To Strangers and Friends

Description

To Strangers and Friends is the third album by the British singer, songwriter and producer John Pantry, released in the UK on Kingsway Music in 1980. The album was recorded by Dave Aston at ICC Studios in Eastbourne, England; with John Pantry and Nick Ryan producing. Arranged by Chris Norton.

Ten more mellow pop offerings from John Pantry, all but Kelly Willard’s «Blame It On The One I Love» being originals. «Rumours», «Loneliness», «Going Over Old Ground», «Don’t Be Careless», «Don’t Touch». Strings on a few songs. Trumpet, saxophone and oboe also make appearances. Bouncy synths strike a Steve Winwood chord a couple times. Best track is the closing «Awake» which reminds me of Adrian Snell. Norman Barratt is listed as one of the guitarists. No US release for this one. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Please Don’t Be Careless” – 3:40
A2. “Don’t Touch” – 2:23
A3. “I Want to Be Like You” – 3:39
A4. “Rumours” – 2:32
A5. “Loneliness” – 4:20

Side Two
B1. “A Change of Heart” – 3:22
B2. “Blame It on the One I Love” – 3:12
B3. “Going Over Old Ground” – 3:41
B4. “I Belong to You” – 2:42
B5. “Awake” – 3:02

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CREDITS. Produced by Nick Ryan and John Pantry. Arrangements by Chris Norton. Recorded at I.C.C. Studios, Eastbourne on Ampex Grand Master tape by Dave Aston using a Trident Series 80 board and Lyrec 24 track recorder. Sleeve Design by Peter Wagstaff.

Musicians: John Pantry (All Vocals, Keyboards), Chris Norton (Keyboards), Victor Lewis Smith (Keyboards, Sax), Norman Barratt (Guitars), John McLoughlin (Guitars), Mo Witham (Guitars), Tim Harries (Ibanez Bass), Phil Gould (Gretsch Drums). Rob McKay (Sax), Bruce Nockles (Trumpet), Andrew Maries (Oboe). String section courtesy of London Festival Ballet.