Description
The Gap is the fifth studio album by the British singer, songwriter, and blues guitarist Bryn Haworth, released on Chapel Lane in 1980, distributed by Kingsway Music. Also distributed by Word. (Chapel Lane was a newly established independent British label releasing superlative – and mostly cutting edge – albums by Christian artists, The Gap being their fourth release, Catalog Number CLS 8004.) Also released in the US in 1982, manufactured by StarSong Records (in cooperation with Larry Norman‘s Solid Rock Records; “A Chapel Lane – Solid Rock Production“). The album was recorded by Paul Cobbold at Chapel Lane Studios in Hereford, England; with Bryn Haworth and Dave Markee producing. All songs written by Bryn Haworth except “New Jerusalem” co-written with Dave Markee and “Send Down The Rain” co-written with Gordon Haskell.
Featuring Bryn Haworth on lead vocals and guitars backed by what would be considered the Eric Clapton Band around that time – Chris Stainton on keyboards and the rhythm section of Dave Markee and Henry Spinetti on bass and drums respectively, with Bruce Rowland of Fairport Convention fame providing percussion.
There can be few CCM artists, British or American, who could have three albums reissued (‘The Gap’ from 1980, ‘Pass It On‘ and ‘Wings Of The Morning‘ from 1983) and have them popping up as bright and immediate as his new stuff. For Bryn’s music, locked as it is into an urban blues groove, is utterly timeless. In case you weren’t around when Rob Andrews’ pioneering Chapel Lane company released these masterpieces, ‘The Gap’ was the album which set the agenda for all that was to follow, a sassy, romping, stomping set full of searing guitar, lazily understated vocals and simple lyrics full of wit and charm exhorting us to get to God. Eric Clapton’s old rhythm section give just the right drive. [Tony Cummings, Cross Rhythms, June 2005]
Bryn Haworth is one of those players who does things with his guitar that practically defy the imagination. He’s not a blistering shredder, instead he takes understated to a new level. He’s a slide player who has a deft touch and can pack an emotional punch without beating you over the head.
The Gap is an album I picked up over 20 years ago because it had one of those “Larry Norman Presents” stickers on it. I loved this album, and always wanted to find more of his stuff. It would take a couple of decades before I would find it on CD, and it’s better today than it was in 1980.
Musically it’s a very spiritual album, and is mostly full of mid tempo blues infused rock tunes (do not infer that this means boring). Bryn’s voice has pleasant warmth, and offers a great counterpoint to his playing. The show stopper is «More of You» a song so good it ranks as one of my all time favourites.
He’s largely unknown, but those who follow virtuosos know about this guy. [Jevon, Banophernalia]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-gap/1080272583)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “The Gap” – 4:52
A2. “Egypt” – 3:57
A3. “I Can Do All Things” – 2:47
A4. “New World Coming” – 2:59
A5. “It Would Have Been Me” – 4:18
Side Two
B1. “Power Of The Holy Spirit” – 2:47
B2. “More Of You” – 3:51
B3. “New Jerusalem” – 5:15
B4. “No Time” – 2:35
B5. “Send Down The Rain” – 4:51
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Chapel Lane. Later re-issued on CD. Original recording digitally remastered by Ray Staff at Whitefield Studios in London, and re-issued by Bryn Haworth on Bella Music in 2008 (BMCD024). Available at Bandcamp: https://brynhaworth.bandcamp.com/album/the-gap
The Gap, UK Edition Artwork, Chapel Lane 1980
The Gap, US Edition Artwork, StarSong Records 1982
CREDITS. Produced by Bryn Haworth and Dave Markee. Recorded at Chapel Lane Studios, Hereford, England. Engineered by Paul Cobbold. Sleeve Design by Phil Thomson. All songs written by Bryn Haworth except track B3 co-written with Dave Markee and track B5 co-written with Gordon Haskell.
Musicians: Bryn Haworth (Vocals, Guitars, Mandolin, Harpolek), Chris Stainton (Keyboards), Dave Markee (Bass, Mandocello), Henry Spinetti (Drums), Bruce Rowland (Percussion).
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