"Gillespie's music haunts and hurts in the same manner as the late Nick Drake" TOM Mag 1984. "Extra Special - 4 Stars" Colin Hogg New Zealand Herald 1984

Gillespie's debut album released independently on 1st June, 1984. Finalist in NZ Music Award 1984 -Most Promising Vocalist & Best Folk Album Categories. Winner of Special APRA Award 1984 for "AWAY WITH YOU" Featuring: Wayne Gillespie (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Songwriter), Brendan Power (Harmonica), Denny Stanway (Vocals), Bob Shepheard (Fretless Bass) with Julian Mckean and Warren Sly (Electric Guitar) , Judy Douglas (violin). Influences: Leonard Cohen -"Songs from a Room", Melanie - "Star Portrait", Van Morrison - "Astral Weeks", Joni Mitchell "Hejira", Bert Jansch - "Rosemary Lane" , John Martyn - "Solid Air, Steve Ashley - "Stroll On".