Description
The Truth is the debut album by the American singer and songwriter D.R. Hooker, independently released on his own custom label On Records in 1972. The album was recorded by Samot Arikos and Paul Saffioti at Dynamic Recording Studios in New Haven, Connecticut; 1972. Horn arrangements by Art Ryerson. All songs written by D.R. Hooker.
D.R. Hooker provides lead vocals as well as rhythm and lead guitar (except “Weather Girl” featuring lead guitar by Vincent de Paul Linus Pasternak), backed by Nick Oliva on piano and organ, Art Ryerson on electric piano, Rick Sanders on synthesizer, Tom Kobela on dobro, George Sheck on bass, Haywood Sheck on drums, and Ken Lovelett on percussion and vibes. Background vocals provided by D.R. Hooker, Dave Masson, Buddy Santori, and Art Ryerson.
Connecticut-based D.R. Hooker – a tall, slim hippy with a history of substance abuse – was much given to wearing the sort of austere robe he sports on the sleeve, a fairly outré move even then. In early 1972 he hired a gang of local scene musicians to flesh out his wonderful songs and after a few brief rehearsals the band began recording. As soon as they were done they split – some never even heard the finished album, and what a treat they missed. Hooker’s arrangements are truly beautiful; a simple, swinging pop song like «Weather Girl» exists somewhere between the Doors and Curtis Mayfield, whereas «The Bible» (“If they’re knocking the Bible, be sure they are bent/ Just see and you’ll understand the book is heaven sent”) has the propulsive drive of a pained George Harrison ballad crushed up against some of Neil Young’s freeform, string-banging joy. Then there’s «The Sea», with its rolling religious allegories and the remarkable «Free» which marries a growling hard rock throb to a vampirically groovy synth line. Hooker’s masterpiece is «Forge Your Own Chains», which is part conga-led, lounge-funk soul and part, questing psychedelic dream. [The Guardian, April 2013]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-truth/1709127508)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “The Sea”
A2. “Fall In Love”
A3. “A Stranger’s Smile”
A4. “Weather Girl”
A5. “This Thing”
Side Two
B1. “Forge Your Own Chains”
B2. “I’m Leaving You”
B3. “The Truth”
B4. “The Bible”
B5. “Falling Asleep”
Note: Reissued on 12-inch vinyl in 1993 by the Del Val label. Limited Edition reissue on 12-inch vinyl in both 1999 and 2008 by the Swedish label Subliminal Sounds. In 2008 Subliminal Sounds also released the album on CD, featuring 6 bonus tracks from D.R. Hookers 1979 vinyl-release Armageddon recorded in 1974 (a collection of demo tapes and rough mixes).
CREDITS. The album was recorded at Dynamic Recording Studios, New Haven, Connecticut in 1972. Engineered by Paul Saffioti and Samot Arikos. Rick Sanders was technician (Special Assistance). Horns arranged by Art Ryerson. Cover Photo by Jon Fischbach. Published by Here Music, ASCAP. Produced 1972 D.R. Hooker.
Musicians: D.R. Hooker (Vocals, Lead and Rhythm Guitar), Tom Kobela (Dobro), Nick Oliva (Organ, Piano), Art Ryerson (Electric Piano), Rick Sanders (Synthesizer), Vincent de Paul Linus Pasternak (Lead Guitar on “Weather Girl”), George Sheck (Bass), Haywood Sheck (Drums), Ken Lovelett (Percussion, Vibraphone). Backing Vocals: Art Ryerson, Buddy Santori, D.R. Hooker, Dave Masson.
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