Description
Bird in a Golden Sky is the debut album by the American singer and songwriter Karen Lafferty, released on Maranatha! Music in 1975. Also released in the UK. The album was recorded at Buddy King Studios in Huntington Beach, California; with Peter Jacob of Children of the Day producing and arranging. All songs written by Karen Lafferty except “Bird in a Golden Sky”.
Featuring Karen Lafferty on lead and backing vocals, as well as guitar and oboe, backed by producer Peter Jacobs on keyboards and backing vocals; John Wytoc on guitar; Fred Field on guitar, banjo, and fiddle; Al Perkins on steel guitar; Bruce Cotton on bass; and Alex MacDougall on percussion; with Darrell Mansfield and Randy Sykes sitting in on harmonica and saw, respectively.
The title track was also included on the multi-artist sampler Maranatha! Four released on Maranatha! Music in 1974.
One of the most promising songwriters to emerge from the Jesus People, Lafferty was responsible for the chorus «Seek Ye First». Arranged by Peter Jacobs of the Children of the Day the songs on this album reflect the inspirational spontaneity that was very prevalent in the early days of the movement. The liner notes state “his perfect freedom is inexpressible in words, but I pray that in your spirit you know what it is to be free as a Bird in a Golden Sky.” Lafferty was one of two women ordained as a music minister by Maranatha! Music. Acoustic based easy listening style music.
This is a CD re-issue of Karen’s debut album released in 1973 by Maranatha! Music. The sleevenotes give an almost apologetic request to “Listen with your heart to God’s truth. The music was from a different era, but God’s truth never changes”. Yes, these classic Jesus music tracks often sound dated, but they also manage to wear the ‘retro’ badge effectively. The sound here has a folk tinge with tastefully arranged strings and horns put together by Children Of The Day‘s Peter Jacobs. The title track is one of Lafferty’s best with a soaring melody worthy of Joni Mitchell. Another standout is «Grandma Stout», a tribute to Lafferty’s pious grandmother while «The Girl» is a compassionate story song about an adolescent who chases after love but finds partners only interested in sex. As a debut album that is now 38 years old, ‘Bird In A Golden Sky’ has certainly stood the test of time. [Tony Cummings, Cross Rhythms, June 2012]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/bird-in-a-golden-sky/1609752432)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Bird In A Golden Sky” – 4:00
A2. “Grandma Stout” – 2:26
A3. “Testimony” – 5:48
A4. “Garden” – 3:16
A5. “The Girl” – 4:30
Side Two
B1. “Sweet Summer Rain” – 3:55
B2. “No Time For Jesus” – 3:16
B3. “Bobbi’s Song” – 5:00
B4. “Peaceful Mind/Tears Of Love” – 7:47
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Maranatha! Music. [ Matrix / Runout (A Side Etch): HS777/17-A UA ℰcK <>< And He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear, And trust in the Lord. ]
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