Intro

Welcome to Hear comes the Son!

The Trees Community

The 1960s and 1970s were decades of huge cultural changes.  Music was at the vanguard of an era that celebrated youth, civil rights, individuality and personal freedoms.  Whether underground, mainstream or counterculture these sounds remain iconic, hugely influential and popular more than half a century on.  However, under the radar were others -  pioneers and innovators who produced obscure, often self-released records, that offered further perspectives on that time.  Their music was rarely reviewed and generally ignored.  Whilst some of the albums I write about in this blog have become collectable and are highly regarded, many still sit in the bargain crate of second-hand record stores, waiting to be discovered.

Soma Christo

All the artists discussed were influenced by their Christian faith. Their work provided responses to the monumental shifts of the period that both reflected the music and vibe of the era and their own very individual journeys.  These records have all become personal favourites of mine, and I hope some may become favourites of yours too. 

Chuck and Sandy

The music that will be covered, includes gospel-tinged sunshine pop, chamber folk, Californian psychedelia, art-rock, folk-rock, early world music, southern gothic rockabilly and solo singer songwriters.  Some artists were reflective and meditative whilst others were direct and socially concerned. Some were confident and joyous whilst others appeared more questioning, melancholic and, on occasion, wracked with self-doubt - there was darkness as well as sunshine.  Some recordings were communal and collective in approach whilst others were the vision of  strong individual personalities.  All the albums took their own special path that it is a pleasure and privilege to shine a light on. 

Becky Severson

Due to the obscurity of some of these records, it is often difficult to piece together biographical detail regarding those who created them other than through reading the back of their album sleeves.  As such, I apologise in advance for any inaccuracies.  I would be absolutely delighted to receive comments or further information, and will, of course, update the blog accordingly.  A huge thank you to those people involved in the recordings that I have managed to trace and have been so generous in answering my questions and giving me information.  

Cheers Iain 

His People

Notes

The Christian music revolution of the 60s and 70s resulted in thousands of different albums to have been released, throughout the world. With tiny pressings and no publicity they were often only sold to family, friends or congregations.  Without Ken Scott, who has collected, compiled and written about them in  his book the Archivist it is likely that these records would have been forgotten.  For those collectors who have shared their enthusiasm through uploading songs onto YouTube, thanks is also given. 

Reflection