Before I Grow Old

Description

Before I Grow Old is the sole album by the American singer and songwriter Teresa Whitaker, released on Mark in February 1970. The album was produced by singer/songwriter William Flanders. Featuring Teresa Whitaker on vocals and 12-string guitar, William Flanders on guitar, and Hal Newman on electric bass as well as guitar. All songs written by the seventeen year old Teresa Whitaker.

Originally released on Mark, a custom record label, and later re-issued on William Flanders’ Back Door Records. (Mark Custom Recording Service was founded in 1962 by Vincent S. Morette, a Century Records employee. Originally a satellite of Century Custom Recordings, “Mark” soon differentiated itself from the other recording companies with their superior quality, customer service and attention to detail.)

Top-notch sophisticated female folk private press from seventeen year old singer featuring gorgeous vocals over-top simple acoustic backing. Although God is mentioned in a couple songs, Before I Grow Old more often speaks to such broad topics as love, relationships, emotions, storytelling, compassion, peace and nature, with moods both joyful and solemn. Lovely flowing melodies, with skillful musical backing from Teresa (12-string guitar), Hal Newman (electric bass, second guitar) and William Flanders (third guitar). Produced and distributed by Flanders, who’s also recorded several of his own Christian folk albums. «Weep My Young Love», «Janie April», «Child In The Ghetto», «I’ll Sing Of Eagles’ Nests», «Not Enough To Hold Me Here», «And God Bless The People», five more, all written by Teresa. Reminds me of artists like Barbara Sipple and Becky Severson. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “What Color Is the Grass?” – 3:32
A2. “Weep My Young Love” – 4:32
A3. “It’s Great To Be Alive” – 4:04
A4. “Chris’ Song” – 2:24
A5. “Sad Moods” – 3:00
A6. “Before I Grow Old” – 2:11

Side Two
B1. “Janie April” – 4:59
B2. “Child In the Ghetto” – 3:42
B3. “I’ll Sing of Eagles’ Nests” – 4:27
B4. “Not Enough To Hold Me Here” – 2:55
B5. “God Bless the People” – 4:01

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