History:

St Pius X Seminary was a seminary school based in Scranton, PA. There was another seminary with an identical name based out of California, however the two seem unrelated. The seminary was first formed in 1962 and changed functions in 2004. It became a center for retreat until it was eventually sold in 2017. During the 70’s, hundreds of training priests resided at the school, where members formed The Dalton Gang. The group recorded gospel music in a classical folk fusion and released an album in 1979. The concept album, titled “And I Will Bring You Home”, featured eleven fully original tracks. It was pressed on the local Susquehanna Sound Productions label. The project was spearheaded by Douglas Shrift, who played many of the instruments and wrote most of the lyrics and music. A full listing of Dalton Gang members and their respective credits are listed below:

Carl Marucci: Vocals, Pianos, Autoharp, Bells, Arrangements

Douglas Shrift: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, Percussion, Drums, Bells, Arrangements, Effects

Pat Genello: Vocals, 12-String Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bells

Rev. John Bergamo: Vocals, Bells

Ann Boland: Vocals

Jeanie Walsh: Vocals

Dave Czartoryniski: Vocals

Kevin O’Brien: Vocals

Jodi Foley: Vocals

Francis Pearson: Vocals

Bob Schatz: Vocals

Review:

And I Will Bring You Home (Susquehanna Sound Productions, 1979)

Rating: 2/10

Unlike the St Pius X Seminary albums on Century, this album is somewhat listenable (with an open mind). Really good harmony vocals, musicianship, and great production, but this album is still a pretty traditional gospel affair. I think that the album would have been a hundred times better and an instant classic if half of the songs were solo vocal spots (there are only two on the album). About ⅔ of this album is just too corny for me personally, but the other third is ok. “Come To Greet The Lord” is a fine track, but “And I Will Bring You Home” and “Come Home” are two of the best gospel folk tracks I have ever heard. “And I Will Bring You Home” is the only true solo vocal on the album, with Douglas Shrift pouring his heart out while he and Pat Genello play a beautiful duet of acoustic guitars. Extremely solid track with great lyrics and production. “Come Home” is a beautiful fusion of folk and classical music. Excellent baroque piano work from Carl Marucci and excellent vocals from the female Dalton Gang cast.