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Anyone familiar with previous output from UK's Gold Records - as distinct from Gold Records USA ! - will well know this
team's policy of interweaving poetry and song into a gorgeous unified whole. Essentially, this pattern is further pursued on The Fisherman Remembers
with just one or two modifications. For it's not a particular theme that is followed here - such as the afterlife, trials & pains, or the walk of faith - but the
life of one particular person......that of Simon Peter the Apostle. This man's fascinating life story is recounted, from his initial meeting with Jesus right up to his (and others') post-resurrection outpouring of the Holy Spirit
as recorded in the book of Acts.
A stupendous journey, for sure, which takes into its path many of the scenarios which this very
'human' fisherman either witnessed or personally experienced, such as his first, faltering steps of faith, the feeding of the 5,000, the Last Supper & Christ's betrayal, the Lord's agonising death & its devastating
impact on those closest to him, the joy of discovering that Jesus had risen, and the blessed experience in the Upper Room after His ascension.
Rather than being read from a Bible translation, the narrative is told in
modern, conversational style, adorned with flourishes of humour, but without any sense of irreverence. Certainly Eric Delve makes the Gospel story seem wonderfully real, vivid and even exciting, and I find his northern-English
accent easier on the ears than the more orthodox tones of Adrian Plass. These spoken parts do, however, take up well over half the album's overall playing time (a total of 2 hours & 23 minutes!) and despite many moments of
spine-tingling suspense and emotion, it's probably unlikely you'll want to listen to them over and again. For this reason, you can on future occasions choose to skip the narrative and listen to the musical pieces alone.
For these soft, ear-catching shuffles, it should be said, you will
want to repeat! Irresistibly gentle and inspirational, uncannily touching on both heart and soul, Mal Pope's tender vocal tones (lyrics c/o Phil Baggaley, Ian Blythe and Dave Clifton) contain deep soothing and healing qualities, which make you want to just sit back and bathe in the glorious peaceful presence of Jesus. Such is the intent of this recording, and such was certainly its effect on all at Gold USA. This is a unique concept, thoughtfully created and sensitively portrayed.
Review by tom lennie - March 2003 |
