EZRA is an AOR Hard Rock band with members from both the USA & Canada. EZRA is one of those rare bands that, unfortunately, flew under the radar for most of us and didn't get the attention that they deserved. Not much is known about EZRA and maybe this is partly due to the band's timing of when they came on the Rock music scene. At the time, the market was already inundated with a plethora of Hard Rock bands. In addition, the music scene was starting to move in a different direction, away from the Melodic Rock scene and into the realm of the Grunge/Alternative music scene.
The meaning behind the band's name is taken from scriptures found in the book of Ezra. In the book of Ezra we find that there was a man named Cyrus who was king of Persia(Iran) who fought and liberated Israel from captivity by king Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. Cyrus was commissioned by God to help Israel rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. Cyrus sent Israel on their way to Jerusalem with many provisions including silver & gold. Ezra the scribe also went to Jerusalem in order to teach the law and to establish order within Israel according to the word of God.
1991
In 1991 EZRA released their debut full-length studio album titled 'The Key' on ASAPH Records. This recording was released on both CD and Cassette formats. 'The Key' is a solid album that captures the magic of the 80's golden years of melodic Hard Rock music. The album was produced by both EZRA & Chip Cimino. The recording was mixed by Andy Allen, Chip Cimino, and Alan DiCato. The album's cover art was done in house by musician Greg Lambas. The track-list for 'The Key' includes 1.Key to Heaven 2.Frontline 3.Listen to Your Heart 4.Shadow of the Son 5.Carry Me Home 6.The Return 7.Here for You 8.That's Right 9.Take Me.
The meaning behind the album's title- 'The Key' and track-1 "Key To Heaven" can be found in scripture as seen in Revelation 1:17-18 "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."
The meaning behind the album's title- 'The Key' and track-1 "Key To Heaven" can be found in scripture as seen in Revelation 1:17-18 "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."
Some tracks that stand out on this 1991 release include track-1 "Key To Heaven", track-2 "Frontline", track-3 "Listen To Your Heart", track-4 "Shadow of the Son", track-6 "The Return", track-7 "Here For You", track-9 "Take Me".
Thomas Potter is the band's lead vocalist and offers up many varying vocal styles from track to track. There are times when Potter's vocal delivery draws comparison to David Coverdale(Whitesnake), Joey Tempest(Europe), and Thomas Collett(Letter7). Yes, Thomas Potter adds plenty of diversity to the band's arrangements and delivers up a solid performance throughout this release.
Lyrics are Christ centered and evangelical as
one can see in the following excerpts:
one can see in the following excerpts:
"Key To Heaven"
Stand by ocean shore
Storm clouds all around
You've been tossed on the rock and sea
The wind and the rising tide
Your hope is sinking fast
Unto the end of time
How much longer will you last
Can you hold on forever?
Sail away, Far away
Over the horizon
"Frontline"
Well I'm a soldier of fortune
Earn different kind of pay
Different kind of weapon
And that is not in vain
I live for the battle and I fight for the right
Not gonna quit till it's over
Take my orders from Jesus Christ
Well it's a dirty dirty battle
The devil's gonna get his due
We just don't take no prisoners
The enemy waits for you
And we're living on the frontlines
In the heat of the battle
We're livin' on borrowed time
Yes, we're living on the frontlines
We've been told what to do
And He's gonna see us through
"Listen To Your Heart"
Listen to your heart
Your broken heart is crying
Listen to your heart
The love you need can be yours today
It's a lonely road
When you don't know where you're going
Listen to your heart
Before you throw it all away
"The Return"
Put your ear to the ground
Can't you hear their voices
The sons of our king
They will be here any time
The King is coming for those He's chosen
"Take Me"
Take me Jesus...
...You be the Potter
And I'll be the clay
"That's Right"
What can I sit here and show you
About the way I think and feel
Please Don't misunderstand me
I just don't wan't to make my appeal
The walls are closing in on me
It's Jesus' love that set me free
Well, that's right
Don't you know
That's right
Ooh you gave it up tonight
Don't you know
That's right
Stand by ocean shore
Storm clouds all around
You've been tossed on the rock and sea
The wind and the rising tide
Your hope is sinking fast
Unto the end of time
How much longer will you last
Can you hold on forever?
Sail away, Far away
Over the horizon
"Frontline"
Well I'm a soldier of fortune
Earn different kind of pay
Different kind of weapon
And that is not in vain
I live for the battle and I fight for the right
Not gonna quit till it's over
Take my orders from Jesus Christ
Well it's a dirty dirty battle
The devil's gonna get his due
We just don't take no prisoners
The enemy waits for you
And we're living on the frontlines
In the heat of the battle
We're livin' on borrowed time
Yes, we're living on the frontlines
We've been told what to do
And He's gonna see us through
"Listen To Your Heart"
Listen to your heart
Your broken heart is crying
Listen to your heart
The love you need can be yours today
It's a lonely road
When you don't know where you're going
Listen to your heart
Before you throw it all away
"The Return"
Put your ear to the ground
Can't you hear their voices
The sons of our king
They will be here any time
The King is coming for those He's chosen
"Take Me"
Take me Jesus...
...You be the Potter
And I'll be the clay
"That's Right"
What can I sit here and show you
About the way I think and feel
Please Don't misunderstand me
I just don't wan't to make my appeal
The walls are closing in on me
It's Jesus' love that set me free
Well, that's right
Don't you know
That's right
Ooh you gave it up tonight
Don't you know
That's right
(See Site Info for Sword Scale meaning)
EZRA is for fans of Whitesnake, Barren Cross, Europe, Giant, and Letter7. Ezra's debut album 'The Key' is an extremely rare gem that is no longer in print. It would be nice to see a label remaster and republish the recording and make this classic Hard Rock album available once again.
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Thomas Potter - Lead Vocals, Keyboards
Howard Anderson - Guitars, Vocals
Greg Lambas - Bass, Acoustic Guitars, Vocals
Jeff Chubb - Drums
Guest Musicians:
Terry McNab - Additional Drums
Andy Allen - Additional Backing Vocals
Thomas Potter - Lead Vocals, Keyboards
Howard Anderson - Guitars, Vocals
Greg Lambas - Bass, Acoustic Guitars, Vocals
Jeff Chubb - Drums
Guest Musicians:
Terry McNab - Additional Drums
Andy Allen - Additional Backing Vocals
