The Witness

Description

The Witness is a musical by the American husband and wife songwriting team Jimmy & Carol Owens, released on Light Records 1978, a division of Lexicon Music. (It is a narrated musical drama: Here is Jesus’ story told from the point of view of a fisherman-cum-Apostle, Peter, featuring Barry McGuire as Peter.) Album tracks and vocals engineered by Jack Joseph Puig with Jimmy Owens and Bill Cole producing. Mixed by John Guess. Arranged and conducted by Jimmy Owens. Strings provided by Sid Sharp & The L.A. Super Strings.

Featuring a session band consisting of Clark Gassman on keyboards with Michael Omartian on Synthesizer (Oberheim synthesizer improvisations), five guitarists (Art Munson, Ben Benay, Dennis Budimir, Mike Deasy, and Tim May), Jim Fielder on bass, David Kemper on drums, and Emil Richards on percussion.

The Witness: A Musical by Jimmy and Carol Owens

The story of Jesus is told and sung for you by Peter – “the witness” – and the other men and women who knew Him best. It’s the world’s most extraordinary true story, told by the ordinary people whose lives were transformed by their encounter with a carpenter who was much more than He seemed.

Barry McGuire is Peter, the fisherman who became an apostle; Anne Herring sings the funny, touching song of Peter’s wife; Jamie Owens-Collins is Mary, the mother of Jesus, who shares the secret of finding favor with God; Steve and Tim Archer are the “Sons of Thunder,” James and John and Carol Owens is their mother who watches out for her boys; Matthew Ward is the tormented Judas. Nelly Ward-Griesen, Joni Speaks, Dan Collins and Buddy Owens also lend their considerable singing talents to the story.

Listen and enjoy. It’s the best news you will ever hear. It could change your life! [Note on the back of the LP sleeve]

2LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “The Witness”
A2. “Lullaby”
A3. “Nothin’ Ever Happens”
A4. “When You Find The Truth”
A5. “Mary’s Song (Whatever He Says)”

Side Two
B1. “Born Again”
B2. “Life Giver/You Are The Christ”
B3. “My Boys”
B4. “Make Me Like You”
B5. “Hosanna (Triumphal Entry)”

Side Three
C1. “In Love For Me (Communion Song)”
C2. “Silver And Gold”
C3. “Crucifixion Dirge”
C4. “He Came In Love”
C5. “They Took Him Down”

Side Four
D1. “The Victor”
D2. “I Love You, Lord”
D3. “Lambs Alone”
D4. “The Room Upstairs/Get Ready”
D5. “Reprise: Life Giver/Born Again/You Are The Christ”

Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape, cassette, and 12-inch vinyl double LP by Light Records. The Witness is available at: http://www.jimmyandcarolowens.com/store/music/the-witness/

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