The message inside the CD cover reads...
The course of Alan McGill's life changed considerably over 50 years ago in Miami Beach, FL, where he was under the pastoral teaching/preaching ministry of Dr. Willis E. Garrett. Although active in church since childhood and regarded as being religious, he wasn't born again (as the 3rd chapter of John stipulates) until he realized that salvation depends upon one's faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, rather than upon his own good works or righteousness.

Shortly after his conversion, he became engaged in a full-time musical ministry of interweaving Scripture and personal testimony between songs in his gospel presentation; making sure that God's simple plan of salvation was easily understood by all present. This has been a continuing ministry (rather than just entertainment) without letup over these many years through which untold decisions have been made, resulting in transformed lives.

Neither Alan McGill's voice nor message has changed.

He has never made any financial stipulation or demands of any kind regarding his personal appearances, and has never let anticipated attendance or remuneration have any bearing on whter he accepts or rejects an invitation.

His personal appearances now exceed 6,000 from coast-to-coast, border-to-border, and into Canada on occasions. In one 11-month period shortly before his marriage to his current wife, Jean (widowed in January 1989, married to Alan in January 1993), he drove coast-to-coast six times, with engagements in both directions. (The marriage to Jean was 8 1/2 years after the death of his first wife, Nancy, to whom he was married for 30 years).)

In addition to myriads of trips part way across the country and back (from the east and west coasts -- having lived on both), his "coast-to-coast trips" by train, plane and car, at present, now number 90, with perhaps 85 percent of them by car (he enjoys driving). Shortly after Nancy died, has was scheduled in all 48 of our adjoining states in one 13 month period, which he planned as "therapy" during the time of adjustment. He had invitations from every state, and coordinated them (plus some new contacts) into engagements for every night during the tours of 2 to 3 weeks each.

Of the 23 albums he has recorded on CAPITOL, WORD, ZONDERVAN, SACRED, SUPREME, AND CHRISTIAN MELODY USA labels, this is the first time "Songs Of The Sawdust Trail" and "Portrait Of Alan McGill" have been available on compact disc.

"For by grace are ye saved y faith; and not that of yourselves: it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast." -- Ephesians 2:8,9

Songs of The Sawdust Trail
(4011)

While Alan McGill was under contract to SACRED RECORDS in Hollywood, CA, Earle Williams (President of the company) suggested they produce an album of songs reminiscent of the old-time Billy Sunday revival meetings held in America from his early preaching in 1898 until 1935 when the Lord called him home. He often preached in rapidly-constructed temporary tabernacles and large circus-type tents. Sawdust covered the ground to deep the dust down, and when those responding to the invitation went toward the platform, it was said that they has "walked the sawdust trail"; thus, the name of this album.

We are told that every service opened with the congregation singing "Brighten The Corner Where you are" (#2). this, along with "I'm Going Higher" (#3) and "Old Fashioned Meeting" (#1), has an especially happy sound that often provokes instant smiles. Perhaps it's that exceptional guitar and mandolin picking of the late Joe Maphis that helps loosen up those taut facial muscles.

Two of the songs #3 and #9, have no vocals, but feature the instrumental artistry of the very talented group of musicians selected by Ralph Carmichael, arranger and conductor.

This album was recorded at RCA Hollywood Studios in 1960, and as was the custom in those early years of stereo recording, the 12-song Long Play Album was released in both stereo and monaural versions. Later, it became available on 8-track tape, it continues to be the best-selling cassettes of the many Alan McGill albums.

You'll like this interpretation of these "SONGS OF THE SAWDUST TRAIL."

Portrait Of Alan McGill
(0396)

SUPREME RECORDS, headed by outstanding keyboard artist and arranger, Paul Mickelson, released "Portrait Of Alan McGill" in 1970. The songs were assembled from an number of previously recorded McGill albums. When they were originally recorded in various recording sessions, the talents of quite a few well-known Christian musicians were utilized, including some of Alan's friends: Rudy Atwood, Las Barnett, Lorin Whitney, Ralph Carmichael, Paul Mickelson and numerous others.

Some of the songs were recorded in the early 1950's, prior to stereo, and have been electronically enhanced. "Beside The Still Waters" (#17) was recorded during that period while Alan was under contract to SACRED RECORDS in Hollywood. It became unusually popular across the country, and a number of radio broadcasters used it for their theme song. Rev. Stan Benson used it in this way on his "Beside The Still Waters" radio broadcast in California for about 40 years.

In 1952, Alan used "We'll Talk It Over" (#18) as the theme song on his own live radio program on KPOL in Los Angeles. It aired daily at 12 noon and it was called "Time Out For Lunch With Alan McGill." He started the record as the beginning of the instrumental interlude, speaking over the music with comments that led up to his recorded voice on the second verse of the song.

The music and lyrics of song (#19), "Walking Life's Pathway," were composed by Alan's late wife, Nancy (1928-1984), who was his piano accompanist as the traveled back and forth across the country, until multiple sclerosis finally prevented it. He recorded this song on a ZONDERVAN label album in February 1963.

On April 17, 1970, two longtime friends who had worked together in California, Alan McGill and Rudy Atwood, walked into the Baldwin Sound Production Studio in Mechanicsburg, PA, and recorded eight songs on two tracks (piano and voice). One hour later, they were ready to walk out. Alan's late wife, Nancy, and her mother had been sitting in the control room where two technicians had recorded the songs. Afterward, they told of the technicians' comments during the recording session and their amazement in how so much was accomplished in such a short period of time with no need for more "takes," etc. The master tape was sent to SUPREME RECORDS in California where Paul Mickelson added organ and background singers on two more tracks to prepare for release shortly thereafter. For of those songs, #13, #15, #23, #24 are on this album. The other four are on another album which is scheduled to be on a future CD.

Space isn't available to relate stories about all of the songs and how they relate to the soloist, etc., but as you look over the titles and consider the messages of each, we can understand how SUPREME RECORDS' writers decided this album was, indeed, a "Portrait Of Alan McGill," as they ended the back-liner resume with, "The music that reverberates from this album is truly a portrait of a life and talent dedicated to Jesus Christ."

You'll enjoy these beautiful melodies, meaningful lyrics, and the "easy-to-listen-to" baritone voice!