Description
The Story of the Tune is an album by the American singer and songwriter Larry Norman, independently released on his own label Phydeaux Records in 1983. (A “Special limited edition release for the benefit of the Calcutta Mission”.) The album was recorded and mixed by Tim Jaquette and was produced and arranged by Larry Norman. Featuring Larry Norman on vocals, guitar, piano, and synthesizer, Jon Linn on guitar, and a rhythm section consisting of bassist Tim Jaquette and drummer Alex MacDougall. Harmonies by Sarah Finch and Charly Norman. The album features the full-length version of “The Tune” on side one, recorded in 1977. (The 1981-album Barking at the Ants features a short version.)
The Tune is perhaps Larry’s greatest achievement as a songwriter, performer, recording artist and producer. Side one of this short LP is taken up with this musical parable which tells the story of creation, the fall, the giving of the law, Christ’s incarnation, crucifixion and ascension and the doctrines of redemption and grace. This 14 minute long masterpiece was recorded in the studio with a band and orchestra in Hollywood in 1977 and was originally intended to be the third side of the double LP version of ‘Something New Under The Son‘. Side two collects together other studio recordings which were lying around in the vaults. «Country Church, Country People» would reappear on two more albums and two spirituals «Swing Low Sweet Chariot» and «If I Got My Ticket» accompany a unique version of «Soul On Fire» in which the lyrics refer to Elderidge Cleaver’s conversion experience rather than Larry’s own spiritual autobiography on the more familiar version of the song. Originally released in aid of the Calcutta Mission. Re-released on CD by Phydeaux in 1995 with the same songs but much longer mixes of «Swing Low Sweet Chariot» and «If I Got My Ticket» than the LP and cassette version. The track order on the CD is also slightly different. Sadly this limited edition CD sold out very quickly years ago. [Dougie Adam, Cross Rhythms, May 2001]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A. “The Tune” (i. Creation / ii. The Fall / iii. The Law / iv. Crucifixion / v. Ascension / vi. Redemption / vii. Grace)
Side Two
B1. “Country Church, Country People”
B2. “Swing Low Sweet Chariot”
B3. “Soul on Fire”
B4. “If I Got My Ticket”
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Phydeaux Records. Re-issued on CD by Phydeaux Records in 1995, featuring longer mixes of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “If I Got My Ticket”. Available at Bandcamp: https://larrynorman.bandcamp.com/album/the-story-of-the-tune
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