A first love faith gives birth to a childlike simplicity,
wonder and creativity that are often missing today.
The Artist/The Riddle
Artist: Mike Johnson
Label: Born Twice Records (www.retroactiverecords.net)
Length: 10 tracks/35:15 minutes
Back in the late 1970s I remember seeing The Artist/The Riddle by Mike Johnson in
my friend’s large LP collection of early Christian music. A smiling Johnson
with a sparkle in his eye is in the foreground while the background of the album
cover reflects the peace and tranquility of Christ’s future millennial reign.
It was a remarkable time with artists like Larry Norman, Keith
Green, Randy Stonehill, Phil Keaggy, Barry McGuire, the 2nd Chapter
of Acts, Nancy Honeytree, the All Saved Freak Band, Love Song, Children of the
Day, and many more singing of their faith in a contemporary music context. Like
the move of God that preceded it, bringing many in the counter-culture to
Christ, it was new. There was no established Christian music industry like
there is today.
A first love faith gave birth to a childlike simplicity,
wonder and creativity that are often missing today. As that early movement
became an industry the music and content became more homogenized losing some of
its freshness. It makes me thankful for artists that create something new and
different. With so many talented Christian artists inside and outside the
industry, how wonderful it would be to see original expressions of faith
blossom again.
Mike Johnson was one that I overlooked when I started
listening to the music of that era. It may be because he never achieved the
same popularity as the more well-known artists. But that was not for lack of
talent. He was an original member of the Mike Bloomfield Blues band and went on
to become lead guitarist for Electric Flag and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band.
His background shows in music that is slightly more complex than what is found
on some of the early Christian releases.
One of the remarkable features of The Artist is the diversity of styles. “The Artist” starts off with
gentle folk sounds, but when this allegory shifts to the work of the enemy, the
sound becomes biting. Johnson repeatedly uses story to convey biblical truth.
The other title song, “The Riddle,” is more renaissance with
the use of flute and recorder. “I Met a Man” is a humorous rag depicting the
futility of trying to find life outside of Christ.
“Lord Doctor” is a favorite with its lyrical guitar,
reminiscent of Phil Keaggy and vocals that sound a lot like Terry Talbot,
another early pioneer in this genre.
“Jesus loves you” may be cliché but it sounds fresh to me on
“Little Boy,” where a father confesses to a son that God loves him more than he
ever can.
“The Witness” extols a person who would otherwise be unknown
but for his faithful testimony, which changed lives throughout his town. This
depicts true significance.
It’s interesting that the last three tracks, though varied
in style, all relate in some way to Christ’s return. “The Sound of His Returning”
is regimented marching band music. Something similar to this could have been
used many years ago by the Salvation Army as they marched and sang like a
banner of Christ waving through the mean streets of London.
“The Wedding” draws heavily on Jewish marriage custom with
music to match. The closing “We Want You to Return” combines those words at the
end with a winsome melody. I appreciate the second coming emphasis, which does
not seem as prominent in our day.
I missed this when it was first released in 1976, but the
remastering is excellent, making the production closer to today’s standards. It
is a worthwhile addition for fans of the artist and any who are interested in
music from that special time. For mature Christians, it can be reminder to cultivate
again that first love.
No comments:
Post a Comment