Description
The Silence is the third (and final, this side of the millennium) solo album by the American singer and songwriter Pat Terry of The Pat Terry Group fame, released on Myrrh Records in 1984, a division of Word. The album was recorded and mixed by Mark Heard using the Fingerprint Recorders Mobile Unit in Montrose, California; February-March 1984, with the basic tracks recorded at The Sound Vault in Sunland, California; using the Fingerprint Mobile Unit. Produced by Mark Heard and Pat Terry with Terry arranging. Featuring “Man Of Sorrows”, a duet with Leslie Phillips.
Pat Terry’s third solo release since the demise of the Pat Terry Group capsulizes and extends the strengths of his two previous albums, Humanity Gangsters and Film at Eleven. The Silence, his finest effort to date, continues his direction toward rock and blues in his most consistent and compelling compositions. It speaks from the perspective of one person, Pat Terry, about the world we inhabit and the faith we have to live in it.
Pat Terry faces an audience used to the pop music of the old PTG. He deals with this directly in «Parallel Lines»: “Sometimes they play me on the radio/ I know it’s nothing like the music of my past/ Some people wonder why I let it go/ I had to change it or retreat behind a mask.” Given his move to stronger music and a more honest, reflective lyrical style, one can’t help but be supportive of the artist while anticipating his future growth.
The Silence, co-produced by Terry along with Mark Heard, is supported musically by John Mehler and Dave McSparran on drums. Billy Batstone on bass, and Leslie Philips on background vocals. Terry plays all guitars, synths, and harmonica. David Mansfield, familiar for his stint with Alpha Band and T-Bone Burnett, plays an occasional violin. Carl Pickart plays Hammond organ and Harry Stinson adds percussion.
Although the music is all well conceived and expertly played, one begins to feel as though he’s heard it once before on a Mark Heard album. That point made, The Silence can be summed up as a strong production with an enjoyable, light rock sound.
The strongest tracks – «Heart Beat Fading», «I’d Rather Love You», «Beats Me Like a Drum», «Deception», and «Man of Sorrows», the beautiful duet with Leslie Philips – speak highly of Terry’s gifts and reflect his spiritual and musical growth over the last three albums.
The Silence is the musical statement that validates Terry’s move to making solo records. Now it may be time to move on again – on to the high energy rock ‘n’ roll that his three solo efforts hint at but never actually capture.
The Silence is a solid stepping stone for Pat Terry. It’s a valuable endeavor, from a veteran artist who’s still showing progressive growth in his musical expression. Finally, The Silence leaves me wondering what Pat Terry may do next. [Quincy Smith-Newcomb, CCM, September 1984]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Heart Beat Fading” – 4:47
A2. “Truth Is Like A Sword” – 4:40
A3. “Deception” – 4:20
A4. “Man About Town” – 4:30
A5. “I’d Rather Love You” – 3:48
Side Two
B1. “The Wind Blows Both Ways” – 3:32
B2. “Beats Me Like A Drum” – 3:50
B3. “Parallel Lines” – 3:42
B4. “Man Of Sorrows” – 4:19
B5. “Man Of Steel” – 3:50
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Myrrh Records.
CREDITS. Co-produced by Mark Heard and Pat Terry. Recorded at Fingerprint and at The Sound Vault. Arranged by Pat Terry. Engineered and mixed by Mark Heard. Recording Assistant Danny Reed. Mastered by Steve Hall.
Musicians: Pat Terry (Lead Vocals, Harmonica, Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Synthesizer), David Mansfield (Violin), Carl Pickhardt (Organ – Hammond B-3), Mark Heard (Bass), Billy Batstone (Bass), John Mehler (Drums), Dave McSparran (Drums), Harry Stinson (Percussion). Backing Vocals: Leslie Phillips, Mark Heard, Pat Terry, and The Strat Brothers.
An interview with singer-songwriter Pat Terry, formerly of The Pat Terry Group, was featured in the July 1992 issue of CCM Magazine, as a part of their ongoing Christian Musician Series.
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