GERRY RAFFERTY – "City to City" 12" Vinyl LP Album

– The Journey That Defined a Decade

Album Front Cover Photo of GERRY RAFFERTY – City To City Visit: https://vinyl-records.nl/

"City to City" was Gerry Rafferty’s triumphant escape route — a bittersweet journey from the wreckage of Stealers Wheel into the clean air of late-70s success. It’s an album that smells of train diesel, studio coffee, and quiet perfectionism. Every track rolls like a slow sleeper through misty streets, guided by Rafferty’s honeyed voice and that now-mythic saxophone on “Baker Street.” It’s melodic craftsmanship at its most human — pop with a soul, recorded in analog’s golden hour before the eighties would turn everything plastic.

Table of Contents

Gerry Rafferty – "City to City" 12" Vinyl LP Album: The Journey That Defined a Decade

Released in 1978, "City to City" marked the moment when Scottish singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty stepped out from the shadows and into the bright lights of international success. It was his second studio album, but in many ways, it felt like a debut — fully formed, confident, and unmistakably his own.

Recorded in several London studios under the watchful ear of producer Hugh Murphy, the album captures that rare mix of polish and sincerity that defined Rafferty’s best work. He handled vocals, guitar, and keyboards himself, joined by a stellar supporting cast that included saxophonist Raphael Ravenscroft, whose work would soon echo across every FM radio in Europe and the U.S.

Conceptually, "City to City" feels like a road map through the late-1970s urban experience — wistful, restless, and melodic. Its sound blends folk storytelling, rock craftsmanship, and the warm sophistication of jazz-tinged arrangements. Every track feels lived-in, with Rafferty’s smooth baritone guiding the listener through both the beauty and the loneliness of modern life.

"Baker Street" became the album’s defining moment — and its eternal burden. That haunting sax riff by Ravenscroft and Rafferty’s bittersweet lyrics about disillusionment struck a universal chord. The single sold over six million copies, lodged itself at the top of the charts, and became one of the most recognizable songs of the decade.

Decades later, "City to City" still sounds astonishingly fresh on vinyl — a perfect storm of analog warmth, meticulous songwriting, and emotional honesty. It’s not just Rafferty’s breakthrough; it’s one of those late-70s records that perfectly captured the mood of its era: hopeful, melancholic, and quietly defiant.

About Gerry Rafferty

Gerry Rafferty (Full-name: Gerald Rafferty) was a Scottish singer-songwriter and guitarist born on 16 April 1947, in Paisley, Scotland. He is best known for his hits "Baker Street" and "Stuck in the Middle with You".

Rafferty started his musical career in the 1960s as a member of the folk-rock band "The Humblebums", which also featured comedian Billy Connolly. After the band split up, he pursued a solo career and released his first solo album, "Can I Have My Money Back?" in 1971.

In 1978, he released his solo album "City to City", which included the hit single "Baker Street". The song became an international hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and selling over six million copies. "Baker Street" is widely regarded as one of the greatest pop songs of all time and is known for its distinctive saxophone solo.

Rafferty continued to release albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including "North and South" (1983) and "On a Wing and a Prayer" (1987). He also wrote and recorded "Stuck in the Middle with You", which was featured in the soundtrack of the film "Reservoir Dogs" (1992) and became one of his most recognizable songs.

Despite his success as a musician, Rafferty struggled with personal and health issues for much of his life. He suffered from alcoholism and was known for his reclusive nature. He passed away on 4 January 2011, at the age of 63.

Gerry Rafferty's music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans around the world. He was a talented songwriter and musician who left a lasting legacy in the world of popular music.

Production & Recording Information:

Producers:
  • Gerry Rafferty – Producer
    Scottish singer-songwriter and musician, best known for his solo hit “Baker Street” and his work with Stealers Wheel. His production style emphasized melodic richness and layered vocal harmonies.
  • Hugh Murphy – Producer
    British record producer and engineer who collaborated closely with Rafferty throughout his career. Murphy was instrumental in crafting the polished sound of “City to City” and other major Rafferty releases.
Sound & Recording Engineers:
  • Barry Hammond – Sound Engineer
    Experienced British engineer active during the 1970s London recording scene, noted for his detailed and natural-sounding mixes on several pop and rock albums of the era.
  • Dec O'Doherty – Recording Engineer
    London-based engineer known for his versatile work across pop, rock, and folk sessions. His credits include projects for emerging singer-songwriters of the late 1970s.
Recording Location:

Chipping Norton Recording Studios, Marquee Studios, Berwick Street Studios

These renowned British studios were popular recording hubs during the 1970s, known for their analog warmth and distinct acoustics that defined many hit records of the decade.
Mixing Studio & Location:

Advision Studios

Advision Recording Studio, located in central London, was originally known as Guy De Bere Studios. Initially designed for jingles and voice-overs, it evolved into one of London’s premier rock recording facilities during the 1970s, hosting sessions by Yes, Genesis, and The Police. It later became The Sound Company in 1993.
Album Cover Design & Artwork:
  • John Patrick Byrne – Artwork & Design
    Acclaimed Scottish playwright, painter, and designer known for his collaborations with Gerry Rafferty and the band Stealers Wheel. Byrne’s distinctive, hand-drawn surreal style became a visual hallmark of Rafferty’s records.
Music Genre:

Pop / Soft Rock

"City to City" blends pop and soft rock with touches of folk and jazz, creating an accessible yet sophisticated sound that became emblematic of late-1970s melodic pop craftsmanship.

Label & Catalognr:

United Artists Records – 5C 062.60395

United Artists Records was an influential American label active during the 1960s and 1970s, releasing a wide range of rock, jazz, and soundtrack albums, including Rafferty’s breakthrough work.
Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) Weight: 230 gram

Pressed on standard-weight vinyl typical of late-1970s European releases, providing rich analog warmth when played on high-fidelity turntables.
Year & Country:

1978 – Netherlands

This Dutch pressing was issued the same year as the UK and US editions, reflecting United Artists’ strong European distribution network at the height of Rafferty’s global success.

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up (Part 1):
  • Gerry Rafferty – Lead Vocal, Guitar, Piano
    Scottish singer-songwriter and guitarist, formerly of Stealers Wheel. Best known for international hits like “Baker Street” and “Right Down the Line,” Rafferty’s blend of pop craftsmanship and lyrical melancholy made him a defining voice of late 1970s soft rock.
  • Gary Taylor – Bass
    British bass guitarist known for his solid rhythmic work on numerous 1970s sessions, including collaborations with Gerry Rafferty and various UK pop-rock artists. His warm tone added depth to the album’s polished arrangements.
  • Jerry Donahue – Guitar
    American guitarist celebrated for his work with Fairport Convention and Fotheringay. Renowned for his unique string-bending technique and hybrid picking style that blends country twang with British folk sensibility.
  • Glen Le Fleur – Drums
    Session drummer active during the 1970s and 1980s, performing with artists across pop, rock, and R&B genres. Known for his tight timing and light, groove-oriented playing style.
  • Henry Spinetti – Drums
    Welsh drummer whose career includes playing with Eric Clapton, George Harrison, and Tina Turner. His precise yet soulful drumming became a cornerstone of many classic British rock and pop recordings.
  • Graham Preskett – Fiddle
    Multi-instrumentalist and composer noted for his work on violin and keyboards. Preskett later arranged and composed for major film and TV productions, blending classical finesse with folk and rock influences.
Band Line-up (Part 2):
  • Paul Jones – Harmonica
    Former frontman of Manfred Mann, Paul Jones is a celebrated British blues musician and radio presenter. His harmonica work added soulful energy to numerous rock and blues recordings from the 1960s onward.
  • Hugh Burns – Guitar
    Scottish guitarist best known for the iconic sax–guitar interplay on Rafferty’s “Baker Street.” A sought-after session musician, Burns has played on albums by Paul McCartney, George Michael, and many others.
  • Tommy Eyre – Synthesizer, Piano
    English keyboardist who performed with Joe Cocker, Gary Moore, and Whitesnake. Eyre’s melodic phrasing and mastery of both piano and synthesizer gave “City to City” its lush harmonic textures.
  • Andy Fairweather-Low – Guitar

    Andy Fairweather-Low is a Welsh singer-songwriter and guitarist best known for his work as a session musician and collaborator with many famous artists. He was born on 2 August 1948, in Ystrad Mynach, Wales.

    Fairweather-Low first gained recognition as a member of the British band "Amen Corner", which had several hits in the late 1960s, including "Gin House Blues" and "Bend Me, Shape Me". He then went on to have a successful career as a session musician, working with a wide range of artists such as Eric Clapton, George Harrison, and Roger Waters.

    In addition to his session work, Fairweather-Low has also released several solo albums over the years, including "La Booga Rooga" (1975), "Spider Jiving" (1976), and "Wide Eyed and Legless" (1994). He is known for his versatility as a musician and his ability to play a variety of styles, including rock, blues, and folk.

    Throughout his career, Andy Fairweather-Low has been praised for his musical talent and recognized as one of the most accomplished session musicians of his generation. He continues to perform and tour, both as a solo artist and as a member of various musical projects.

  • Nigel Jenkins – Guitar
    British guitarist active in studio and live performances through the 1970s and 1980s. Jenkins contributed versatile rhythm and lead parts, enhancing the layered guitar textures characteristic of Rafferty’s sound.
  • Raphael Ravenscroft – Saxophone
    British saxophonist whose unforgettable solo on “Baker Street” became one of the most famous in pop history. Ravenscroft also worked as a composer and arranger, contributing to film soundtracks and numerous rock sessions.
  • Brian Cole – Steel Guitar
    Skilled pedal steel guitarist whose smooth tones lent a subtle country flavour to Rafferty’s arrangements, bridging folk and pop influences in the late 1970s soundscape.
  • Hugh Murphy – Tambourine
    Producer and percussionist, Murphy’s tambourine work added rhythmic sparkle to several tracks. His long-term collaboration with Rafferty shaped the artist’s most successful recordings.

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. The Ark (5:40)
  2. Baker Street (6:11)
  3. Right Down The Line (4:32)
  4. City To City (5:06)
  5. Stealin' Time (6:00)
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Mattie's Rag (3:30)
  2. Whatever's Written In Your Heart (6:40)
  3. Home And Dry (4:59)
  4. Island (5:22)
  5. Waiting For The Day (5:40)

Video Clips From: City to City

Video: Gerry Rafferty - Baker Street (Official Video)
Video: Gerry Rafferty - Home and Dry (Official Audio)
Album Front Cover Photo
The front cover of Gerry Rafferty’s 1978 album 'City to City' features a detailed illustration by John Patrick Byrne. Rafferty is shown in a dreamlike pose, holding a blue electric guitar decorated with a silver star on its body. He wears red-tinted sunglasses, a fur-collared jacket, and a bright red scarf blowing in the wind. The background mixes stormy skies and glowing clouds, suggesting motion and emotion, while the album title and artist’s name are hand-drawn in warm orange script that seems to pulse with light, reflecting both the energy and introspection of Rafferty’s music.

The front cover artwork of “City to City” depicts Gerry Rafferty mid-motion, his face half-lit by the warm glow of an imagined sunset. Illustrator John Patrick Byrne portrays him gripping a blue guitar, its neck tilted toward the viewer as if the strings could sing.

Rafferty’s red scarf and tinted glasses radiate 1970s confidence, while behind him clouds twist through surreal shades of orange and blue — a painterly storm symbolizing travel, creativity, and restless freedom. The swirling lines of the handwritten title echo the rhythm of motion and melody.

Every brushstroke suggests escape — from fame, from pressure, from city to city — capturing the introspective, wandering spirit at the heart of this classic album.

Album Back Cover Photo
The back cover of Gerry Rafferty’s 1978 album 'City to City' extends John Patrick Byrne’s surreal artwork into a sky awash with orange, gold, and blue. Rafferty is painted gliding across the clouds, holding his guitar like a compass guiding him through a dreamlike cityscape. The buildings below, rendered in warm pink tones, rise like canyon walls, framing his airborne figure. The album’s title floats above in large handwritten script, while the track listings for Side One and Side Two, along with full recording credits, are neatly printed beneath. The United Artists and EMI logos appear in the lower right corner, anchoring this poetic visual of flight, music, and escape.

The back cover of “City to City” continues the visual journey begun on the front. Artist John Patrick Byrne depicts Gerry Rafferty soaring through a surreal sky, guitar in hand, trailing cables like lifelines across orange-tinted clouds.

Below him stretch glowing geometric buildings — abstract towers that resemble the cities of imagination rather than reality. Between them lies a horizon of mist and motion, a metaphor for constant travel and artistic wandering.

Above, the album title is rendered in the same freehand orange script, its curves echoing movement. Beneath, the track listings, production credits, and thanks blend seamlessly into the sky, completing a cover that blurs art, music, and motion into a single dreamlike tableau.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Close-up of the Side One label from Gerry Rafferty’s 1978 album 'City to City', released by United Artists Records. The beige label features the large stylized UA logo printed in bronze-gold at the top, balanced against clean black serif text listing the five tracks on Side One: 'The Ark', 'Baker Street', 'Right Down the Line', 'City to City', and 'Stealin’ Time'. The catalog number 5C 062-60395 and 'STEREO Side 1' appear to the right of the spindle hole, while production credits for Gerry Rafferty and Hugh Murphy are clearly printed below. Around the rim runs fine print detailing copyright and reproduction rights, typical of late-1970s Dutch pressings.

A detailed view of the Side One label of “City to City” as issued by United Artists Records in 1978. The clean beige surface and large metallic UA logo define the label’s minimalist elegance.

Text is arranged with precision: catalog number 5C 062-60395 and “STEREO – Side 1” align neatly to the right, while track titles are listed in centered order beneath the album name. Production credits for Gerry Rafferty and Hugh Murphy follow below in crisp type.

Around the outer edge, the fine print circles in black, marking rights and manufacturing details — a hallmark of United Artists’ European pressings during the late 1970s analog era.