This album is front-to-back instrumental gospel tunes performed by some of Nashville’s hottest session musicians of the era. The back cover of the album describes the First Nashville Jesus Band as “some of Nashville’s most talented studio musicians. Each one of the group’s number is a master soloist on the instrument or instruments of his choice. These inspired and talented men formed the First Nashville Jesus Band to give expression to a true down-home sound in sacred and gospel music.” Among the musicians are standouts Jimmy Capps on guitar, Johnny Gimble on fiddle, and Jeff Newman on steel guitar.
Released in 1974 and recorded at Hilltop Recording Studio in Nashville, the back cover provides an excellent description of the album written by Martin Haerle. Martin would go on to be the founder of CMH records just a year later in 1975. This album was released on Lamb & Lion Records which was founded by Pat Boone and Irving Kessler in 1972.
Click the image below to see a larger version of Martin Hearle’s write-up from the album’s back cover.
The back cover also features some nice photos of the musicians. Click the image for a larger version.
Track Listing:
- Peace in the Valley
- Bound for Glory
- Those Golden Bells (For You and Me)
- I’ve Got Confidence
- It Is No Secret
- In the Sweet Bye and Bye
- Life’s Railway to Heaven
- Wasted Years
- Keep on the Sunny Side
- I Believe
- Mansion Over the Hilltop
- Lily of the Valley
Credits:
Drums – Paul Charron
Fiddle – Johnny Gimble
Bass – Billy Linneman
Guitar – Jimmy Capps
Steel Guitar – Jeff Newman
Piano – David Reece and Jerry Whitehurst
Producer – Jack Linneman
Engineer – Jack Linneman and Billy Linneman
Click on the images below to see the high-resolution versions.
