History:

Maranatha was a collective of jazz, rock, and soul musicians from the Buffalo, New York area. The group’s origins lie during the height of the Jesus Revolution in the late 60’s through the early 70’s. The group was led by Jack Ledwon, a local pianist and a pastor. The group’s lineup also included Buffalo legend Tony Galla, a singer who released one of the most desired northern soul 45’s ever made. The group’s diversity is showcased in their only release “Maranatha” on Mark Records.  The date of the release is unknown but it was likely around 1974. Soul, rock, folk, and jazz influences are prevalent throughout the album, with five originals being performed (four written by Ledwon and one by Galla). A full lineup of the band that performed on the album is provided below:

Tony Galla: Lead Vocals (2, 5, 8, 10), Backing Vocals, Acoustic Guitar (4, 5?, 9, 10)

Jack Ledwon: Lead Vocals (1, 6), Piano (1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 10), Electric Piano (3, 5, 6), Arrangements

Denise Mack: Lead Vocals (3, 5, 7, 8), Backing Vocals

Alan Creech: Lead Vocals (4, 9) Acoustic Guitar (4, 9, 10), Backing Vocals

Jim Palys: Drums, Percussion

Linc Lackey: Bass Guitar

Dick Terranova: Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar

Joe Kelly: Flute

Rich Bisesi: Vibraphone

Rachel Stahlka: Lead Vocals (4, 9), Backing Vocals

Neal Hamlin: Lead Vocals (4, 9), Backing Vocals

Review:

Maranatha (Mark Records, 1974?)

Rating: 5/10

Mediocre affair which is nearly split down the middle between bad and good. I’ll start off with the good first: the opener “Maranatha” is over the top good jazz where every member of the core band gets an instrumental break. However the vocals are pretty weak on this track. “Voice Of Jesus” is a good soulful track with a good vocal from Galla. “My Father’s House” is my favorite track on the album personally and features a great duet and good instrumental work. “Tired And Lonely” is a nifty track as well, with just bass, piano and flute accompanying a great wavering Denise Mack. Now for the bad: the rest of the album. Pretty much the rest of the album isn’t very good save for the middle of the road “Someone”, which is definitely a rip-off of some hit (though I can’t put my finger on which one).