Cutting Edge

It was 1972 and vocalist/keyboardist Bryan Duncan joined forces with brothers Kevin (bass) and Rick Thomson (drums) to form the initial line up of Sweet Comfort Band. The three proceeded to spend the next three years touring Southern California prior to recruiting a full time guitarist, Randy Thomas, in 1976. SCB went on to put out its self-titled debut in 1977 on Maranatha! Music only to switch to Light Records for the follow up releases Breakin' The Ice (1978) and Hold On Tight (1979). The group's earlier material blended elements of jazz-fusion, funk and rhythm and blues, but upon releasing Hearts Of Fire (1981), its third straight on Light Records, SCB started a trend towards a "heavier rock" direction.
Those "heavier rock" leanings in question become even more pronounced on Sweet Comfort Band's fourth Light Records release from 1982, Cutting Edge. Up-tempo rockers "Runnin' To Win", "What Have You Got?" and "Valerie", for example, represent some of the heaviest material from SCB to date while the palatial "Armed And Ready" draws upon a semi-progressiveness. Three top of the line ballads are also included, "Falling In Love With You", "Haven't Seen You" and "Changed Hearts", in addition to two in "Live It" and "What Did It Mean?" that hearken back to the groups earlier days.
Initially a vinyl and cassette only release, Cutting Edge was re-issued in 2001 by M8 Records as part of the two CD set Definitive Collection only to be re-mastered and re-issued a second time by Retroactive Records the latter half of 2009.
Now, at this point it must be noted that Cutting Edge is by no means metal while its heavier material only touches upon hard rock. That said, if you need a break from metal but are in the mood for something with a guitar driven proclivity backed by polished production and accomplished songwriting then give SCB a chance. Long term fans of classic CCM, of course, will rejoice at the Retroactive re-issues, which also include Breakin' The Ice, Hold On Tight, Hearts Of Fire and Perfect Timing.

Lineup

Bryan Duncan - Vocals
Randy Thomas - Guitar/Vocals
Kevin Thomson - Bass
Rick Thomson - Drums

Guests

John Schreiner – Keyboards
David Hlebo –Soprano Sax
John Phillips – Tenor Sax
Victor Feldman - Percussion