KOINONIA - SONLIGHT (CD, 2014, Born Twice) (Andrae Crouch back up band) Prog/Psych/Jazz Fusion

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💿 Release Details

Artist: Koinonia  
Title: Sonlight  
Label: Born Twice Records  
Catalog Number: BTR1401  
UPC: 845121079753  
Format: CD  
Packaging: Full-Color Gatefold Digipak  
Original Release: 1973  
Original Label: Light Records  
CD Release: December 2014  
Remastered By: J. Powell at Steinhaus

🔥 Key Collector Details

• First-ever CD release of this long-lost 1973 Light Records album  
• Originally released as the self-titled album by Sonlight  
• Features future Koinonia members Harlan Rogers, Bill Maxwell, and Hadley Hockensmith  
• Also features Fletch Wiley on trumpet, flugelhorn, valve trombone, and flute  
• Sonlight members were prominent session musicians and served as the backing band for Andraé Crouch  
• The only ’70s album featuring Rogers, Maxwell, and Hockensmith together under the Sonlight name  
• Fascinating musical precursor to the jazz-fusion group Koinonia  
• Blends jazz-rock, jazz-pop, funk, gospel, classic rock, and psychedelic ’70s influences  
• Features everything from breezy jazz-pop and soulful ballads to fuzz guitar and energetic jazz-rock workouts  
• Remastered by J. Powell at Steinhaus  
• 24-bit digital transfer and audio restoration by Brent Pacheco  
• Full-color gatefold digipak featuring the album’s distinctive psychedelic artwork  
• For Fans Of: Koinonia, Andraé Crouch, Seawind, Santana, early Chicago & ’70s jazz-rock fusion

ABOUT THE ALBUM

Before Koinonia became known for its sophisticated blend of jazz, fusion, funk, and Latin-influenced music, three of its future members were already making adventurous music together as Sonlight.

Originally released as a self-titled LP on Light Records in 1973, Sonlight features keyboardist Harlan Rogers, drummer Bill Maxwell, and guitarist Hadley Hockensmith—the three musicians who would later record together as Koinonia in the 1980s. Joining them is the extraordinarily versatile Fletch Wiley on trumpet, flugelhorn, valve trombone, and flute.

These musicians appeared on numerous recordings as highly sought-after session players and are particularly associated with early contemporary Christian music legend Andraé Crouch, for whom they served as a backing band. Their exceptional musicianship is on full display throughout Sonlight.

The album moves effortlessly between styles. “The Day Of Salvation” and “Saw His Face” offer breezy jazz-pop with easygoing vocals and airy harmonies, while “Standing In The Liberty” and the slow-rocking “Freedom Bells” bring gospel and classic-rock influences into the mix.

Things get funkier on “Walk In The Spirit,” where brass, a deep groove, and fuzz guitar create one of the album’s most distinctive moments. “The Way” pushes into heavier territory with muscular guitar work, while the closing “The Truth Of Salvation” becomes an energetic jazz-rock workout with guitar and organ stretching out and jamming.

The result is a fascinating snapshot of four exceptional musicians working at the intersection of early contemporary Christian music, jazz, soul, funk, and rock. For Koinonia fans in particular, Sonlight provides an opportunity to hear Rogers, Maxwell, and Hockensmith together nearly a decade before Koinonia emerged.

This 2014 Born Twice Records edition marked the first time this long-lost 1973 album had ever been released on CD. The recording received a 24-bit digital transfer and audio restoration by Brent Pacheco and was remastered by J. Powell at Steinhaus. It comes packaged in a full-color gatefold digipak featuring the album’s unforgettable psychedelic cover artwork.

For fans of Koinonia, Sonlight is a remarkable opportunity to hear where an important part of their musical story began.

For Fans Of: Koinonia, Andraé Crouch, Seawind, Santana, early Chicago & ’70s jazz-rock fusion

Adapted in part from Ken Scott’s The Archivist, 4th Edition.

🎵 TRACKS

The Day Of Salvation / Freedom Bells / The Way / Pathways / Standing In The Liberty / Saw His Face / The Son / Walk In The Spirit / In Remembrance / The Truth Of Salvation