Chisholm
Mark Smith (far left), Skip Headen (far right), Jeff Jordan (3rd from left), and I (2nd from left) met in Mark’s parents, Dan and L’nore Smith’s living room in February, 1981 to sing together. I had just moved to Plano 
after having been on the road with my original rock band, Desi Red, for approximately 4 years.
I remember thinking to myself, “there’s no way I’m going to be involved in a band again.” I just wanted to get off the road.
However, it didn’t help my resolve that the blend of voices was unlike anything I’d ever heard before – harmonically and uniquely rich and powerful. I was used to singing with a lot of volume, and they weren’t shy either, so it was a very strong sound, and more strikingly to me, the blend was almost magical.
We first sang publicly at First Christian Church in Plano where my Dad, Dr. David Darnell was pastor, and my mother, Sarah Darnell was playing piano and organ. We were immediately received, let’s say, enthusiastically. We performed with various pianists initially, before working with full bands, and also learned several acapela tunes; for example, The-Lord’s-Prayer – this incredible arrangement by Jim Clancy, founder of the internationally acclaimed men’s chorus, The Vocal Majority, out of Dallas.
“On a Better Road,” the half-live, half-acapela album that features The Lord’s Prayer, and nine other vocally excellent tunes, has been one of our best selling albums for almost thirty years. I just listened to it again for the first time in forever. It’s pretty darn good, if I do say so, certainly a different musical genre than my rock and roll days. The title cut, “On a Better Road,” was auto-biographical, saying a whole lot about my life after having encountered the living Jesus, Holy Spirit in a run-down motel room in Hobbs, New Mexico while playing in a biker bar. That experience and encounter changed my life completely and put me figuratively and realistically on a better road!
– Tim Darnell –
March 24, 2012 (Jeff’s birthday, btw)
If you would like the album, it’s still available. ($15.00 plus 1.92 shipping – Texas residents pay 8.25% sales tax)
LOVE LOVE LOVE this album! Still have it on cassette in my work truck. Received a CD version of it from Skip a few years back with non-vocal version of Then Came the Morning for our Easter production I sang that year. Have lost the CD since, but that song has always had a special connection with me. And the way Jeff sang that-especially when we saw Dreamer live- was always amazing. God Bless & thanks for the great music.
Is this album available for purchase? I have it on cassette tape, but no way to play it and we love the music! Please reply to jtnelsoniii at netscape dot net.
Your “On a Better Road” CD is on the way, James!
Received it yesterday and started enjoying it this morning. 🙂
Also purchased some tracks from your new album, ‘Abide’. Wonderful music and vocals.
God Bless You, Brother!
Is this album still available? I loved listening to y’all as Dreamer and I know I would enjoy tbis, too.
Really appreciate the kind words, Susan. Most albums still available!
Tim
I have been looking for Chisholm for my mom, who brought home a few (or at least a couple) albums from an Amway convention in the early 90s. The whole family loved the music, but my mom in particular wept every time she played “Then Came the Morning.” I can’t even find a decent version of it on YouTube.
I want to get the CD for her for Mother’s Day. Are you selling the CD or is it vinyl?
Hi Phil – great to hear from you. Then Came the Morning is on the album, “On a Better Road.” To purchase:
Purchase On a Better Road CD
Clicking on the link only opens up PayPal to send money but there is nothing indicating that I am actually purchasing the “On A Better Road” album. I really really want the album but I am not sure whether to be trusting or to feel suspicious. Is there another link that will give more information and a receipt for purchases?
I went ahead and took a leap of faith and made the purchase.
Hey Bro! Looks like we’ve both been looking for the same album. 🙂
I decided to go ahead and trust my instincts and made the PayPal purchase.
I would like a copy of Then The Morning
Hi Joyce,
Thanks for your request. Were you able to open it?
Tim
Any chance on a better road is available to purchase digitally? As in can I purchase as .mp3 files?
I heard you when you sang with Dreamer at an Amway convention. I even got all four of you (Skip Headon, John Struble, Jeff Jordan and yourself) to sign the cassette “Dreamer this is the time…”. I still have it and play it!
Thanks, Barbee Ann! Great hearing from you!!
Tim
Hi Tim,
A million years ago I was Jamie Hutson, and you guys played multiple conventions for my parents Dave and Judy Hutson. I will echo the sentiments of previous comments saying Then Came the Morning is one of the best songs I’ve ever heard. I would love to purchase this album, but the link doesn’t seem to be working. Is there another way to purchase?
Hi Jamie,
Great hearing from you. I’ll send a link!
Thank you for the kind words – greatly appreciated!
Blessings,
Tim