Triumph in the Air

Description

Triumph in the Air is the sixth album by the British singer and songwriter Graham Kendrick, released on Glen More Records in 1979. The album was recorded and mixed by Paul Cobbold at Chapel Lane Studios in Hereford, England; with Cobbold and Graham Kendrick producing, assisted by Mike Wade. Strings arranged by Phil Boothe. All songs written by Graham Kendrick. The title track was later covered by Sheila Walsh on her 1984-album by the same title.

Kendrick’s most cutting-edge album since Footsteps, and certainly his heaviest rocking statement to date. Electric guitar and synthesizer play a bigger role than in the past, joining with Kendrick’s acoustic guitar to bring an artful “progressive” edge to tracks like «Countdown» and the title track. «With Your Love» and the six-minute «Is There Life On Earth» both have shimmering ethereal qualities that dynamically build within their surreal echoed acoustic frameworks. More passionate acoustic moods can be found in «Strong In Me» and «Ascension Song». Gets a fairly mean funk-rock groove going on «We Have Seen Him». Still a few string-backed light rock selections, but overall quite a contrast from the praise direction of his recent previous efforts. Mark Williamson appears on backing vocals. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Countdown” (Now and then you may discover) – 4:24
A2. “Secret Saviour” – 3:45
A3. “Nicodemus” (As the watchman’s fires burn low) – 4:39
A4. “Is There Life On Earth” (He walks out on another morning) – 6:03
A5. “Living On A Landslide” (I wish you knew who I know) – 4:47

Side Two
B1. “Triumph In The Air” (Shame! Let us hang down our heads) – 5:06
B2. “With Your Love” – 4:52
B3. “Strong In Me” (There’s a lesson I’ve been learning) – 4:26
B4. “We Have Seen Him” (Blackest day, sleepless night) – 4:47
B5. “Ascension Song” (Where are you going?) – 4:45

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

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CREDITS. Producer by Paul Cobbold and Graham Kendrick, assisted by Mike Wade. Engineered by Paul Cobbold. Recorded at Chapel Lane Studios, Hampton Bishop, Hereford, England. String Arrangements by Phil Boothe. Sleeve Design and Photography by Phil Thomson. Illustration by Robert Jones. All sogs written by Graham Kendrick.

Musicians: Graham Kendrick (Vocals, Acoustic Guitars, Piano), Paul Cobbold (Bass Guitar, Hofner Cello, Synthesizers – Arp Omni and Axxe), Stuart Penny (Synthesizers – Arp Omni and Axxe), Igg Welthy (Harmonica, Jew’s Harp), Dave Plotel (Electric Guitar), Dave Plowman (Electric Guitar), Mike Wade (Drums, Percussion). Backing Vocals: Mark Williamson, Donna Carey, Mike Wade, Stuart Penny.