First Gear


First Gear Myrrh 1972
Soulful jazzy brass-based rock outfit that believe it or not featured Larnelle Harris on lead vocals. And if that conjures up images of quiet contemporary ballads or Sandi Patti duets, check out his groovin' rendition of Carole King's 'I Feel The Earth Move' or those screaming yeah-yeah-yeahs that keep croppin' up. Can't imagine what he thinks of this stuff now given the inspirational route his later music took. Sax, trumpet, trombone, and organ all get periodic solo workouts, and there's a smokin' rendition of 'Better Times' from label-mates Crimson Bridge's lp. Although released on a Christian label, the lyrics are not so much Jesus music, but more positive pop, including covers of 'He Ain't Heavy' and 'Mr. Bojangles'. Not bad for early Myrrh. KS


Caution Steep Hill Use First Gear Myrrh 1974
Opening with an Earth Wind & Fire-ish mover, Larnelle and crew's follow-up album has more of a bite to it. Funkier, more electric guitar, loads of horns. As with the first lp, it's mostly derivative - proficient but not much to distinguish it. Lyrics of titles like 'Get In Gear', 'Share The Feelin', 'Together' and 'Do You Like The Sound Of The Music' don't give much to dig in to, but I guess the intent here is more positive-message entertainment. A pair of Seals & Crofts tunes are done and 'Give Me A Break' dishes out a serious portion of mega-heavy funk. Mildly intriguing. KS