Sunstorm is the fifth album by folk musician John Stewart, former member of The Kingston Trio, released in 1972. It is the second of two albums released by Warner Bros. The album features Stewart’s signature lyrical style drawing inspiration from his teenage rock’n’roll days and gospel music, particularly the Staple Singers, whom he discovered through fellow Kingston Trio member Dave Guard. Stewart belts out two rockers; "Bring It On Home” and "Drive Again" but the album mostly centers on ballads with gospel undertones especially prominent on the track "Light Come Shining". The album’s sessions brought together an impressive lineup of musicians, including Glen D. Hardin, James Burton, and Jerry Scheff—all part of Elvis Presley’s band at the time. This star-studded ensemble added depth and polish to Stewart’s folk-rock vision, making Sunstorm a quietly ambitious entry in his discography.
Track listing All compositions by John Stewart except where noted.
Side one "Kansas Rain" – 2:30 "Cheyenne" – 3:35 "Bring It On Home" – 2:06 "Sunstorm" – 2:35 "Arkansas Breakout" – 3:35
Side two "An Account of Haley's Comet" (John Stewart, John S. Stewart) – 3:55 "Joe" – 3:05 "Light Come Shine" – 3:28 "Lonesome John" – 2:39 "Drive Again" – 3:19
Recorded at Amigo Studios, North Hollywood, and Independence Recorders, Studio City.
"An Account of Haley's Comet" features the voice of John Stewart's father, the horse trainer John S. Stewart.
Personnel John Stewart – vocals, acoustic guitar, handclaps Russ Kunkel - drums Ron Tutt - drums David Kemper - drums Jerry Scheff - bass Arnie Moore - bass Bryan Garofalo - bass, background vocals Glen Hardin - piano Larry Knechtel - piano Loren Newkirk - piano Michael Stewart - shakers, acoustic guitar, background vocals, handclaps Buffy Ford - guido, background vocals James Burton - electric guitar, electric sitar, dobro Bill Cunningham - fiddle Henry Diltz - harmonica, background vocals Buddy Emmons - pedal steel Mike Deasy - electric guitar Larry Carlton - electric guitar King Errisson - congas, percussion Bill Mumy - handclaps Gary David - handclaps James Horn - horns Chuck Findley - horns Paul Hubinon - horns Jack Carone - background vocals Laura Creamer - background vocals
Additional personnel Michael Stewart - producer Ron Malo - engineer Glen D. Hardin - working arrangements Jimmie Haskell - string arrangements Henry Diltz - photography David Clarke - art direction
References