THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(10-TRACKS)
1-IF YOU JUST BELIEVE
2-PASS THE FLAME
3-THE STREAM
4-DEFYING GRAVITY
5-THE TRUTH,THE LIFE
6-THE WAY THAT YOU LOVE ME
7-EXIT
8-HOME WITH A VIEW
9-DON'T LEAVE THE GAND
10-GIVE IT ALL AWAY
CREDITS:
John Elefante - Vocals, Additional Keys
Eric Darken - Percussion
Gary Burnett - Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Mandolin,Dobro
George Marinelli Jr - Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Lead Guitar
Matt Pierson - Bass
Jeffrey Roach - Pianos And Snyths
Larry Hall - B3 organ
Tony Palacios - Additional Guitar ,S trings
Dave Davison - Violin Solo
JOHN ELEFANTE-CORRIDORS/1997
THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(11-TRACKS)
1-CORRIDORS
2-TREASURES OF HEAVEN
3-I KNOW YOU'RE THERE
4-NOT JUST ANY OTHER DAY
5-EYES OF MY HEART
6-EVERYTIME YOU SEE ME CRY
7-FALL
8-I LOVE YOU FOREVER
9-TALK TO ME
10-WHERE DOES OUR LOVE GO
11-REPRISE
CREDITS:
John Elfante - Lead Vocals, Keyboards
Dan Needhan - Drums & Percussion
Matt Pearson & Tim Smith -Bass
George Marinelli - Guitars, Mandolin
Gary Burnette - Electric Guitar
Glenn Pearce - Lead Guitar
Paul Rogers - Acoustic Guitar
Jeff Roach - Piano & Keyboards
Tony Harrell - Organ
Mark Douthit - Horns
Chris Carmichael - Violin
JOHN ELEFANTE-WINDOWS OF HEAVEN/1995
THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(10-TRACKS)
1-HELLO MY GOOD FRIEND
2-WINDOWS OF HEAVEN
3-THIS IS WHAT LOVE IS
4-WHAT IF OUR WOLRD
5-HOLD ME IN YOUR ARMS(The Prodigal)
6-NO ONE EVER DIED FOR ME BEFORE
7-TAKE ME TO THE RIVER
8-THAT'S WHY GOD MADE THE MOON
9-LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE
10-WE WILL FIND OUR WAY
CREDITS:
John Elefante - Keyboards, Percussion
John Schreiner - Keyboards, Piano
Harlan Rogers - Piano
The Fabulous Martin Brothers - Horns
David Raven - Drums
Jamie Woolam - Drums
Scott Williamson - Drums
J.R. McNeely - Guitars, Bass
John Pierce - Bass
Greg Vail - Horns
Glenn Pearce - Guitars
Dino Elefante - Guitars
Wayne Aames - Guitars
Rick Will - Percussion
BIOGRAPHY:
John Elefante was the voice of Kansas for the Vinyl Confessions and Drastic Measures projects. John and Dino Elefante wrote just about every song on those two albums. After John left Kansas, the Elefante brothers formed their own Christian recording company named Pakaderm Records . They produced and/or recorded many well-known Christian Rock and Metal albums through the late 80s and 90s. Projects by X-Sinner, (Guardian) Barren Cross Halo, Leviticus, Baranabas, Mastedon just to name a few.(http://robertigno.webs.com/
REVIEW FOR THE ALBUMS:(John Elefante)
John Elefante/Same Title This album is one of my favorite of all and definantly the best of the 3 John has put out. If you like Kansas you will love this beautiful album. Great words, Music and Scorching Vocals will make you want his other two albums. We need a new one John.John Elefante is simply awesome in " Windows of Heaven ". The most memorable songs on the track are " That's Why God Made The Moon" And " No One's Ever Died for Me Before " . John sings the song in a very simple-toned yet very expressive and heartfelt way. John Elefante , producer of albums for such groups as Petra, Greg Long, or Nikki Leonti will certainly appreciate this album These days John Elefante is probably best known for his production work (With brother Dino) for a variety of Christian artists. People have a habit of forgetting that he is also a world class singer having fronted mainstream Rock Band Kansas in the 80s. " Windows Of Heaven " is more than an aide memoir for Elefante's past Vocal victories; it's a sumptuous feast of Hi-Tech Glossy 90s Rock. Musically, it skips styles from Catchy Pop Rockers through to some of The Best Rock Ballads you could hope to hear. One of Those Ballads, "That's Why God Made The Moon", Had me reaching for the repeat play button on my CD player because it is simply gorgeous! Pure poetry! There are times when you cannot avoid being gobsmacked by Elefante's singing but that's only half the story. Elefante's songwriting is excellent. "This Is What Love Is" and "No One Ever Died For Me Before" talk of grace and forgiveness. "What If Our World" looks at how we would survive without God. This is more than a rock album because Elefante throws so many different elements into the pot, a dash of gospel backing vocals here, a dollop of horns there and it all sounds like a recipe for success to me. Cookin'! For More Good Info Go To The LINK Below.(http://christianrockzone.listen2myradio.com/)
REVIEW FOR THE ALBUM(Corridors)
The former Kansas frontman and ace record producer follows up his solo album from a couple of years ago with this mature wedge of AOR. Polished with perfect vocals and a rock veneer that has class written all over it! I've always admired Elefante's vocal talent but here singer, song and production sound combine to stun the listener. This is close to being an absolute classic, with songs like "Not Just Any Other Day" lifting the listener back to Jerusalem and the crucifixion. Stylistically, the album is reminiscent of early Richard Marx, bits of late Beatles and Phil Keaggy. "Treasures Of Heaven" has a familiar Violin Riff and intense feel. Some songs have a dynamic prophetic feel as Elefante writes from God's perspective on "Talk To Me" and "Eyes Of My Heart", engaging the listener both musically and spiritually. Powerful stuff! The album closes with the wonderful "Where Does Our Love Go?" which feels like a follow up to "That's Why God Made This Moon" on his last project. Overall, this is a very adult affair both lyrically and musically which drops short of being absolutely unmissable, but it's pretty close. Worth buying just to check out "Not Just Another Day"."Corridors" as well. John Elefante and his brother, Dino, are extraordinarily gifted songwriters. Their lyrics are heart-felt, worshipful and inspirational. Their incredible melodies are (for lack of a better word) totally addictive. I put their songwriting ability on the same level as Lennon and McCartney (and as an avid Beatles fan, I never thought I would ever put anyone else's music on that level). The songs on "Corridors" are powerful, beautiful, and anointed, full of insight, passion and energy. And I can not say enough about John Elefante's Incredible Voice! He is, without a doubt, one of the best singers I have ever heard. I have read many reviews speaking about the fact that he was with Kansas. At the time I purchased "Defying Gravity", I did not know who he was, so I did not have any pre-conceived expectations when I bought his CD. I can honestly say that I was captured by his music right from the start because it stands on its own as being the BEST, not just in Christian music, but in the music arena at large. It's a real shame that he is not more widely recognized, acknowledged and appreciated for the magnificent God-given talent and wisdom He Possesses. I pray that he realizes that there are those of us who know genius when we hear it and that he will continue to follow God's direction which has served him (and his listeners) so beautifully. I have recommended "Corridors" And "Defying Gravity" to everyone I know and I will continue to do so because God has blessed him with an exceptional gift that deserves to be heard. The world needs his message and his music.John Elefante Really Has A Gift For Communicating God's Heartbeat to the believer, and in turn expressing love back to Him. Kind of like a modern day David, Composing Psalms from The Heart. I highly recommend this album, as well as his previous release "Windows of Heaven." John Elefante has such a fantastic range and emotive delivery.(Corridors-Album) Another great John Elefante album. His Vocal passion, quality, interpretation ... it's all here. Then there's the great production, lyrics, compositions ... all here too! John Elefante Stands Above His Peers in the CCM genre. The amazing thing is how in the world the mainstream markets can pass up this talented artist. Oh well, thankfully I don't think John is too concerned about this rejection. He is very confident in his talents and his calling ... both very evident in his music. The best way I can describe Corridors is that I simply find it impossible to listen to it without listening to the whole CD. Although, not a concept album, it has a seamless continuity ... a great CD to take on a long trip. From the very start, the theme of the album is set with these words from the title track: "Take me down the Corridor that leads me to the Cross ... I want to be where You are" ... John also wants us to come along and his music is a vehicle to get there(http://www.progrock.org/elefante/index2.html)
REVIEW FOR THE ALBUM(Defying Gravity)
1999 solo album from Kansas' Vocalist in the '80s & '90s. 'Defying Gravity' marks his return to symphonic rock & features nine timeless songs with A Real Orchestra Backing him. The artwork and Tracklisting is Different from the American Version.Vocalist And Songwriter/producer John Elefante is carving out quite a niche for himself by creating smooth, well-produced pop rock music which still demonstrates what a fine singer he is, but he ends up making albums that grow more like McCartney's work (check out "Exit 39", close your eyes and think of Paul!) This is slick sounding but somehow so soulless. I am alarmed that in a couple of place, there are elements of country music creeping in! Music for 45 year olds! Earnest songwriting is placed within a radio friendly setting designed to maximise the marketing opportunities, and I can imagine hundreds of American radio station managers salivating at the sound of this. But to British ears this makes no sense and for all its intricate arrangements, its beautifully recorded sonic perfection (all in John's own studio) it still washes over me and leaves me unmoved. Designed to reach the widest demographic and consequently sanitised and soulless this album demonstrates Elefante can write good songs. He is also one of the best singers in Nashville. But the sum total of that talent summed up on "Defying Gravity" makes me wonder whether there is something seriously wrong in the Nashville scene where this is just another album which is a victory of style over substance.As a devotee primarily of Classical and Renaissance music, I have been unimpressed with most of the Christian rock served up in the last twenty years. Granted, there have recently appeared a handful of non-rockish Christian popular albums that are musically distinguished, but this still is not often the case with those albums that feature an uncompromising, industrial-strength rock style. For one thing the lyrics are usually as shallow as they are banal, and the artist often seems embarrassed to convey an unvarnished Gospel message. Now comes this new contribution from the Elefante brothers, a rock album far superior to anything ever accomplished by the group Kansas, with hefty doses of both full-strength rock and Gospel allusions - all awash in splendid poetic imagery, thanks to the fine writing of the Elefante brothers. Indeed, the album's five best songs are nothing short of brilliant. 'If You Just Believe', 'Pass the Flame', 'Defying Gravity', 'The Truth, The Life', and 'Exit 39' are some of the finest products of Christian rock from the last three decades - easily superior to anything from the now lyrically defunct secular world. Savor, for example, the imagery of this line from the title song,'Defying Gravity', which captures the central irony of the Christian faith: '...Because in order to rise above this world, I have to lay my life down. And when I kneel before you, I'm defying gravity.' That's exquisite stuff. And don't miss the passionate intensity of the magnificent worship hymn 'The Truth, The Life'. By the time one reaches the hymn's chorus, one is ready to fall on one's knees. Certainly don't overlook the opening cut, 'If You Just Believe', in many ways the best crafted song on the album. One factor contributing to the effectiveness of the recording can hardly be underestimated: it fearlessly repairs to New Testament themes for its material and makes no attempt to render its message blander or more 'palatable'. This confers a spiritual power and a profundity missing from much of the sanitized drivel being hawked as 'Christian' music these days. And just compare the philosophical weight - the gravity - of this recording with anything currently available in secular music. Simply a magnificent and moving achievement.John Elefante's "Defying Gravity" is absolutely the best thing to come along in Christian music ever! The songs on this CD are brilliant, versatile, powerful, and fun! His voice is extraordinary! He is an amazing singer--the best singer in Christian music today! The music is beautifully produced and the musicianship is amazing. The songwriting is superb! He and his brother have an extraordinary gift for delivering powerful, inspirational messages with wonderful, catchy melodies and harmonies that I can't stop listening to! Each song on this CD is unique. "Pass the Flame" is a total masterpiece. "The Truth, The Life" and "Don't Leave the Band" are full of incredible energy, passion and conviction--I can not sit still when I listen to those songs!! "If You Just Believe" is beautiful both lyrically and musically. Every song on this CD is great!!! I love "Defying Gravity" so much that I have purchased quite a number of CDs and cassettes to give to my Christian and non-Christian family and friends. I have told everyone I know about John Elefante and his magnificent music. It is rare that I find a CD that I love entirely from the beginning to the end but "Defying Gravity" is a work of art that is beyond anything I have heard in years (in secular music as well as Christian music). I can not wait to hear what he does next!! In the meantime, "Defying Gravity" will stay in my heart and soul as the most wonderful, inspiring CD I own to date. "Just Believe" was the theme song for the movie, "Revelation" by Cloud Ten Pictures. John Elefante's "Defying Gravity" is absolutely the best thing to come along in Christian music ever! The songs on this CD are brilliant, versatile, powerful, and fun! His voice is extraordinary! He is an amazing singer--the best singer in Christian music today! The music is beautifully produced and the musicianship is amazing. The songwriting is superb! He and his brother have an extraordinary gift for delivering powerful, inspirational messages with wonderful, catchy melodies and harmonies that I can't stop listening to! Each song on this CD is unique. "Pass the Flame" is a total masterpiece. "The Truth, The Life" and "Don't Leave the Band" are full of incredible energy, passion and conviction--I can not sit still when I listen to those songs!! "If You Just Believe" is beautiful both lyrically and musically. Every song on this CD is great!!! I love "Defying Gravity" so much that I have purchased quite a number of CDs and cassettes to give to my Christian and non-Christian family and friends. I have told everyone I know about John Elefante and his magnificent music. It is rare that I find a CD that I love entirely from the beginning to the end but "Defying Gravity" is a work of art that is beyond anything I have heard in years (in secular music as well as Christian music). I can not wait to hear what he does next!! In the meantime, "Defying Gravity" will stay in my heart and soul as the most wonderful, inspiring CD I own to date.Great vocals, Great writing, wonderful harmonies, and masterful musicianship. This disc is filled with exciting and meaningful music sung from the heart. I picked this CD up after researching music from "Kerry Livgren." I knew John was a member of "Kansas" for a while, but I never Knew what became of him after his departure from them. I am glad this CD is now in my collection.This disc is very upbeat, and I can always count on it to lift my spirits. I would love to see John team up with Kerry for a couple of songs. They both are incredible composers with a strong faith in God, and have written some of the most beautiful music you will ever hear. This CD Defys gravity, and 95% of the Christian music on the market."The Way That You Love Me" and "Pass The Flame" have elements of an unfamiliar country blend I have never heard Elefante do--but he does it well. The typical pop sounds of "Home With A View" and "Give It All Away" and the power of "The Stream" make this album a MUST in your collection of anything having to do with Elefante or the true Kansas fan. Think he no longer sounds like he did when he was with Kansas?? Listen to the title track. It could have been taken right off of "Vinyl Confessions" or "Drastic Measures"!! His BEST album!!!(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)
No comments :
Post a Comment