Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

In the late '70s, Cliff Richard persuaded EMI Records to let him set up his own label to develop Christian music talent. He signed up Nutshell and Garth Hewitt and although Nutshell never got as far as their own album for Patch Music, Garth released this pop record in 1979 and made a Greenbelt mainstage appearance resplendent in the white suit modelled on the cover (ironic really as decades later Garth was keen to identify with the Man In Black, Johnny Cash). Produced by Cliff Richard, 'Did He Jump. Or Was He Pushed' sounds very like the records Cliff was cutting at the time with an edgier pop/rock sound than Hewitt has pursued since those days. With a tight selection of session players including some excellent guitar work from Bryn Haworth this is very much of its time. Favorites for this reviewer include "On And On" with its bluesy feel and the pure pop of "Let's Go Out Tonight" with its reggae vibe and close harmonies. The '50s rock'n'roll feel of "Big Black Mamba" is a fun track and the gospel of "We Sure Do" is again reminiscent of late '70s Cliff. The most poptastic song is the title track which has a "Devil Woman" type of vibe. The only song which really survived for more than a couple of years into Garth's live performances was "World Of Difference" which pointed towards Hewitt's future songwriting and passionate concern for the poor and disadvantaged. Cliff even sang this song at Live Aid. While his moments as a would be pop star were not a comfortable fit for Hewitt, this album still has considerable charm.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.