Description

A New Horizon is the eighth studio album by the American singer and songwriter Paul Clark, released on Myrrh Records in 1981, a division of Word. The album was recorded by Bobby Cotton at Sound Recorders in Kansas City, Missouri; and at Paramount Recording Studios in Hollywood, California; with Paul Clark producing. Mixed at Paramount Recording Studios. All songs written by Paul Clark.

Paul Clark’s publishing company, Minstrel’s Voyage, and the pastel sailing ship logo on this new album, ‘A New Horizon’, fall in comfortably with this modern minstrel’s lifelong journey through music and a life in Christ. Clark’s sound is far from the medieval minstrel’s lute, however. His new disc is sophisticated, pop/jazz inspired by the King of Love.

Gently rocking rhythms underscore elegant instrumental arrangements, proficient use of synthesizers and strong backup vocals by Kelly Willard, Bruce Hibbard, Howard McCrary, Charity McCrary, Shauna Rogers and Michele Pillar. Clark’s band, Crossection (Curt Bartlett, Lee Jones, Dan Murdock and Jim DeLong) provide backup with assistance from Phil Keaggy, and Hadley Hockensmith.

Most memorable on the album are «Here To Stay», a simple, beautiful duet by Willard and Clark, and «More Than Survivors». Although all the lyrics here speak directly to Christians, Clark avoids typically ethereal imagery and cliched lingo. He has been recording over a decade now and has developed a personalized style characterized by technical expertise. (The album cover, by the way, also testifies that ‘New Horizon’ is a class act.)

Best cuts: «Here To Stay», «More Than Survivors», «Distant Shore». [Karen Marie Platt, CCM, November 1981]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/a-new-horizon/306870575)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Tell Them All” – 3:12
A2. “Breakaway” – 4:54
A3. “Broken Fool” – 3:12
A4. “The One You Love” – 3:45
A5. “He’ll Use Me” – 3:33

Side Two
B1. “Every Breath” – 3:54
B2. “Here To Stay” – 3:48
B3. “Hold On” – 4:09
B4. “Distant Shore” – 3:17
B5. “More Than Survivors” – 5:06

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Myrrh Records. Re-issued on CD by Seed Records in 1990, as a part of the 2CD compilation Minstrel’s Voyage, Vol. III: 1980-1985 – Digital Reissue Collector’s Edition.

CREDITS. Produced by Paul Clark. Recorded at Sound Recorders, Kansas City, MO, and Paramount Recording Studios, Hollywood, CA. Engineered by Bobby Cotton (Chief Engineer), Peter Haden, Chris Bauer, Paul Clark, and Bill Maxwell. Mixed at Paramount Recording Studios. Mastered by Bernie Grundman, A&M, Hollywood, CA.

Musicians: Paul Clark (Piano, Fender Rhodes, Acoustic Guitar, Lead & Background vocals). Crossection – Dan Murdock (Soprano & Tenor Sax, Flute & Synthesizer), Curt Bartlett (Electric, Lead, Rhythm, Acoustic Guitar), Lee Jones (Fretled & Fretless Bass), Jim DeLong (Drums & Percussion). Additional help from: Phil Keaggy (Lead Guitar), Hadley Hockensmith (Acoustic Guitar). Background vocals: Kelly Willard, Bruce Hibbard, Howard McCrary, Charity McCrary, Shauna Rogers, Michele Pillar.