Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

The Canadian duo Merv and Merla Watson were ministering steadily in the '60s and '70s and this 1969 vinyl album for Word Records showcased a whole set of different influences to create a folk sound that incorporated a number of ethnic influences, instrumentation and sounds. With Merla's trained voice sounding almost operatic to modern ears and their ability to bring in Hebraic lamentations with acoustic guitars and some dazzling viola work from Merla, the effect is unique. The tracks here range from the slightly surreal acapella "The Time Of The Singing Of The Birds" to the beat folk of "It's Gotta Be Great" and the atmospheric, haunting "In The Night". An intriguing piece of Christian music history.

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