Description
The self-titled debut album by the American folk-pop trio Lazarus was released on Bearsville in 1971, a subsidiary and licensee of Warner Bros. distributed by Warner Bros. Records. The album was produced, recorded, and mixed by Phil Ramone at A&R Studios in New York City with Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul, & Mary fame co-producing. All songs written by Bill Hughes with tracks A3 and B5 co-written by Gary Dye.
Lazarus features Bill Hughes on guitar, violin, and vocals; Gary Dye on piano, organ, and vocals; and Carl Keesee on bass and vocals. Jesus music based pop harmony folk.
The quietly powerful music of Lazarus won a limited but fervent audience during the early ‘70s. The Texas folk-pop trio’s 1971 self-titled debut album is an overlooked gem, filled with gorgeous vocal harmonies and understated yet stirring acoustic instrumental work. Lead singer Bill Hughes’ high, pure tenor serves as a perfect vehicle for the yearning and reverence embodied in his lyrics. Lazarus’ Christian faith – linking them with the Jesus Music movement of their era – is reflected both directly and obliquely on this album. «Refugee», «Whatever Happened», and especially «Circuit Rider» (a haunting Western-themed tune sparked by Hughes’ plaintive fiddle) depict a pilgrim’s lonesome travels across a spiritually barren landscape. Balancing these unsettled tunes are such ringing statements of belief as «Blessed» and «Rivers». The songs benefit from the unadorned production of Peter Yarrow and Phil Ramone, who capture the trio’s sound with exceptional clarity and vividness. There’s no denying that ‘Lazarus’ is an album of its time but these songs are more than just period pieces.
[Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/lazarus/285632847)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Refugee” – 3:30
A2. “Whatever Happened” – 4:25
A3. “Looking Through” – 5:00
A4. “Listening House” – 4:10
A5. “Circuit Rider” – 4:08
Side Two
B1. “Warmth Of Your Eyes” – 2:58
B2. “Blessed” – 3:14
B3. “Eastward” – 4:19
B4. “Memory Of A Stranger” – 3:38
B5. “Doncha Cry” – 4:00
B6. “Rivers” – 4:40
Note. The vinyl LP is housed in a gatefold sleeve.
A full-page advertisement for Lazarus’ self-titled album was featured in the November 6, 1971 issue of Billboard Magazine.
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