James Sundquist (and Noel Paul Stookey) - Freedom Flight (1977)

This is a real rarity that I picked up at Goodwill many years ago. At the time I wasn't able to track any information down about it, but because Noel Paul Stookey is an integral part of the recording, it finally started showing up on his discographies. I digitized this several years ago and then somehow the CD became unplayable, so I re-digitized it today.

As far as I know this is the only recording of Christian folk music recorded by Sundquist. Since then he seems to have focused on classical guitar and new age type playing. Released on Lion & Lamb Records, it was produced by Noel Paul Stookey, who also provided a few vocals and other odds and ends. Those familiar with the Jesus Music era will also recognize a few other names on the list below. Tom Howard is the most notable of these, but there is also Wendell Burton, who released a few CCM albums in the 70s and Jon Linn, who played electric guitar on a number of Larry Norman albums.

Most of the songs are originals, but there is one Randy Stonehill cover, King of Hearts. The first song is also co-arranged by Stookey. This is a nice gem from the Jesus Music era which deserves a listen.

 Credits:

• James Sundquist: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, 12 Strings Guitar, Classical Guitar, Fender Telecaster, Piano, Synthesizer
• Noel Paul Stookey: Producer, Additional Lead Vocal on tracks 1 & 5, Maracas, Airship
• Tom Howard: Piano, Synthesizer, Harpsichord, Strings & Horn Arrangement
• Emil Gigliardi: Drums, Cowbells
• Peter Johnson: Drums
• Herbie Melton: Bass
• Jay Truax: Bass
• Charlie West: Acoustic Guitar
• Phil Ayling: Oboe, Recorder
• Bruce Powell: Flute
• Glen Grab: Cello
• Dave Siebels: Oboe, Cello, Flute, Recorder Arrangement
• Kathy Smith: Back-up Vocals
• Wendell Burton: Back-up Vocals
• Rhythm Dukes: Back-up Vocals, Vocal Arrangement
• Billy Swain: Tuba
• Ralph Benton: Trombone
• Miriam Cutler: Clarinet
• Jon Linn: Electric Guitar

 Track List:

1. Even Though The Devil Hate Me - Romans 8:35, 37,38 adpt. & arr. by Noel Stookey & James Sundquist
2. To Be Happy - by Julie Long & James Sundquist
3. King Of Hearts - by Rndy Stonehill
4. What Do Ah Need? - by James Sundquist
5. Gospel Ship - Trad. adpt. & arr. by James Sundquist
6. Loving Tree - by James Sundquist
7. First Love - by James Sundquist
8. Mountain Lady - by James Sundquist
9. Twelve Gates (Rev.21) - Trad. adpt. & arr. by James Sundquist & Tom Petersen
10. Golden Harp - by James Sundquist

 Download Link: Enjoy the Music!