Description
Peace and Love and Freedom is the sophomore album by the British singer and songwriter Judy MacKenzie, released in the UK on Key Records in 1971, and as well co-released in the US on Impact Records, distributed by The Benson Company. The album was recorded at Wessex Sound Studios in London, England; with Bob MacKenzie producing. (Bob MacKenzie was producer as well as creative director of America’s Benson Music Publishing Company.) Arranged by Ronn Huff and Rick Powell. Conducted by Bill Purcell. All songs written by Judy MacKenzie except “Spread Wide Your Wings” co-written with Graham Kendrick.
Tuning into an oldies station recently I noticed that a lot of my favorites had a fair degree of orchestration. So how come it always sounds sterile to me on Christian LPs? Well, on this one it certainly doesn’t, The string and woodwind arrangements combined with an acoustic emphasis translate into a much softer sound than the debut, more akin to Honeytree’s The Way I Feel, with a gentle wisp of ‘60s flower power ala Marianne Faithfull. Much as I liked the light underground edge of her first LP, I’m equally enamored with this lady in the tranquil serene setting. The playful recorder on the title track, the melancholy ebb and flow of «Spread Wide Your Wings» (co-written with Graham Kendrick), the delicate floating «Love Is Fine», the impassioned minor-key «In Remembrance», the slow torchy «Isn’t It Hard?», the crisp beat of «Never A Man Like This», the graceful AM folk/pop of «Through My Days». Not a bad song on here. She got me again – hook, line, and sinker. Includes a large folded poster insert with lyrics and photo of Judy. Co-released in the US on the Impact label. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]
Back in 1971, Judy MacKenzie was one of the most popular artists in the emergent Christian music scene in the UK. ‘Peace And Love And Freedom’ was her second release and saw her combine a folky vocal style reminiscent at times of Joni Mitchell and poetic insightful lyrics. Musically this swings between acoustic pop and folk with some gorgeous moments. I love the trippy strings and flutes in the opening song when the tempo slows on the title track. The theme is disillusionment with the empty promises of the hippie movement and in part two the reality that true peace and freedom can only be found in Christ. The album contains an early co-write with a very young Graham Kendrick, «Spread Wide Your Wings» which shows off Judy’s stunning voice and the adventurous song arrangements. Another highlight is «Love Is Fine» which has a carefree ’60s feel about it and sounds like it could have been recorded by someone like Petula Clark. The more upbeat «Never A Man Like This Man» is a groovy portrait of Jesus while «Isn’t It Hard» is a quiet song of repentance with a haunting vocal. In today’s latest expression of folk revivalism, perhaps now is the perfect moment to rediscover this Christian folk pioneer. [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, January 2009]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Peace And Love And Freedom – Part One”
A2. “Spread Wide Your Wings” (from Soapbox)
A3. “Love Is Fine”
A4. “Peace And Love And Freedom – Part Two”
A5. “No Time – No Inclination”
Side Two
B1. “Get Ready To Laugh”
B2. “In Remembrance”
B3. “Isn’t It Hard”
B4. “Never A Man Like This Man”
B5. “Through My Days”
B6. “Isiah Fifty-Five”
Note: The Key Records version (UK) comes with fully textured picture sleeve complete with fold-out illustrated lyric poster. The Impact version (US) features a slightly different tracklist order: Side One: “Peace And Love And Freedom – Part One” / “Spread Wide Your Wings” / “Love Is Fine” / “No Time – No Inclination” / “Get Ready To Laugh”. Side Two: “In Remembrance” / “Isn’t It Hard” / “Never A Man Like This Man” / “Through My Days” / “Isiah Fifty-Five” / “Peace And Love And Freedom – Part Two”.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.