Kevin and April Ryan: “Living in the Light" Acorn 1983
Husband and wife duos always intrigue me when I come across them in the stacks of records I come across. This particular LP caught my eye a year or so ago, first based on the strength of the cover and secondly when I realized that it was a husband/wife group that had a penchant for synthesizers and clapping. Besides having an amazing jacket cover, this album delivers on the musical front as well. These two performers manage to produce some truly bizarre and beautiful songs that are either ahead of there time or behind the times. Depending on how you would look at it.
I will admit that at first I was not very welcoming to the LP, but throughout the past year I’ve become very satisfied with the selection of songs that this couple recorded 20 some odd years ago. I’ve chosen three songs for your listening pleasure. Enjoy.
[audio:kevin_and_april_ryan2.mp3] [audio:kevin_and_april_ryan_soul_changes.mp3] [audio:kevin_and_april_ryan_why_do_you_worry.mp3]
9 Comments
this was Fantastic!
I like this record also, especially since it was me and my wife who recorded it 24 years ago. “New Wave” music was popular at that time, so that’s the sound we were trying for. We had a lot of fun recording this album. The song “The Glories” had a dozen people in the studio sing the chorus. It sounded like “Smurf’s” singing. This was the last LP we have recorded. We recently recorded a CD at the same studio. Thanks for the kind review.
I think that that was great, and I’m so very happy for the two of you, and honored to say that I consider the two of you my friends.
I like this album as well. This couple had a really powerful ministry to young people back in the late 1970’s into the 1980s and if you like this, you should check out Kevin Ryans first album (Peaceful Feeling) which is one of my favourites.
i enjoyed this album also. My life has been touched and changed by Kevin and April’s ministry. Between the two of them they have recorded music, written books, and painted beautiful pictures and cards. I would recommend them all. They are truely gifted people.
The songs on this album are inspiring, beautiful and entertaining. This couple is truly unique and talented in countless ways. I am honored to know them and eternally grateful to have them as my parents and friends. ;)
These songs make us smile as we think about how fun it must have been to make this album…so proud of you mom and dad!!! :)
i LOVE the james brown-esque high notes on the first track, the sounds of the “king” on the second track, and the psychedelic overtones of the third…
Kevin, if you should read this(march 2009) please contact me. We are related. I am Lillian Weir’s grandson from St.Louis.
kc5kpf@hotmail.com