Description
Liberty is the fifth studio album by the American singer and songwriter Gene Cotton, released on Myrrh Records in 1974, a division of Word. The album was recorded by Charlie Tallent and Curt Allen at Clement Recording Studio in Nashville, Tennessee; with Tallent producing. Strings arranged by Bergen White. Featuring covers of “The Great American Novel” (a song written by Larry Norman and originally recorded on his 1972-album Only Visiting This Planet) and “Pharaoh’s Hand” (a song written by Randy Matthews and originally recorded on his 1973-album Son of Dust).
Liberty has a fuller commercial folk-and-rock sound that includes the addition of string orchestration, female bgvs, organ, some country steel and harmonica. Rural-edged at times, in a Nashville way. Several of Gene’s own songs are featured, including «Sunshine Roses», «Man Buyin’ Names», «Mrs. Oliver» and «About You Girl». As far as Jesus rock goes, there’s a gritty cover of Randy Matthews’ «Pharaoh’s Hand», as well as a faithful treatment of Larry Norman’s «The Great American Novel». The silver cover design of Gene’s ponytailed profile set in a quarter is pretty much the coolest thing ever. Followed by a number of secular releases on mainstream labels. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Sunshine Roses” – 3:04
A2. “Man Buyin’ Names” – 4:33
A3. “Country Spirit” – 2:43
A4. “Mrs. Oliver” – 2:50
A5. “I’d Hate To Be A Black Man” – 3:05
Side Two
B1. “There Is A Breeze” – 3:13
B2. “Pharaoh’s Hand” – 2:20
B3. “About You Girl” – 2:38
B4. “All That Keeps You Going” – 3:16
B5. “The Great American Novel” – 4:05
B6. “Liberty” – 0:45
Note: Simultaneously released on 8-track tape and 12-inch vinyl LP by Myrrh Records.
CREDITS. Produced by Charlie Tallent. recorded by Charlie Tallent and Curt Allen at Clement Recording Studio, Nashville, TN. Strings Arranged by Bergen White. Executive-Producer: Billy Ray Hearn.
Musicians: Gene Cotton (Acoustic Guitar, Guitar [High Third]), Beegie Cruser (Grand Piano, Organ), Sandy Cotton (Flute), Charlie McCoy (Harmonica), Billy Sanford (Acoustic Guitar, Guitar [High Third]), Johnny Christopher (Acoustic Guitar, Guitar [High Third]), Pete Wade (Acoustic Guitar), Reggie Young (Acoustic Guitar and Electric Guitar), Jack Williams (Bass), Kenny Buttrey (Drums).
