The Pearl

Description

The Pearl is the sophomore and final album by the American singer and songwriter Gary Dunham, released on NewPax Records in 1982, distributed by The Benson Company. The album was recorded by Lee Peterzell at Creative Workshop in Nashville, Tennessee; with Buzz Cason producing. Strings arranged by Bergen White. All songs co-written by Gary and Rosemary Dunham.

‘The Pearl’ is a good name for Gary Dunham’s second NewPax release (NewPax NP 33105). Pearls are smooth and give class to the wearer. Gary’s 10 new, pop tunes are so smooth that they should firmly establish him as a class act. Dunham is now much more than just the «Happy Family» man.

Musically, there’s not a flaw in this ‘Pearl’ – good luck to the radio station attempting to find the best cut to play. With the help of producer Buzz Cason, this album has captured the mainstream of today’s adult-contemporary sound…with a slight Nashville flair.

But capturing the essence of today’s music scene also inflicts a handicap of sorts. Dunham’s lyrics are as vanilla as his music is sweet. Like most pop songs at the top of the charts, his lyrics fail to say anything new or challenging to the Christian community. Now there are plenty of ‘Pearl’ songs which tug at the heart, but overall, Dunham’s Christianity is kept in 10 tidy, little packages. Only “safe” topics are sung about.

However, most people driving to the grocery store throw in a Christian tape to be edified, not challenged. And Dunham’s album is great for casual listening. It’s worthy of being considered one of the best Christian pop albums of recent months. Not only is the overall production good, but Gary is also a truly talented vocalist, charging each song with life.

Finally, a special word of appreciation for the simple but striking photography and art concept. The album jacket is a pearl as well. [Tom Stribling, CCM, February 1983]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Highway To Paradise” – 3:58
A2. “Who Put That Light In Your Eyes” – 3:03
A3. “Your Way” – 4:21
A4. “You Can’t Run Away From Your Heart” – 2:35
A5. “Heaven Knows” – 4:13

Side Two
B1. “Carry On” – 3:11
B2. “Because Of Your Love” – 3:21
B3. “So Much” – 3:53
B4. “Hell To Pay” – 4:44
B5. “The Pearl” – 4:17

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by NewPax Records.

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CREDITS. Produced by Buzz Cason, assisted by ‘Perky Higgins’. Recorded at Creative Workshop, Berry Hill, Tennessee. Engineered by Lee Peterzell. Strings arranged by Bergen White. Sony Digital Audio Processor provided by John A. Moran, Digital Services, Houston, Texas. Linn Drum Machine provided by Vallery People. Photography by Jim McGuire. Cover by Larry Whitson. Design by Deb Mahalanobis and Matthew Barnes. All songs co-written by Gary and Rosemary Dunham.

Musicians: Gary Dunham (Vocals, Acoustic Piano), Shane Keister (Keyboards, Synthesizers), Quitman Dennis (Lyricon, Saxophone), Don Roth (Rhythm Guitar), Jon Goin (Lead Guitar), Ralph Childs (Bass), Jerry Carrigan (Drums and Percussion), Jerry Kroon (Drums). Backup Vocals: Buzz Cason and Gary Dunham (tracks A1, A4, A5, and B2), Buzz Cason (track B1), Bergen White and Donna McElroy (track A3). Strings by The Nashville String Machine: Carl Gorodetzky, Dennis Molchan, George Binkley, Walter Jesse Schwede, Marvin Chantry, Gary Vanosdale, and Roy Christensen.