The first member of PENDRAGON to embark on a proper solo career while retaining his constant presence in the British ensemble, Peter Gee albums, even as remarkable as 1997’s "A Vision Of Angels" was, are often not paid enough attention by progressive rock community because of their religious slant, and undeservedly ignored by adepts of Christian rock. Undeterred, the veteran continues to deliver consistently interesting music, and May 16th will see the release of his tenth full-length offering, a follow-up to “Pilgrim” from 2022, titled “The Girl In The Cornfield” and comprising a few pieces one would hardly expect from Peter.
“This album is a collection of twelve songs and three instrumentals written over a three-to-fifteen-year period,” explains Gee. “I recorded everything at home, apart from the drums which were laid down at Aubitt Studios by Rob Aubrey. Steve Thorne and Sally Minnear recorded their vocals at home and then sent me the files. Then, Rob and I mixed it all at Aubitt in December 2024. The album is dedicated to all of the musicians who have inspired me over the last forty years or so. In particular, “Embrace” was inspired by my favorite guitarist, Andy Latimer of CAMEL, and “Sunset Blue” is my tribute to STEELY DAN.”
“The opening number is a grunge rock piece about the end of the current world and the battle between good and evil, “Regret” talks about looking back over your life and regretting at the mistakes that we have all made, and “Second Birth” about the journey that we are all on for spiritual meaning in our lives. The titular instrumental is rooted in the book of Ruth in The Bible, and “Water of Life” a gospel song based on Ezekiel’s vision of the River of God. “Christmas Night” speaks about the Savior of the world coming to save us, “As The Waters Cover The Sea” about how God’s Kingdom will grow throughout the world in the future, and “Coming Home” about God calling people into a relationship with Himself. “Carnival” is a party song inspired by my visit to Rio in Brazil, “Racing Cars” is all about Formula 1, and “Rise Again” a song about the Covid pandemic, while “Kill Me With Love” is about being overwhelmed by the beauty of a member of the opposite sex, and “When Beauty Has Gone” talks about models and influencers.”
“The newest songs on the album are “Water Of Life,” “Christmas Night” and “Rise Again,” but most of the others are around ten years old or more. The cover was done by Simon Williams, and the picture is a modern take on the story of Ruth. I tried to get as much emotion into the songs as I could and in the guitar playing in the instrumentals.”
The Girl In The Cornfield
1. End Of Days
2. Water Of Life
3. Regret
4. Second Birth
5. Kill Me With Love
6. Carnival
7. Rise Again
8. Embrace
9. When Beauty Has Gone
10. Christmas Night
11. Racing Cars
12. The Girl In The Cornfield
13. Sunset Blue
14. As The Waters Cover The Sea
15. Coming Home
