I had the joy of being invited by my friend, Bryan Duncan, to the release party for the long awaited new CD by the iconic Sweet Comfort Band. (Thanks, Bryan!)

The party took place here in Riverside, CA, which is “SCB Headquarters”. It’s actually the location of Rick Thomson’s Shelter Sound Studio. Not sure the exact count, by I estimate that there were about a hundred guests present.

The band did about six tunes, starting with “Love You With My Life”, one of the band’s biggest hits, and later a hit for Bryan Duncan during his solo career. I knew we were in for a great evening when I heard Bryan’s voice. It sounded better than I have heard it in years. Absolutely spot-on perfect!

A new tune, “Nothing Can Separate Us” was in the set list, and I have to say that this is a great tune with a great message.

Next up was “Then I Remember”, a lovely song with the City of Prague Philharmonic backing up the band. Would’ve been nice, but the Prague Phil was not on the stage “live”. They were present only on an accompaniment track.

Randy Thomas sang “In The Light Of Heaven”, another new tune that is dedicated to, and about the late Kevin Thomson. Kevin was the band’s bass player, but more than that, he was the impetus behind Sweet Comfort. The song is sweet, poignant, and a wonderful look back at the early days of SCB and the progression of the years that bring inevitable change.

Last up was “Contender”, from their 1981 Hearts of Fire LP. Sounded as good in 2013 as when it was new thirty-two years ago!

I know I’ve forgotten a tune or two, but suffice to say the guys didn’t disappoint.

Kevin Thomson is with the Lord, but his two sons, Elijah (Eli) and Joshua (Josh) are important parts of the band now.

To be honest, I don’t remember every song the band performed because I didn’t intend to be a reporter for the show. I was there as a friend and invited guest, so I really just soaked in all the great sounds.