The Pilgrims - Telling Youth...The Truth

Tuesday 1st March 2005
The Pilgrims - Telling Youth...The Truth

STYLE: Jesus Music
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 10259-16738
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Perceived wisdom has it that Larry Norman invented Christian rock music with his 1969 album 'Upon This Rock' but the problem with a Nashvillecentric view of the universe is that they forget there is a world outside of America. In 1962 when a 15 year old Norman was playing guitar in his room, The Pilgrims were playing their British beat music following in the footsteps of the emerging Mersey sound pioneered by The Beatles. Alongside bands like The Crossbeats and The Glorylanders, they were 'Telling Youth The Truth' even though many church ministers were convinced that their rock'n'roll was sinful. This is a fascinating collection where recording quality varies from track to track but you can trace the move from early '60s beat music to late '60s R&B. The strong influences of The Beatles and Shadows can be heard in their early stuff. Lyrically it might seem a little simplistic in the 21st century and yet in their day, the work of The Pilgrims to preach the Gospel using rock music was a revolutionary act. This is amazing stuff and if you're a fan of '60s music, definitely worth checking out.

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.

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Reader Comments

Posted by Derrick Phillips in Bristol @ 22:41 on Mar 10 2006

The Pilgrims technically disbanded in 1967 but that wasn't the end of their mission or their friendship. In September 2005 Don, Ian, Tony and Derrick actually played a short gig in Northampton. But each of them is as active as ever in the church and in music.



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