Footsteps on the Sea

Description

Footsteps on the Sea is the debut album by the British singer and songwriter Graham Kendrick, formerly of Whispers Of Truth, released in the UK on Key Records in 1972. As well released in the US on Impact the following year. (The recording actually was a joint venture between Impact and the British organization MGO – Musical Gospel Outreach – the owner of Key Records.) The album was recorded at Wessex Sound Studios in London, England; with Bob MacKenzie producing. (MacKenzie was the creative director of Benson Music Publishing Company which was the mother company of the US Impact label.) All songs were written by Graham Kendrick. Sleeve design by Martin Lambie-Nairn.

The album features Graham Kendrick on guitar and vocals with Gordon Giltrap on second guitar as well as Chris Laurence on string bass.

This British pioneer has dabbled with a number of styles over the years, but this is the only example of him playing in the simple acoustic format. His guitar and soft vocals are backed only by string bass and virtuoso Gordon Giltrap on second acoustic guitar. At times Footsteps On The Sea recalls the style of Bruce Cockburn’s early albums, alternating gentle contemplative moods with skillful bluesy acoustic impressions. Contains eleven Kendrick’s originals, sometimes told from the perspective of New Testament characters as on «Sweet Fire», «Jerusalem Road», «Simon’s Song» and «The Executioner», the latter a convicting song about the crucifixion. A very relaxing peaceful work and my personal fave from the Kendrick repertoire. Includes a large foldout poster lyric sheet. Co-released in the States on Impact. See also Alive! [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “No One Ever Told Me” – 3:43
A2. “Sweet Fire” – 4:54
A3. “Jerusalem Road” – 4:40
A4. “The Executioner” – 4:28
A5. “Simon’s Song” – 3:04

Side Two
B1. “Moving On” – 2:26
B2. “So It Was” – 3:47
B3. “The Harbours Are Broken” – 2:14
B4. “Sympathy” – 3:32
B5. “Sunset” – 3:28
B6. “Half A Word” – 3:18

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Footsteps on the Sea US Edition, Impact Records 1973

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Excerpt from the original sleeve notes:

If you read between the lines, you will find a lot of Graham Kendrick in his songs. In «Sunset» you discover how he views the creation around him and his own relationship to it. «Moving On» has Jesus doing everyday things and being involved with everyday people, of whom Graham Kendrick is one. Both «Sympathy» and «Half a Word» show you his attitude to living what you believe. While «Simon’s Song» and «Sweet Fire» trace the footsteps of an earlier disciple with whom Graham obviously identifies very closely.

Graham himself is as shy and a humble a guy as you could possibly wish to meet. But sheer demand for his songs and himself has brought him out into the open.

He sees himself as a thought provoker and communicator, feeling strongly ‘the tremendous need for personal and individual revolution’ Wherever he goes Graham finds ready ears to hear.

Joining in recording this album are two of the finest musicians in the folk world: Gordon Giltrap and Chris Laurence. Gordon particularly is acclaimed as one of Britain’s foremost folk guitarists and is a solo performing and recording artist in his own right.

Gordon had this to say about his involvement in the album. ‘I was very flattered by Graham’s request for me to play on his album. He is not only a fine songwriter but also an accomplished guitarist, as anyone, after hearing this album will realize. For me, perhaps the most impressive track here is «The Executioner», which gives a new approach to the crucifixion of Christ in a very dramatic way. This is an album by a sincere young man who lives his life through Jesus; who writes about his own experiences and, in my opinion, communicates these emotions on this album.’