Mark Williamson

Description

The self-titled solo debut album by the British singer and songwriter Mark Williamson, a former member of Lifeline (and later of the Mark Williamson Band), was released on Grapevine in 1978. The album was recorded by Andy Kidd with Dave Aston at ICC Studios in Eastbourne, England; with John Daniels producing and arranging.

This UK artist’s name can be found on several British Christian releases. Although he’d a descent rock style going on later releases under the name of The Mark Williamson Band or Lyrix, his early solo releases are more spread out stylistically. His self-titled debut kicks off with a respectable rocker called «Glory Glory», followed by the melodic Clapton-esque acoustic ballad «Easy Come And Go». On the other end of the spectrum are pop/CCM songs (including B.J. Thomas’ «Without A Doubt»), along with a number of mellow MOR ballads. Disco is covered under «It Doesn’t Really Matter» and «This Life Is Living», and there’s a version of Keith Green’s «Because Of You». Williamson on acoustic guitar, assisted by others on electric guitar, keyboards, sax, bass and drums. Backing vocalist include the Nutshell girls (Mo McCafferty and Annie McCaig) and Dave Pope. Six of the songs were written by Williamson, while four were composed by keyboardist John Daniels. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Glory, Glory” – 3:28
A2. “Easy Come And Go” – 3:36
A3. “If You Hadn’t Done” – 4:24
A4. “Without A Doubt” – 2:50
A5. “Memories” – 3:00
A6. “It Doesn’t Really Matter” – 3:24

Side Two
B1. “This Man’s Jesus” – 3:24
B2. “Walking On The Water” – 4:24
B3. “Because Of You” – 2:38
B4. “Live In Me” – 3:08
B5. “This Life Is Living” – 3:16
B6. “Out Of The Blue” – 4:30

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Grapevine.

CREDITS. Produced and Arranged by John Daniels. Recorded at ICC Studios, Eastbourne, England. Engineered and assisted by Andy Kidd. Additional engineering by Dave Ashton. Cover Photography by Christopher Phillips. Design by Gillard Bros. Graphics.

Musicians: Mark Williamson (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar), John Daniels (Keyboards), Tony McCormick (Saxophone), Rob Marshall (Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Strings), Paul Cobbold (Bass, Bow Bass), Rob Shaw (Drums). Backing Vocals: Anne McCaig, Mo McCafferty, Dave Pope, Mark Williamson. Strings: Harriet Allen, Justin Ede, Robin Williamson.