Description

Don’t Hide Away is the solo debut album by the British singer and songwriter Lou Hayles of Meet Jesus Music fame, released on Myrrh Records in 1977, a division of Word. The album was recorded and mixed by Dave Harris at Morgan Studios in London, England; with Jon Miller, Rod Edwards and Roger Hand producing for Triumvirate Production. Strings arranged by Lennart Sjöholm of New Creation fame. All songs written by Lou Hayles except track A5 co-written with Sally Watkins.

Lou Hayles – featured on piano and vocals – is backed by a session band consisting of Kevin Peek on guitars, Dave Markee on bass, and Barry Morgan on drums, with Lizzie Mills sitting in on oboe.

Well forget everything I said about not liking orchestrated productions because this one’s a beauty. I’m sure a lot of it has to do with this British lady being a graduate of one of my all-time favorite groups, Meet Jesus Music. Her solo recording is reminiscent of some of the ballads on MJM’s second LP Gold («Don’t Let Them Fool You» appears here also) but with heavy string arrangements. One of those very captivating voices which when combined with the classical overtones here elevates the album above most CCM projects. Keep in mind it’s very mellow and not for everyone, but there’s lots of feeling and emotion behind her song-writing and keyboards that deserves to be heard. She recorded a later album (Healing Stream) in 1985 under her married name Lou Lewis. [Ken Scott, The Archivist]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Don’t Let Them Fool You” – 4:12
A2. “Father Of The Fatherless” – 3:10
A3. “Sweet Lamb” – 4:10
A4. “Tapestry” – 3:15
A5. “Wedding Song” – 1:55

Side Two
B1. “Come To Me” – 3:45
B2. “The Kingdom Song” – 2:27
B3. “Travelling Along” – 3:15
B4. “High Priest” – 2:51
B5. “Don’t Hide Away” – 3:00

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Myrrh Records.