Ed Drake
History:
Ed Drake was a gospel musician from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was the son of a reverend, but it's probable he became disillusioned with his religion as a youth. In the 60's, Drake was in a garage / psych rock band called The Masters Of Stonehouse. They recorded a single in 1966 with two of his compositions.
Drake expressed his conversion (or return) to christianity through an obscure concept album, titled "Before & After". Drake recorded the album in 1972 primarily by himself. He sang all the vocals and played acoustic guitar, piano, and hammond organ.
He was joined by Micky Holiday on bass guitar and Andy Venza contributed drums on the tunes "Same Ol' Song" and "After". Debbie Hawley contributed flute to "Since He Found Me".
The album flows from "Before" Drake's conversion to christianity and his experiences with God. Eventually, he comes around to accept Jesus and he explains his happiness in the track "After".
The album is a bit odd in terms of it's style and concept. Most songs are standard folk tracks with Drake accompanying himself on guitar. A few trend into folk rock territory with drums and organ. Both "Before" and "After" reminded me of the more progressive pop tracks off of Trafalgar and To Whom It May Concern by The Bee Gees.
After this concept album, Drake seemed to become a more standard gospel recording artist. He recorded another full length album with studio musicians in 1977. "Friend Of Mine" was released on Holy Kiss, a Nashville based christian rock label. The album is more pop based, with heavy use of saxophone and keyboards. Kind of like late 70's Jim Croce or George Harrison. After that recording, Drake seems to have fallen off the map.
If my research is correct, Drake passed away outside of Grand Rapids in 2019.
Review:
Before And After (1972, Alethia Records)
Rating: 6/10
A bit preachy, but still solid folk rock music with some neat lyricism. “Before” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that reminded me of some McCartney’s “granny music”. There is a lot of emotion fuming out of a song containing just piano and bass guitar. Wonderful storyline on that song too about his initial disillusionment from christianity.
Same goes for “Same Ol’ Song” which is about his alcoholic days. Commentary about the untruthful hippie “peace and love” movement and rock bands. Catchy tune overall with a good folk rock vibe. “All I Need Is Jesus” is another folk rock tune with acoustic guitar, bass guitar, and two hammond organs. Sounds like those late 60’s Columbia records that Bob Dylan and Bob Johnston would do. Really like that one, including the anti-drug messaging.
Now the main event is obviously the odd “After” track. Clocking in at fourteen minutes (!), the medley contains some really nice progressive pop moves. A reprise of “Before” is performed before the full track kicks off. Reminded me of stuff the Bee Gees did on Trafalgar. Piano and organ led with nice bass work and drumming. Halfway through, the pianos are exchanged for acoustic guitar and the tempo becomes chirpy instead of melancholic, signifying his return to christianity. He even namedrops The Beatles and The Byrds at the end!