, piano, voices - Steve HindalongSteve HindalongSteve Hindalong is an American drummer, percussionist, songwriter and producer best known for his work with the alternative rock band The Choir...
- Drums, vocals, percussion - Tim ChandlerTim ChandlerTim Chandler is a bass guitar player, best known for his work with the rock bands Daniel Amos, The Swirling Eddies and The Choir....
- Bass guitar, vocals - Dan Michaels - Saxophone, lyricon
Dan Michaels was selected to join the band after Youth Choir's roadie pulled his name off a church bulletin board. The band sought to emulate Romeo Void
Romeo Void
Romeo Void was an American rock band from San Francisco, California, formed in 1979. The band primarily consisted of saxophonist Benjamin Bossi, vocalist Debora Iyall, guitarist Peter Woods, and bassist Frank Zincavage. The band went through four drummers, starting with Jay Derrah and ending with...
, which also featured a saxophone player