ADD LINKS! Some weeks ago we featured here the first DeGARMO & KEY fully remastered for the first time, now we have “No Turning Back”, the 2-CD live album the band released in 1982 including new songs exclusive to this release.
Led by keyboardist Eddie DeGarmo and frontman / guitarist Dana Key, between 1978 – 1980 DeGarmo & Key released 3 very good records mixing classic rock with lite progressive touches, but according to times they migrated to a more pop / rock / FM AOR style, and that’s what we hear on this 1982 record.
Original pressings of this double CD has been sold for an eye-popping amount ($199-$299) on eBay and Amazon in the last few years. Thankfully with this reissue not only is affordable again, but the remastered treatment is incredible.
If you think a live album can’t be improved, you need to hear “No Turning Back [2-CD Digitally Remastered]“. Just check the sample below.
Beginning with a couple stadium rockers Light of the World and Go Tell Them, the band sound in their element. The Hammond organ and synthesizers are mixed so well with what is guitar-driven AOR.
Taking it down to mid-tempo, Stella, This Ain’t Hollywood and When He Comes Back manifest a sophisticated Steely Dan / later Doobie Brothers-inspired sound their previous album was known for.
These tracks are followed up with three older songs off their first couple albums. Jericho flaunts some tasty bluesy guitar. On both Alleyways of Strife and Mary, Dana Key trades his electric guitar for an acoustic for their more reflective material.
Moving along, the band pulls no stops and adds their own unique bluesy spin to the traditional acoustic hymn, Wayfaring Stranger. The interplay between Ed DeGarmo’s keyboard work and Dana Key’s electric blues soloing is the stuff that brings angels to weep.
Following that is a show-stopping bass solo which positions itself both complex and entertaining. Before the audience has a chance to catch their breath, DeGarmo throws down the keys on Enchiridon, an instrumental piece that rivals in beauty anything Keith Emerson ever committed to tape.
This flows into Long Distance Runner, a rousing number guaranteed to get the limbs moving. Then, Matter of Time, is a new song that could have easily fit on the band’s previous LP This Ain’t Hollywood
Next up on CD 2, Emmanuel is a progressive rocker from This Time Thru with over four minutes of extending jamming. One of the captivating highlights of a live album is the fun jam excursions that can bring new vitality to familiar songs.
Oklahoma Blues and Preacher (I’ll Need A Friend), are exclusive to this album.
The former is a robust blues jam, appropriately titled since the album was recorded in two Oklahoma locations. Preacher rides out slow and heavy, waxing rhetorically from the perspective of one who feels helpless about the direction of their life. This is a vastly overlooked cut that deserves to be revisited.
It is hard to believe ”No Turning Back” came out 40 years ago. As said, the sound quality of this recording is impressive. Now it has been remastered for an even fuller sound by the seasoned Rob Cowell.
CD 1:
01 – Light of the World
02 – Go Tell Them
03 – Stella, This Ain’t Hollywood
04 – When He Comes Back
05 – Jericho
06 – Alleyways of Strife
07 – Mary
08 – Wayfaring Stranger
09 – Bass Solo
10 – Enchiridion
11 – Long Distance Runner
12 – Matter of Time
CD 2:
01 – Emmanuel
02 – Oklahoma Blues
03 – Preacher I’ll Need a Friend
04 – Over and Over
05 – Let Him Help You Today
06 – Love One Another
07 – I Have Decided
Dana Key: Lead Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitars
Eddie DeGarmo: Keyboards & Vocals
Greg Morrow: Drums
Tommy Cathey: Bass & Vocals
Tony Pilcher: Guitar & Vocals