Description
In the Gray of the Morning is the fourth studio album by the American singer and songwriter Gene Cotton, originally independently released on Monya Records in 1973, and re-issued by Myrrh Records the same year, a division of Word. The album was recorded by Garth Fundes and Curt Allen at the legendary Clement Recording Studio in Nashville, Tennessee; with Charlie Tallent producing.
After a couple mellow Impact recordings, folk-singer Gene Cotton increased his hair length some and emerged with a heavier more serious artistic sound. In The Gray Of The Morning starts things off with a take on The Moody Blues’ «Question», a phrase from which inspired the album title. Originals like «Apathy», «American Indian Blues», «Opry House Blues», «Lessons Of History», along with Dylan’s «When The Ship Comes In» are toned down as far as the Christian message is concerned, though the beautiful acoustic track «Blessed» is pretty straightforward. Shifts from gentle folk and wispy Al Stewart-ish melodic piano-accompanied light rock, to stately folk-rock and rowdier rockers with a Larry Norman attitude. Some attractive use of mellotron in spots. An independent Nashville production that was also released on Myrrh records (MST 6517). [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Question” – 2:45
A2. “Apathy” – 3:05
A3. “American Indian Blues” – 2:16
A4. “Blessed” – 2:36
A5. “Opry House Blues” – 2:40
Side Two
B1. “Lean On One Another” – 3:15
B2. “We Are Alone” – 2:15
B3. “Lessons Of History” – 3:05
B4. “When The Ship Comes In” – 3:13
B5. “Help You Smile” – 2:00
[youtube_sc url=”” playlist=”Hy_JFH3qxJE,g6_ZDHsQvao,E-MARsBTj1c” title=”Gene Cotton – Blessed + Apathy + Lessons Of History” autohide=”1″ rel=”0″]
CREDITS. Produced by Charlie Tallent. Recorded at Clements Studio, Nashville, TN. Engineers: Garth Fundes and Curt Allen. Conductor of Emmons Synphonic: Weldon Myrick.
Musicians: Gene Cotton (Vocal, Acoustic Guitar), Beegie Cruser (Grand Piano, Electric Piano, Organ), Charlie Crino (Grand Piano), Pete Wade (Acoustic Guitar), Billy Sanford (Acoustic and Electric Guitar), Weldon Myrick (Steel Guitar), Jack Williams (Bass), Joe Allen (Bass), Jerry Wasley (Bass), Kenny Buttrey (Drums), Jerry Carrigan (Drums, Congas).
