Sincerely Yours

Description

Sincerely Yours is the debut album by the American singer, songwriter, and producer Gary Chapman, released on Lamb & Lion Records in 1981, distributed by The Benson Company. The album was recorded at Ardent Studios in Memphis and at Great Circle Sound in Nashville, Tennessee; with Joe Hardy, Ed DeGarmo and Dana Key producing (the latter two of DeGarmo & Key Band). Strings and horns arranged by Carl Marsh. All songs written by Gary Chapman except “Anywhere” co-written with Tim Marsh, “I Wanna Be Loved By You” and “The Secret Of Love” co-written with Keith Thomas, and “No Time At All” written by Keith Thomas.

Featuring Gary Chapman on lead and backing vocals, as well as acoustic guitar, backed by Keith Thomas on acoustic and electric piano, Ed DeGarmo on organ and synthesizer, Andrew Love on alto and tenor saxophones, Gary Topper on baritone saxophone, Dana Key on electric guitar and backing vocals, Joe Hardy on bass (and twelve-string guitar), and Chad Cromwell and John Hampton on drums. Backing vocals provided by Gary Pigg, Jack Holder, Jimi Jamison, and Dana Key. Strings by The Claude O’Donnell Strings. Guest vocals on track B2 by Amy Grant, and guitar solo on track B2 by Jack Holder.

Gary Chapman has all the ingredients that add up to becoming one of the foremost contemporary Christian songwriters – clever and bright lyrics, intelligent themes, catchy tunes and direct messages. ‘Sincerely Yours’ marks the beginning of Chapman’s career as a recording artist.

Enhancing Chapman’s first album endeavor is the touch of Ed DeGarmo, Dana Key and Joe Hardy as producers. DeGarmo and Key also sit in musically, with DeGarmo on organ and synthesizer and Key on electric guitar. Joining in vocals on «Anywhere» is Amy Grant whose recording of Chapman’s «My Father’s Eyes» brought him into the spotlight as a writer.

Chapman is successful in achieving a unique vocal sound. His voice exudes warmth, friendliness and, of course, sincerity. Sounding like a good friend, he is capable of unusual jazzy intonations which he applies moderately.

Chapman’s strongest attribute is his lyrics. He is a prolific writer, and with the exception of «Open Up My Eyes», has chosen to include only previously unrecorded songs on the album. ‘Sincerely Yours’ is fresh, personal statement from an important new singer-songwriter and should easily withstand the test of time.

(Best cuts: «Love is a Name», «I’d Really Like to Tell You», «Open Up My Eyes».) [Carolyn A. Burns, CCM (What’s New), July 1981]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “No Time At All” – 4:18
A2. “I Wanna Be Loved By You” – 3:40
A3. “Love Is A Name” – 3:46
A4. “Open Up My Eyes” – 3:50
A5. “Sincerely Yours” – 3:07

Side Two
B1. “The Secret Of Love” – 4:05
B2. “Anywhere” – 3:37
B3. “I’d Really Like To Tell You” – 3:45
B4. “Feelin’ Right” – 3:11
B5. “One Hope” – 3:54

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Lamb & Lion Records.