Description
The Trumpet Call, sub-titled A Rock Opera by Valeri Barinov, is an album by the British rock combo The Dave Markee Band, independently released in the UK on Window in 1985. Also released in the US on Fortress Records, a division of Refuge Records, distributed in the US by The Benson Company. Original words and music by Valeri Barinov and rearranged by Dave Markee and Michael Giles. (The Trumpet Call is a rock opera composed by Valeri Barinov, and originally recorded in the Russian language. The tapes were recorded in secret and smuggled out of the USSR. This album is an English version presented by The Dave Markee Band.) The album was recorded and mixed during 1984 by Nick Horne at Woodcray Manor Studios in Wokingham, England; with Dave Markee and Michael Giles producing. (“This album is dedicated to Tatyana and Valeri Barinov and Family, Sergei and Nina Timokhin and Family and all who suffer for the gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere.“)
Featuring lead vocals by both John Perry (best known as part of Cliff Richard‘s background vocal trio) and Dave Markee (with Markee also providing basses, guitar, and bazovki); David Bainbridge on piano, keyboards, and guitar (later of Iona fame); Brian Spencer-Smith on keyboards and guitar (as well as vocals on track A3); Martin Neil on drums and Simmons drum kit; Michael Giles on drums and percussion; and Phillip Crabb on drums.
What you will be listening to marks the end of a period of intensive recording of Valeri Barinov’s “The Trumpet Call”. As far as I know, this is the first Rock Opera ever to come out of Russia. It is also a testimony to one man’s unswerving faith in the face of immense pressure and is representative of the Christian Church’s struggle behind the Iron Curtain.
The original lyrics as translated by Keston College have been preserved as far as possible, minor adjustments being made where necessary, some of the original ‘themes’ played by Valeri’s musicians have also been worked in. During the recording my aim has been to perform Valeri’s songs in a fresh and original way, in the same way that any artist brings his own interpretation to raw material. I hope that I am painting pictures that are recognizable and are bringing an added dimension to the original, while still retaining its essence.
I hope that you enjoy the music and that it stimulates and challenges you a little.
– Dave Markee, 1984 (Liner notes from the Window/Fortress Records edition)
The equipment was smuggled in.
The tapes were recorded in secret.
The Artist was sent to prison.
But the tapes were smuggled out!The Trumpet Call is a rock opera which was secretly recorded in the Soviet Union, by a Christian rock group calling themselves The Trumpet Call. The composer of the rock opera, Valeri Barinov, a talented musician and deeply committed Christian, is currently serving a 2 1/2 year sentence in a Soviet Union labour camp. Another of the group’s members, the bass guitarist Sergei Timokhin is also serving a prison sentence.
This record is the fulfillment of Valeri Barinov’s vision: to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with millions of Soviet young people who ordinarily would never hear the gospel.
By purchasing this album you are supporting the ongoing effort to free Valeri Barinov and Sergei Timokhin from prison as well as bringing support and encouragement to brave Christians in the suffering church.
(Liner notes from the I Care 1985 edition)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Overture” – 3:08 (Vocals by Dave Markee)
A2. “Cry Out” – 7:12 (Vocals by John Perry)
A3. “You Killed Him” – 9:10 (Vocals by Brian Spencer-Smith)
Side Two
B1. “Golgotha” – 4:58 (Vocals by John Perry)
B2. “Turn Your Eyes” – 5:09 (Vocals by John Perry)
B3. “Don’t Turn Away” – 4:27 (Vocals by Dave Markee)
B4. “Listen World” – 3:12 (Vocals by John Perry)
B5. “More Time” – 2:44 (Vocals by Dave Markee)
B6. “He Is Coming” – 2:10 (Vocals by Dave Markee)
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Fortress Records.
The Trumpet Call, presented by The Dave Markee Band
The Trumpet Call, Original Version, 1982
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