One Take LIVE!
Looking back at our long recording history, there are a couple of times in particular that come to mind where we set up all the multitrack array and just played live. Both of these songs happen to fit well at this time of Lent, and both were recorded in the early 90's during those famous Sons of Mary sessions in Framingham right across Route 9 from 505 Pleasant and the Marist House. We had already recorded "Fight For Me", "We're Gonna Stay", "Make Me Free", "City of Joy" and a surprisingly impressive "Love's in a Name", but we were running out of time before pressing obligations would end that summer's efforts. I guess we wanted to squeeze in a couple of more songs we did at that time without going through the laborious process of laying down all the tracks individually.
The great thing about "one take live" is, well...capturing how we used to sound live! The problem with it is it was very hard to capture and mix it right, because we were running out of time and it is hard to hear correctly sometimes when you are in the middle of listening under pressure. SO! There are rough edges to these, but they are also treasures, a snapshot in time of Living Waters at a time we were hitting on all cylinders.
First, we have "I Will Go": click above. It is based on Isaiah 50, a 'Suffering Servant' passage predicting the beating, suffering - AND unconquerable determination - of the coming Messiah. Christians, of course, recognise our Lord's Passion. Perfect theme for Lent! I remember we were in a circle at the front end of the hall, quite close to each other. Denise is too low in this mix and we did not have Mike on keys at this point, but, wow, this really kicks! Just how good Tony on drums, Dave on bass and Greg on guitar are is quite obvious. Dave and Greg must have practiced that ending a thousand times before we put it in the show, but it was worth it. What a thrill it must have been to go to one of our concerts at this time! We often opened our shows with this song, with the opening echoes coming out of the dark. I wrote the basic song, & I was definitely being influenced by early U2, right?
Next, we have "Let's Stay": click above. For this one, Chuck asked us if he could play his horn for it, BUT he asked us to kick it up a half-step in key, because that made it easier for him to play. SO, what you hear here is not exactly how we did it in concert. I remember we lined up in a line in the front hall, all facing toward the back of the hall. I don't remember if we added any tracks or post-mixing on this, but it was basically a 'one take live'. I think it took us a couple of tries to get into the vibe. but we got into it, all right.
This was a warning about the danger of getting involved in the occult, and how much healthier and happier it is to live a holy life. What a great lesson at this time; we should fast on spiritual danger so we can feast on real JOY.
This song is really featuring the Tonester on drums. We used to use this as one of our encore bangers at the end of concerts. The stopping edge on the last a cappella strain is, unfortunately, ragged. I remember Chuck didn't like that we ended in a 7th there, but, well, the rest of us did!
We hope listening to these brought something or Someone good to you.
Peace & Love & JOY,
Mark LaJOIE!
