History:

The Joyful Word was a twenty five member choir based in Saratoga Springs, NY. The choir formed after the merging of St. Peter’s Folk Group and the local high school folk choir in early 1972. The folk choir performed in New York but also played several occasions in Allentown, PA at Dorney Amusement Park. The choir was backed by musicians from the original St.Peter's Folk Group, which included twins Donnie and Denny Brunelle on guitar and banjo respectively, as well as Doreen Massey on guitar. These three, mainly Denny Brunelle, contributed material to the group’s only album “Reaching”. The album features 19 total songs, including twelve original songs by Denny Brunelle. About three quarters of the album is sung by the choir while the remaining songs were done by the individual composers themselves. 

The album was recorded at The New Sound Inc. studio in Springfield, PA. This studio is notable for recording, producing, and pressing The Blessed End’s album “Movin’ On”, a legendary (and rare) psychedelic album. It’s unclear why they chose a studio so far from their church in New York. It was produced by Kreslo Productions. It is unclear if the group made any more recordings. Dennis (Denny) Brunelle, the album’s main composer and driving force, passed away in 2014. 

Review:

Reaching (1972, Paris Green)

Rating: 3/10

Upon discovery (thanks Dad) I hoped this would be some crazy find despite my understanding it would be a traditional christian affair. Although most of this album is common christian gospel music that is very unappealing, some solo spots are actually very well done folk tunes. There are about five or six solo spots where it seems as though it’s the original St. Peter’s Folk Group performing instead of the whole group. 

The best song without a doubt is Doreen Massey’s “Long Hard Winter” which is a brilliantly sung folk track. “Morning Morning”, another great tune, is an acoustic folk rock track that snuck its way into the production. “Four Leaves On A Tree” is also very charming. One of my favorite album covers of all time as well.