Description
Malcolm and Alwyn Live is an acoustic live album by the British folk-rock duo Malcolm & Alwyn, released on MRC in 1981, a sub-label of Maranatha! Music, distributed by Word Records. Also released in the UK. The album was recorded live at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California; the 24th of January 1981, featuring Malcolm Wild on acoustic guitar and Alwyn Wall on auto harp. Engineered by Chris Taylor and Dan Willard with Willard and Malcolm & Alwyn co-producing. All songs arranged by Malcolm and Alwyn.
‘Malcolm and Alwyn Live’ (A&S AS0002) is a real treat that is not often found in an industry that is trying to raise the quality of its product, sometimes at the expense of its ministry.
The album released by Ministry Resource Center has captured on vinyl that rare communion between the artist and the audience. The LP’s overall sound gives the listener a “being-there” type of feeling that will have you laughing, clapping, and singing along. It will also make you think and, hopefully, grow. It’s a reminder of a day when people sat down and sang simple songs of a love and redemption in Jesus Christ.
For new Christians it’s an album of joy and faith and a glimpse of days past. For the more seasoned, it gives a look back at the root from which we came, a sort of deja vu experience that needs to be lived again. It brings you back to a time of low budgets and loving hearts praising the Lord in song.
The production by Dan Willard and Malcolm and Alwyn is not the slick, flawless remix of most live albums which add more color. Yet, it’s all there – quips and broken strings included, and all add to a relaxed and free-flowing concert.
Those familiar with Malcolm Wild and Alwyn Wall will get the duo’s best. Malcolm adds the unique touch of autoharp which is so indicative of the pair’s music, and Alwyn accompanies on acoustic guitar. Those who aren’t familiar with M&A’s music will get a good example of each as individuals and as a team, but also as people. Even though both now work on opposites sides of the Atlantic, they do get together for a concert now and again and they still say it like it is. [Brian Healy, CCM, May 1982]
Live, CD re-issue
It’s difficult to overstate how influential Malcolm Wild and Alwyn Wall were on the development of the UK’s Christian rock scene. Long before ‘CCM’ had been invented as a concept there were Jesus People like Malcolm and Alwyn visiting church halls and coffee bars singing songs about Jesus. Their influence can be heard clearly in those who followed, whether Phil and John, Paul Field or Martyn Joseph. ‘Live’ documents their concert performance in a warts and all style highlighting their down-to-earth approach – including a moment on «I Feel Fine» where they lose it and are forced to start over. From the opening chords of «Say It Like It Is» the musical style is pegged in early ’70s folk-rock; the simple acoustic guitar and autoharp plus harmony vocals bringing to mind Crosby, Stills And Nash. As was the way with many in-concert albums of the period ‘Live’ preserves the between song banter and testimony, further showing the duo’s straightforward approach to faith and music. A strength of the songs is that they are never trite or preachy but rather just simple, profound musings on the preciousness of living a life with Jesus as your best friend. ‘Live’ sounds crystal clear digitally re-mastered on CD and represents both a welcome reminder of how good they were and an accomplished musical set which will stir the heart. [Trevor Raggatt, Cross Rhythms, June 2007]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/live-re-mastered/81004974)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Say It Like It Is” – 4:42 (2:54)
A2. “I Love” – 7:37 (2:25)
A3. “I Feel Fine” – 6:48 (2:51)
A4. “Morning Star” – 3:21 (3:06)
A5. “Fool’s Wisdom” – 2:53 (2:37)
Side Two
B1. “Growing Old” – 3:51 (3:55)
B2. “Things Are Getting Better” – 7:11 (3:31)
B3. “The World Needs Jesus” – 7:01 (3:13)
B4. “Tomorrow’s News” – 3:24 (2:48)
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by MRC/Maranatha! Music. Re-issued by the Maranatha! Music sub-label A&S Records in 1982 (catalogue number AS0002), featuring new cover artwork. A&S also released a two-sided 7-inch vinyl promo single (catalogue number MM-113-DJ) featuring “Morning Star” (3:06), b/w “Fool’s Wisdom” (2:37), manufactured and distributed by Word. The album was later re-issued on CD by Footstep Recordings.
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