Mystery Maker – self-titled album

Description

The self-titled album by the British folk group Mystery Maker was released on Caves Records in 1977. The album was recorded by David Kent-Watson at Indigo Sound Studios in Manchester, England; with Wilfred Usher producing. Songs written by Jim Crampsey (tracks A2, B2, and B4) and Tom McGuinness (tracks A1, A3-A7, B1, B3, and B5).

Featuring vocals by Tom McGuinness, Jim Crampsey, and Joan Evans, with Jim Cullen and Tom McGuinness on acoustic guitar, Richard Wright on acoustic and electric guitars, Alex McGuiness on electric guitar, Ken Heggie on bass, and David Adams on drums.

Superior moody prog-laced British folk outfit masterminded by Society Of Jesus members Tom McGuiness and Jim Crampsey. Often similar to the dreamy ballad style of groups like 11:59 and Cloud while also revealing a gentle folkrock edge not unlike Water Into Wine Band. Very peaceful, hushed, somewhat melancholy tone, surreal and motionless at times. Some achingly beautiful melodies aglow with fragile atmospheric male/female harmonies. Plenty of electric guitar with some excellent soloing, even some fuzz on the title track and «The Road To Emmaus» where it crescendos to one of the albums heavier moments. I especially liked the Jerry Garcia-ish lead guitar on the magical «Giver Of Life». Other titles include «Ask The Father», «Light», «Bidding Prayers», «The Best Gift», «Holy One», «Lamb Of God», «Communion Song», «We Thank You Father», «Blind Man», and «Pentecost». Being a private press from England it understandably goes for some fairly big bucks. Comes with a booklet that includes lyrics, chords and commentary on each of the songs. See also Beyond An Empty Dream. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Ask the Father” – 4:23
A2. “Light” – 1:57
A3. “Bidding Prayers” – 4:12
A4. “The Best Gift” – 2:44
A5. “Holy One” – 1:43
A6. “Lamb of God” – 0:58
A7. “Communion Song” – 4:17
A8. “We Thank You Father” – 2:53

Side Two
B1. “Giver of Life” – 4:54
B2. “The Blind Man” – 4:20
B3. “Mystery Maker” – 4:17
B4. “Pentecost” – 3:18
B5. “The Road to Emmaus” – 6:27

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Caves Records. A booklet, giving an introduction to the songs with full lyrics and guitar chords, is included with this record.

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