Description
The self-titled debut album by the British singer and songwriter Gwen Murray was released on Dovetail Records in 1975. The album was recorded and mixed by Helmut Kaufmann at Echo Studios in Eastbourne, England; with John Pantry producing.
Featuring a session band consisting of producer John Pantry on keyboards, Andy Piercy of After The Fire fame on acoustic guitar, Nick Ryan on bass (a former band mate of John Pantry in both Peter & The Wolves and Wolfe), and Mike Wade on drums. Backing vocals provided by Elizabeth Kaufmann and Gwen Murray.
Until now, the precocious Gwen Murray has rather stood in the background – contributing backing vocals on my albums and generally cheeking me from the wings. Now she has her own album. And deservedly so.
Gwen and I have been singing together since we were both in Bible College. We’ve worked, prayed, laughed and been sad together and come to know each other’s ministries.
God has used her on numerous occasions as a counsellor and comforter. Her life overflows from a deep love and experience in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Her music is spiritual – Christ centred, and with her own distinctive sound and style. It’s easy listening, free from the over-sophistication which marks much of today’s music, and above all, she communicates – probably because she doesn’t sing out of a second hand experience.
Gwen is not a missionary or ‘full-time artist’; rather, she sees every day as an opportunity to serve God.
If our occupation throughout eternity is to praise and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ – and I’m sure it will be – then Gwen will be well-practiced beforehand.
‘If my light can shine on others
Then His Spirit can set them free’May God use this record for His Glory.
– Len Magee
[Liner notes printed on the back of the album sleeve]
Similar easy-going folk/pop style for Gwen’s debut, albeit without as much country influence. A couple mellow traditional songs, make up for by faithful covers of Ishmael’s «The Sixth Virgin (Parable Of The Ten)» and Water Into Wine Band’s «Stranger In The World». John Pantry on keyboards, Andy Piercy on acoustic guitar. Gwen was also backing vocalist on Len Magee’s early Dovetail LPs – in fact her music here is very similar to Len’s. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “The Sixth Virgin (The Parable Of The Ten)”
A2. “You Must Be Born Again”
A3. “Jesus How I Love You”
A4. “The Way Of The Cross”
A5. “I Am The Lord”
Side Two
B1. “To Be A Pilgrim”
B2. “Take Up Your Cross”
B3. “My Tribute”
B4. “Stranger In The World”
B5. “Let My Light Shine”
CREDITS. Produced by John Pantry. Recorded at Echo Studios, Eastbourne. Engineered by Helmut Kaufmann. Sleeve Design by Bernard A. Cope. Printed and made in Great Britain by Garrod & Lofthouse Ltd.
Musicians: Gwen Murray (Lead Vocals), John Pantry (Keyboards), Andy Piercy (Acoustic Guitar), Nick Ryan (Bass), Mike Wade (Drums). Backing Vocals: Elizabeth Kaufmann, Gwen Murray.
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