lp discography - covers & lyrics

There are very few perfect combinations in this world. Things just don't always turn out right. Marriages flounder on the rocks; two horses may not pull together; and sometimes ballplayers - for all their whoop-it-up-can't generate the ol' team spirit. Be it marriages, horses, ballplayers or what-have-you, joint efforts result in sussess or ailure. It's as simple is that. Looking back, of course, one can judge whether a given combination was good or bad. If you can predict success you are either a prophet or lucky enough to be working with a perfect mbination. Music is a matter of right combinations, too - especially a recording session, because it is a marvelous team effort. The teamwork begins with the drive loosed by an artist and his producer and it, hopefully, becomes apparent on a recording that people will like. Judging from the indisputable success of Hank Locklin recordings, one can conclude that the Hank Locklin - Chet Atkins combination is perfect. Now this is nice! It allows you to predict that any of their combined efforts should meet with success. So when Hank and Chet began exchanging notes and phone calls on the subject of a new album, it was the beginning of an exciting season. When it became evident that both were eager to make a gospel album, the interest grew. "But I don't want it to be just an ordinary gospel album, Chet," Hank said. "I want it to be full of life and power!" "With a beat," Chet summarized. "And maybe a sax? Hank asked. "Uh huh," Chet nodded. So, sax it was ! And beat it has! However, before this album was recorded, there was the matter of choosing twelve songs best reflecting Hank's strong religious feeling. Sometimes good songs are hard to come by, but in this case it was a problem to choose from so many. Hank had perhaps fifty favorites and Chet suggested a few he liked. Needles to say, several consultations were held before the songs were chosen, and seldom have twelve been selected with such care! I like one especially. It is Hank's own song, Upper Room. It is the story of the Last Supper which preceded days of darkness and glory. Hank had already released the song as a single, and, when he came to Nashville to record this album, I took him to see the well-known chapel of Upper Room here. Like visitors from all over Christendom, he was captivated by its splendor. "Let's make the album cover picture here," he said quietly. And it was done. For those who already know and love the music of the Gospel, let me assure you that this album is full of newness for you. For those who are yet to know both the inspiration and happiness of gospel music, there is no better introduction than this outstanding Hank Locklin album, The Gloryland Way.
- Bob Ferguson, A&R Producer, RCA Victor, Nashville, Tennessee -

HANK LOCKLIN

THE GLORYLAND WAY