First (David Gates album) explained

First
Type:	Album
Artist:	David Gates
Cover:	davidgatesfirst.jpg
Released:	1973
Studio:	Elektra, Los Angeles, California
Genre:	Soft rock
Label:	Elektra^[1]
Producer:	David Gates^[2]
Next Title:	Never Let Her Go
Next Year:	1975

First is the debut solo album by David Gates, released in 1973.^[2]

Musicians who appear on the album include Larry Knechtel, Mike Botts, Jimmy Getzoff, Jim Gordon, Jim Horn, John Guerin, Larry Carlton, Louie Shelton, and Russ Kunkel.

Critical reception

The New Rolling Stone Record Guide wrote: "Above all, Gates displays a concern for lyrics and melody (indeed, for song structure) that is nothing if not admirable and praiseworthy. But he can also be totally insipid: side two of First is an emotional wasteland." In The Pittsburgh Press, critic Pete Bishop said that the album's "easy-on-the-ear songs...will please any who liked that sound [of [[Bread (band)]]] the first time around."^[3]

Track listing

All tracks composed and arranged by David Gates.

1. "Sail Around the World"
2. "Sunday Rider"
3. "Soap (I Use The)"
4. ""
5. "Help Is on the Way"
6. "Ann"
7. "Do You Believe He's Comin'"
8. "Sight and Sound"
9. "Lorilee"

Personnel

• David Gates - guitar, vocals, composer, producer, arranger
• James Getzoff - strings
• Jim Gordon - drums
• Jim Horn - saxophone
• John Guerin - drums
• Larry Carlton - guitar
• Larry Knechtel - keyboards, associate producer
• Louie Shelton - guitar
• Mike Botts - drums
• Russ Kunkel - drums

Technical

• Armin Steiner, Bruce Morgan - engineer
• Robert L. Heimall - cover design
• Frank Bez - front cover photography

Notes and References

1. Book: Houghton, Mick. Becoming Elektra: The True Story of Jac Holzman's Visionary Record Label. September 10, 2010. Jawbone Press. 9781906002299. Google Books.
2. Web site: David Gates | San Diego Reader. www.sandiegoreader.com.
3. News: Bishop . Pete . Basic Sound Still There . 28 May 2024 . The Pittsburgh Press . 6 January 1974.