Description
The Virgin is the seventh studio album by the British singer, songwriter, and keyboardist Adrian Snell, released in the UK on Marshalls in 1981. Released in the US by Pilgrim America the following year, distributed by The Benson Company (featuring new cover artwork, and sub-titled A Dramatic Rock Opera). The album was produced by Jon Miller.
In August 1981 BBC Radio commissioned Adrian Snell and Phil Thomson to write a new rock-opera, this one based on a Christmas theme. Adrian Snell’s Christmas work The Virgin was recorded in 1981 and broadcast on BBC’s Radio One that Christmas. Adrian Snell plays keyboards and provide vocals for Joseph; the rest of the cast includes Shirlie Roden (Mary), Bonnie Bramlett (Elizabeth), Joe English (Gabriel), Paul Field and John Pantry (innkeepers), as well as rocker Norman Barratt (Herod).
In 1996 Adrian Snell re-record the album. This time around Snell chose a completely different approach – same lyrics and music but more funky and with the refreshing and charming inclusion of a childrens choir. This effort was released under a new title, Light of the World.
It was David Winter (then head of BBC’s Religious Broadcasting Department) who came up with the title ‘The Virgin’. As soon as I heard it, I loved it. I suppose it was a little bloody-minded of me, after what I’d been through with some evangelical circles over ‘The Passion‘ I knew a title like that would be a red flag to a bull! But theologically I think it’s a great shame that because of what Protestants perceive as Roman Catholic excess they have completely dismissed Mary, mother of Jesus, and failed to see the beautiful picture of faith contained in her story. [Adrian Snell]
After the success of ‘The Passion‘ in 1980 with its big stage production and tour and premiere on Radio One, the BBC station commissioned Snell to create a Christmas recording. Released in 1981 and broadcast on Radio One that Christmas, Snell composed the project with long time collaborator Phil Thomson. After the success of ‘The Passion’ and the use of the rhythms section of the incredible drummer Simon Phillips and bassist John G Perry, Snell used those musicians on his album ‘The Cut‘ and again on this release, helping to create a uniquely recognisable sound. The cast of characters includes vocal cameos from Paul Field, John Pantry and Norman Barratt. Adrian himself plays Joseph and Mary is played by Shirlie Roden whose voice is reminiscent of Sheila Walsh. American singer Bonnie Bramlett makes an appearance as Elizabeth and brings her own soulful slant to things and fellow American and former Wings drummer Joe English is Gabriel. So there’s plenty of talent on show including an early recorded appearance by Iona‘s Dave Bainbridge adding some guitar. As you’d imagine, the album tells the Christmas story from the perspective of Mary with all the drama of the events unfolding from the low point of «What Do You Mean, A Baby?» when Mary gives Joseph the news she’s pregnant through to the triumphant to the final triumph of «Light Of The World». Musically you can’t argue with the quality but in the grander scheme of things, this isn’t one of Snell’s most accomplished big musical offerings. [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms]
Given the task by the BBC of composing a “rock opera” on the birth of Christ, Adrian Snell (music) and Phil Thomson (lyrics) have produced a captivating re-creation of the event from the point of view and emotional complexity of Joseph and Mary. ‘The Virgin’ (Pilgrim America R3822) depicts the doubt, confusion, and anger, and the ultimate reality and joy of Jesus in the lives of those chosen to be His parents.
Side One highlights the revelation and acceptance of the miracle by Mary (Shirlee Roden) and Joseph (Adrian Snell). On «How Can I Explain?» Mary ponders the words needed to convey to Joseph what has happened to her and why; Joseph responds with anger and perplexity in the song «What Do You Mean, a Baby?» The side ends with his acceptance of God’s ways, delivered by the angel Gabriel (Joe English).
Side Two contains the birth, the flight into Egypt, and a superb caricature of the arrogant, fearful Herod, who orders his soldiers to «Kill All the Children» because “I am the only King.” «Simeon’s Song/Son of the World» stands out for its simple subtlety as Mary and Joseph realize that Jesus is not only the “son of our dreams,” but also the “son of the world.”
Musically the songs vary from soft to hard rock, with the styles matched to the person singing and the emotional moment. Finely crafted and acutely penetrating, ‘The Virgin’ deserves a wide audience, for it speaks to both a human and spiritual relationship to Christ the Savior. [Dan Kennedy, CCM, April 1983]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-virgin/1493225403)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Light Of The World – Part 1” – 3:10
A2. “Love In My Life” – 2:46
A3. “The Promise” – 3:20
A4. “How Can I Explain” – 3:07
A5. “What A Love!” – 3:52
A6. “What Do You Mean, A Baby?” – 2:44
A7. “All For Nothing” – 3:06
A8. “Joseph’s Dream” – 1:54
Side Two
B1. “My Heart Sings” – 2:31
B2. “Journey To Bethlehem/No Room, We’re Full” – 6:52
B3. “Look At Us Now!” – 3:02
B4. “The Warning/Kill All The Children/Return” – 4:13
B5. “Simeon’s Song/Son Of The World” – 4:03
B6. “Light Of The World – Part 2” – 3:12
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Marshalls, with the original vinyl edition housed in a gatefold sleeve. Later re-issued on CD.
Cover artwork of the Pilgrim America version released in 1982.
CREDITS. Produced by Jon Miller. Additional Keyboard Arrangements by Ron Edwards.
Musicians: Adrian Snell (Steinway Grand Piano, Yamaha Electric Grand Piano, Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, Synthesizer: ARP Quadra, Yamaha CS60, Oberheim OBXa, Mini Moog), Ron Edwards (Hammond Organ, Synthesizer Programming), John Lawry (Hammond Organ – track A5), Bimbo Acock (Flute), Paul Keogh (Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar), Dzal (Electric Guitar), John G. Perry (Bass, Backing Vocals), Simon Phillips (Drums), Clive Bunker (Drums – track B3), Clive Bunker (Percussion). Backing Vocals: Adrian Snell, Debi Doss, Shirlie Roden, Ron Edwards, Gary Edwards, Network 3 (Annie McCaig, Mo McCafferty, Paul Field).
Voice Actors: Bonnie Bramlett [Elizabeth], Paul Field [First Innkeeper], Chris Snell [First Prophet], Jon Miller [Fourth Prophet], Joe English [Gabriel], Norman Barratt [Herod], Adrian Snell [Joseph], Shirlie Roden [Marie], Gary Edwards [Second Innkeeper], Chris Driscoll [Second Prophet], Geoff Turton [Simeon], John Pantry [Third Innkeeper], Mark Sellwood [Third Prophet], Network 3 [Unspecified Voice Acting]. Soloists: Ron Edwards [ARP Pro Soloist – track B2, Oberheim OBXa – track B5], Dave Bainbridge [Electric Guitar Solo – track B6], Nick Pentelow [Sax Solo – track A2].
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