DAVID'S ROCK SCRAPBOOK

Elton John & "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"

2012-02-06T18:58:00.000-08:00

Elton John achieved stardom with his second album which was released in 1970. The single, “Your Song”, became a number one hit and launched a successful career that has continued since. With the release of his 7th studio album in 1973, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, he reached a level of super stardom unmatched in the early 70s. The Elton John Band toured the US on the strength of 3 singles released weeks before the double album. The title song, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", “Bennie & The Jets” and “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting” were all big hits on the radio. Elton John and company filled the largest halls across the US playing past hits and introducing new ones.

My friends and I saw him perform in California
at the Oakland Coliseum September 9th, 1973.

To see photos of that concert and

read our memoirs, go to -
Brit Rock By The Bay

Below is a page from my scrapbook.

There is the ticket stub from the show

and pieces of the cape that Elton John

wore shown in the B/W photo.

Below is the official program from the

show. The cover is signed by a member

of the opening act, Sutherland

Brothers and Quiver.

History of Elton John, from

"The Harmony Illustrated History of Rock"

by Mike Clifford. © Salamander Books 1986.

A 6 page interview with Elton John

and Bernie Taupin.

August 16, 1973

A rather nasty review of GYBR.

The reviewer calls it "Over

produced" and "A fruity pie

that doesn't bake".

November 22, 1973,

(10 year anniversary of the

Kennedy Assassination).

An interview with Elton. He talks about his

Christmas single, GYBR, Rocket Records,
writing music for other people, (including

Ray Charles). He says that "Don't Shoot,
I'm OnlyThe Piano Player" was a weak album.

He discusses future plans.
November 24, 1973

Rod Stewart joins Elton on stage

for a benefit concert.

May 11, 1974.

Elton talks about his past,

present and future.

September 1974.

Elton makes the cover

of Melody Maker.

September 7, 1974.

Elton is interviewed and discusses touring the

US, his label "Rocket Records",

the movie "Tommy",

writing music for others,

life at home and more.

November 21, 1974

Elton is interviewed and asked about

stealing music from others, working

with Bernie Taupin, copyrights to

his early work and more.

"Hit Parader"

September 1975.

Elton is interviewed. He talks

about freeing himself from the piano by hiring

another piano player and learning to play guitar.
He is planning TV specials

and movies. He also says he

will no longer play the old tunes

like "Crocodile Rock".

"Hit Parader" November 1975.

A promotional tabloid for

his record label,

"Rocket Records".

July 10, 1973.

A package sent

to DJs to promote Davey

Johnston's solo album.

Some of the records in

my collection from

that period

The amazing graphics are

by children's book illustrator,

Ian Beck.

Telling Trails - Ian Beck Website

"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" - (live clip)

Concert Footage 1973 - (live clip)

The second of his three solo albums.

Bernie Taupin - (audio with pictures)

Davey Johnstone first played in

the band, Magna Carta.

Davey Johnstone and Magna Carta - (live clip)

Davey Johnstone released his only solo album,

"Smiling Face", the same year GBYR was

released. He met Elton John after playing guitar

on Bernie Taupin's first solo album.

Smiling Face - (audio clip)

Nigel Olsson has recorded many solo albums. Early

on he played in Plastic Penny, The Spencer Davis

Band and Uriah Heep. He did session work which

included Elton John's first album, "Empty Sky".

He and Dee Murray toured the US with Elton

before joining him to record on the LP

"Tumbleweed Connection".

Dancin' Shoes - (audio clip)

Dee Murray passed away in

January 15, 1992 from cancer.

Obituary

Gerry Rafferty - A Memorial

2012-01-01T17:23:00.000-08:00

GERRY RAFFERTY AND "BAKER STREET"

By Michael Collins Morton

The untimely passing of Gerry Rafferty at the age of sixty-three, during the first week of 2011, provided a sad end to an uneasy life. Although the Scottish singer and songwriter, who was born in Paisley, Scotland, in 1947 and is best known for his hit, "Baker Street," seemed too young to depart from this world, he apparently had suffered too much from the ill effects of his stubborn alcoholism to remain here any longer. As his final years ran their awkward course, with reports of his frequent drunkenness appearing in the press, it became clear that even the undoubted strength of his abilities as a musician could not save him from the harm and pain of his private difficulties.

Gerry Rafferty stepped into the musical limelight in the early 1970s, first as a member of The Humblebums (along with Billy Connolly, a fellow Scotsman whose name also became well-known in later years), and then with Stealers Wheel (whose single, "Stuck in the Middle with You," was a hit in 1973), but it was "Baker Street," an unforgettable song inspired by the city of London and released as a single under his own name in 1978, that changed his fate forever, bringing worldwide fame and a great deal of money. Unfortunately, the arrival of fame and money did not appear to result in true happiness for him. He soon chose to withdraw from the burdensome duties of being a celebrated musician, frequently seeking to hide himself in the unhealthy realm of alcohol.

The next time you happen to encounter the poignant strains of "Baker Street," a durable track that still receives regular airplay on the radio, spare a few moments to remember the melancholy spirit of Gerry Rafferty, the gifted man who wrote it and performed it. In spite of the deep problems that weighed upon him throughout his life and finally dragged him down, his distinct talent and honest expressiveness enabled him to reach into himself and pull forth a heartfelt song that continues to make a lasting impression on all those who hear it.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

A history from

"The Harmony Illustrated History of Rock"

by Mike Clifford. © Salamander Books 1986.

I took this photo of my friend,

Gary Hodges, in L.A. in 1974.

A review of Stealers Wheel

first album, May 24th, 1973.

Joe Egan and Gerry Rafferty

discuss the band and the

release of their second album.

September 1st, 1973

Gerry's first solo album,

"Can I Have My Money Back",

is finally released in the

US and is reviewed

November 22nd, 1973.

Rafferty and Egan are

interviewed. They discuss

SW's second album and

how the late release of

Gerry's first solo album

caused some to believe he

had left the band.

February 14th, 1974.

An ad for the re-release

of early Humblebums songs and

"Can I Have My Money Back"

May 4th, 1974.

Gerry discusses his career

in depth, August 24, 1978.

Gerry discusses his image,

August 23rd, 1979.

An obituary,

January 4th, 2011

These are some of the

albums in my collection.

The beautiful cover art on many of these albums

is by John Byrne. He signed his work, "Patrick".

John Byrne

The Humblebums were Billy Connolly

and Gerry Rafferty. They recorded two albums.

Rick Rack - (audio clip)

After The Humblebums split, Gerry Rafferty

recorded his first solo album.

Can I Have My Money Back - (live clip)

The first Stealers Wheel album.

Stuck In The Middle With You - (live clip)

Their second album.

Their third, and last, album.

"City To City", Gerry's first solo album after

Stealers Wheel, had his biggest hit,

"Baker Street"

Baker Street - (live clip)

Gerry's second solo album.

His third solo album.

Some Related Links

Official Billy Connolly Website

Joe Egan - A History

Bert Jansch - A Memorial

2011-12-21T16:32:00.000-08:00

BERT JANSCH: HUMBLE ALCHEMIST OF THE GUITAR
by Michael Collins Morton

Bert Jansch (1943 - 2011), the Scottish guitarist known for his work with The Pentangle and also for his standout work as a single performer, was generally acknowledged as one of the major figures in folk music during his lifetime. His rich style was derived from varied sources, but the fundamental integrity of his own talent always was uppermost in his music. In both his performances and his recordings, he gave the frequent and unmistakable impression that he played the guitar not merely for money or to dazzle his listeners, but mainly for the pure and private joy that it brought to him.

Although he wore his fame lightly and never displayed any interest in being a superstar, his musical reputation carried a serous weight. From Donovan (who wrote two songs in honor of him, "Bert's Blues" and "House of Jansch") to Jimmy Page (who transformed Bert's rendering of "Blackwaterside" into "Black Mountain Side," a track on the first album by Led Zeppelin) to Johnny Marr (who described him as "an incredible musician, totally uncompromising as a person and as an artist"), well-known guitarists of several generations praised his deft touch on the strings and dutifully looked to him for guidance. Over more than four decades, his forthright music came to represent a studious honesty that stood on its own.

Bert Jansch was born in Glasgow and grew up in Edinburgh. He took up the guitar as a teenager, learning quickly and steeping himself in the venerable traditions of folk music, and established a close friendship with another Scottish musician, Robin Williamson, who later founded The Incredible String Band. In the early 1960s, Bert Jansch began to perform in clubs throughout the United Kingdom. He also became friendly with a singer from Nottinghamshire, Anne Briggs, who acquainted him with folk songs that had a strong effect on his musical direction. His first two albums, Bert Jansch and It Don't Bother Me, were released in 1965. Bert Jansch included one of his most famous compositions, "Needle of Death," a song that he wrote after one of his friends was killed by an overdose of heroin.

In 1966, Bert Jansch recorded Jack Orion, his third album, and Bert and John, an album that featured him playing his guitar alongside John Renbourn, an English guitarist. Shortly after, the two guitarists joined with Jacqui McShee (vocals), Danny Thompson (double bass), and Terry Cox (drums) to form The Pentangle. In May of 1967, The Pentangle made their first appearance in public at the Royal Festival Hall in London. Their first album, The Pentangle, was released in 1968, and featured a heady mixture of diverse elements, with the guitar and voice of Bert Jansch providing repeated highlights. The Pentangle was followed by Sweet Child (1968), Basket of Light (1969), Cruel Sister (1970), Reflection (1971), and Solomon's Seal (1972). During the same period, Bert Jansch released four more albums on his own: Nicola (1967), Birthday Blues (1969), Rosemary Lane (1971), and Moonshine (1973).

When The Pentangle broke up at the beginning of 1973, Bert Jansch moved to a farm in Wales, seeking relief from the stress of constantly being on tour. He continued to record on his own, releasing L.A. Turnaround in 1974 and Santa Barbara Honeymoon in 1975. Both albums offered a venturesome departure from his earlier approach, and featured a hardy sound that leaned toward country rock. In 1982, the five members of The Pentangle joined together again for a performance at the Cambridge Folk Festival in Cherry Hinton, England, and then undertook a tour of Europe. When John Renbourn and other members later quit the band, Bert Jansch and Jacqui McShee persevered with The Pentangle, but in the late 1980s, Bert Jansch began to experience harmful effects from his many years of heavy drinking. As a result, he chose to stop his heedless intake of alcohol.

In his later years, even as his health continued to falter, he maintained a busy schedule, performing and recording to the best of his considerable abilities. His final album, The Black Swan, was released in 2006. He toured America with Neil Young in 2010, and performed with The Pentangle in England during the summer of 2011. To the end of his life, Bert Jansch remained a musician of unquestioned devotion and understated stature: a humble alchemist of the guitar, steadfastly creating tunes of lasting magic.

Obituary - New York Times

Obituary - The Guardian

Memorial To Bert Jansch

----------------------------------------------------------

A review of the first Pentangle

album, October 26, 1968

A review of "Lucky

Thirteen", March 1, 1969

An interview with Bert,

June 29, 1974.

A review of "L.A. Turnaround"

album, September 14, 1974.

An article from Folk Roots, March 1994.

It includes a short interview with John Renbourn.

A review of Bert's

last album, "The

Black Swan".

Below is a an article by my friend, Gary Hodges.

When I informed him of Bert Jansch's

death he was saddened and offered to

write some personal thoughts.

My thanks for his heartfelt efforts.

Below are albums in my collection.

Needle Of Death - (audio clip)

Black Waterside - (live clip)

The First Pentangle Album

People On The Highway - (live clip)

Moonshine - (live clip)

Bert Jansch Official Website

Eric Clapton 7/21/74

2011-11-30T22:29:00.000-08:00

After 3 years of near seclusion, following the demise of Derek and the Dominos, Eric Clapton decided to release a solo album and tour the US. He put together a band, which included bass player, Carl Radle, from Derek and the Dominos. He added a back up singer, Yvonne Elliman, who had performed as Mary Magdalene in “Jesus Christ Superstar”, on album, film and stage. They recorded in Miami, Florida, and titled the album “461 Ocean Boulevard”, after the house they stayed at. The song, “I Shot The Sheriff”, by Bob Marley and the Wailers, became Clapton’s first #1 solo hit. In June 1974, Eric Clapton and his band began their US tour.

My friends and I saw Eric Clapton and his band perform

at The Cow Palace near San Francisco July 21, 1974.

To see photos of that concert and

read our memoirs, go to ...
Brit Rock By The Bay

The photo below was taken by Dan Cuny

outside the Cow Palace.

This is the official program from

the concert. I bought it there for $2.

Below are pages from the book, "Eric Clapton -

A Visual Documentary by Marc Roberty".

It documents the events day to day from the

first announcement to the end of the tour.

Below is text from "Clapton - The

Autobiography". Clapton suggests an affair

between him and Yvonne Elliman.

Published by Broadway Books.

The photo below is from "Wonderful

Tonight - George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me"

by Pattie Boyd.

©Copyright Pattie Boyd 2007

Below is text from "Clapton - The

Autobiography". Clapton describes how he

came to record "I Shot The Sheriff"

and Bob Marley's response.

Published by Broadway Books.

Family tree below is by Pete Frame.

It is taken from the official program.

©Pete Frame June 1974.

The first announcement of

the tour was ten months

before it happened.

Melody Maker did a large

retrospective of Clapton.

Published October 10, 1973.

The tour is announced May 11, 1974.

It has rumors about George Harrison

joining him and the possibility of a

Cream reunion.

Two weeks later, the US papers

express doubt that there

is an album and tour

in the works.

The new band and

album are officially

announced June 8, 1974.

The rock papers cover the action.

"New Musical Express" printed a long

article reviewing a live performance.

Published June 29, 1974.

A review of the band's warm-up

concert in Copenhagen.

Published June 29, 1974.

Tour dates and album

notes, July 4, 1974.

The album receives

mixed reviews in the

British Press, July 13,1974.

A major interview with Eric Clapton

is published in the US just three

days before I saw him perform.

A review of the live show.

August 1, 1974.

A US review of the album.

It received mixed reviews, again.

August 29, 1974.

An over-view of the tour from

Hit Parader Magazine,

Annual Winter Issue 1974-75

Smile - (audio clip)

Layla - (audio clip)

The album "461 Ocean Boulevard"

Yvonne Elliman hit it big playing Mary

Magdalene on "Jesus Christ Superstar."

Her first album was titled, "I Don't Know

How To Love Him", from that rock opera.

Yvonne Elliman's second solo album, 1973.

Pete Townshend helped with it.

Her first album with RSO records

was "Rising Sun", 1975.

She was married to Bill Oakes, the

president of the company. He was

responsible for her meeting Clapton. She

recorded with his band for five years. She later

had the hit song, "If I Can't Have You", written

for her by the Bee Gees.

If I Can't Have You - (live clip)

Bass player, Carl Radle passed away

from substance abuse in 1980

at the age 37.

Carl Radle Memorial

Mark - Almond

2011-10-16T22:09:00.000-07:00

Jon Mark and Johnny Almond originally met while doing session work on the album, “John Mayall’s Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton” in 1965. Johnny Almond also worked with Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band and The Alan Price Set. He recorded two solo albums in the late 60s and early 70s titled “Johnny Almond’s Music Machine”.

Jon Mark had done some busking, (performing on the streets), with Alun Davies in the early 60s. They recorded one album together in 1963, “Relax Your Mind”. Alun later became Cat Steven’s guitarist and Jon Mark went on to co-produce, with Mick Jagger, Marianne Faithful’s first recordings. He played guitar on some of her songs and backed her live performances. He was very influential to her early sound.

Jon Mark later formed Sweet Thursday with Nicky Hopkins and old pal, Alun Davies . They recorded one album. John Mayall, then looking for a new band, remembered working with Jon Mark and Johnny Almond and invited them to join. They recorded two fine albums, “Turning Point" and “Empty Rooms”. They found that they had similar musical interests and formed their own band. Together they recorded 6 studio albums from 1971 to 1978. Their music was very diverse, infusing folk and blues music with American and Latin jazz. At times expanding with an African beat, they took their music to new levels of creativity. Jon Mark’s delicate, introspective songs were complimented by Johnny Almond’s jazz / blues saxophone and flute. Their first three albums were popular on American FM radio. Mark-Almond expanded their audience with numerous tours in the US that led to headlining major concerts. At the peak of their success, they disbanded. Their last concert was at Bill Graham’s Winterland on November 3rd, 1973. I was there when they announced it was their last performance together.

Jon Mark went on to record a solo album. Mark-Almond reformed in 1976 to record two more albums before going their separate ways.

My friends and I saw Mark-Almond

perform three times in 1973.

You can see photos from two of those concerts

and read our memoirs at -
Brit Rock By The Bay

Pages from my scrapbook.
Below are photos taken at Bill Graham's

Winterland in San Francisco in 1973.

I met Jon Mark and Johnny Almond and

got their autographs.

The ticket stub from the first time I saw them perform

in 1973 at Maples Pavilion. They opened for John

Mayall, but did not play with his band.

A couple of photos of my friends and I

waiting at the Maples Pavilion gate.

The photos below were taken by Dan Cuny

at that concert. The drummer is long time Mayall

band member, Keef Hartley.

A history of the band

from "The Rolling Stone

Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll"

"The Rock Family Tree"

published by Omnibus Press 1993.

An Ad for their first album.

Johnny Almond appeared on one

more John Mayall album while

recording with Mark-Almond

An interview with Jon Mark on

June 1971. He gives details of the

formation of the band, it's future

and his time working

with John Mayall.

An ad for their second album.

An Ad for their third album.

An interview with John Mayall

taken in July 1972.

He mentions working with

Jon Mark and Johnny Almond.

A review of a live performance

in March 1973.

A review of their fourth

album. The first side

is live. The second side

is new, studio recordings.

An Ad for their fifth album.

An interview from Down Beat

magazine from February 1974.

A review of Jon Mark's

solo album,

July 1975.

Here some of the albums in my collection

that make up the story of Mark-Almond.

Their first album was released in 1971. Other band

members were Tommy Eyre, (keyboards) and

Rodger Sutton, (bass & percussion). All but one

song was composed by Jon Mark.

The album design had a unique flap, like an

envelope. The title is embossed and the only printing

on the back cover is the Blue Thumb logo.

The City - (audio clip)

Their second album was released in 1972. It had

the same flap and similar graphics as the first, only the

title is in color and the songs are printed on the back. New

band member, Dannie Richmond, (drums, percussion),

had previously worked with Charles Mingus.

All but one song was composed by Jon Mark.

One Way Sunday - (audio clip)

Their third album. It had a new look and new band

members, Geoff Condon, (horns), Ken Craddock,

(keyboards), Colin Gibson, (bass). Dannie

Richmond, (percussion) stayed on.

All but one song was composed by Jon Mark.

What Am I Living For? - (audio clip)

Their fourth album was half live and half studio.

New members were Wolfgang Melz, (bass),

Bobby Torres, (percussion), and old pal, Alun Davies.

All songs composed by Jon Mark.

In the introduction Jon Mark thanks Dr. Victor

Hay-Roe. Jon Mark had lost part of his ring finger

in a fall. The doctor made it possible for

him to continue playing guitar.

The band split and Jon Mark released a solo album.

Going Back Home Again - (audio clip)

Mark-Almond reformed to record two more albums.

Jon Mark's first album was with Alun Davies.

It was recorded in 1963.

Jon Mark co-produced Marianne Faithfull's albums

with Mick Jagger. He also backed her on guitar.

Four tracks from her first album - (audio clip)

The back cover.

A close-up from the back cover.

Jon's first group, Sweet Thursday. It included Alun

Davies and Nicky Hopkins. They recorded the one

album before the Fontana label went bankrupt.

Gilbert Street - (audio clip)

Alun Davies recorded a solo album, "Daydo"

in 1972. Jon Mark wrote an introduction

on the back cover.

Old Bourbon - (audio clip)

Johnny Almond recorded two solo albums

as "Johnny Almond's Music Machine" in

1969 and 1970.

Solar Level - (audio clip)

Jon Mark played on Johnny Almond's Music

Machine. They decided they liked working together.

Jon Mark and Johnny Almond both did session

work on "Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton"

in 1965. It was the first time they

worked together.

Jon Mark and Johnny Almond joined John Mayall's

band in 1969 and recorded two albums with him.

Room To Move - (live clip 1970)

The last album they both played

on with John Mayall

Jon Mark moved to New Zealand and continues

to record New Age and Celtic music.

Johnny Almond moved to California and

performed in local festivals in the

Bay Area until his death from cancer

on November 18, 2009.

These pictures of Johnny Almond

were taken shortly before he died.

The photographer is unknown.

Related websites

The Official John Mayall Website

Alun Davies Page from Cat Stevens Scrapbook

My thanks to Graziano Vergnaghi

for his generous contributions to this blog.

John Entwistle's Ox

2011-08-31T22:32:00.000-07:00

John Entwistle met Pete townshend in their early school days. They played together in bands titled, The Confederates and The Scorpions. In 1961 John was asked, by Roger Daltry, to join The Detours. John then persuaded Daltry to include Townshend and later Keith Moon. Within a few months they were recording as The Who.

Their third single, “My Generation”, was a huge hit and included a bass solo by Entwistle. It was the first of it’s kind for a rock band.

Content to stand motionless, as the rest of the band leaped about and smashed equipment, John Entwistle’s contribution was integral to the sound of The Who.

After years of his songs being over shadowed and not able to sing songs he wrote, he was the first of the band members to record solo. He later formed his own band, Ox.

John Entwistle died of a heart attack at the age of 57 on June 27th, 2002.

My friends and I saw John Entwistle’s Ox perform at Bill Graham’s Winterland in San Francisco on February 22, 1975.

To see photos of that show and read our comments,

go to -
Brit Rock By The Bay

I got John Entwistle's autograph after the concert. He was very generous with his time and gave out many autographs. After a few moments he asked us if there was anything else?
No one could think of anything to ask,
so he shrugged his shoulders and left.

The article below is from "The Harmony

Illustrated Encyclopedia of Rock"

by Mike Clifford.

Entwistle is interviewed

about his first solo

album. He discusses why

he made it and how the

cover art came about.

A review of his first

solo album, "Smash

Your Head Against The

Wall", December 9th, 1971.

A review of his second solo album,

"Whistle Rymes". December 21, 72.

Entwistle is interviewed

about his third album,

"Rigor Mortis", which is a

collection of rock standards instead

of self penned tunes.

December 23rd, 1972.

Entwistle is interviewed December 12th, 1974.

He discusses The Who, his solo career and

how he named Led Zeppelin.

John Entwistle's fourth album, "Mad Dog"

is reviewed and so is Keith Moon's solo

effort, "Two Sides Of The Moon".

May 22nd, 1975.

The Who's album, "The Who By Numbers"

is reviewed, December 20th, 1975.

John Entwistle drew the cover.

Here are some of the albums in my

collection that make up the history of

John Entwistle.

The Who's first album.

Their second album.

The back cover shows John Entwistle playing

the French Horn. He was formally trained

to play the instrument.

The original title on the British release was,

"A Quick One While He's Away."

It seemed too suggestive for the US release,

so they changed it to "Happy Jack", not

realizing that it was a reference

to masturbation.

Their third album.

John was supposed to pose in the

Heinz Beans shot, but purposely showed

up late. Instead, he got the girl.

Roger Daltry was recruited to fill the spot

while they waited for John.

The beans were freezing cold

and gave Roger a mild case of pneumonia.

A different brand name was used

on the Australian release.

"The Who On Tour" was a

compilation album.

John's first solo album.

He posed in a death mask which was

superimposed over a chest x-ray

that he borrowed from

his doctor.

Heaven And Hell - (audio clip)

The inside gate fold.

The inner sleeve.

His second album.

The title was a play on words and

a poke at how his name was often misspelled.

The inside gate fold.

His third album.

The one on the left is the British release.

The US release in on the right.

Once again , the US version is softened.

His fourth album.

Mad Dog - (audio clip)

The poster / lyrics sheet for Mad Dog.

"Flash Fearless Versus The Zorg Women Parts 5 & 6"

was a concept piece. It was based on a fictional comic

book character and made to look like an old movie cereal

from the 30s and 40s. It was loaded with top stars, like

Alice Cooper, Elkie Brooks, James Dewar,

Frankie Miller and John Entwistle. It was recorded

in late 1974 and released early 1975. It suffered

from lack of continuity and sub-par writing.

To The Chop - (audio clip)

John did the cover art for

"The Who By Numbers" in 1975.

Pete Townshend's first solo album.

John Entwistle is not on this album.

Townshend was heavily into

Meher Baba, who is pictured on the inside

gate fold and back cover. It was

released in 1972.

Roger Daltry's first solo album. Released in

1973, it was made up mostly of songs by

Leo Sayer and Dave Courtney. Leo had not

released an album of his own and had

mixed feelings about his songs being used.

John Entwistle did not play on this album.

Keith Moon's only solo album.

It was released in 1975. It consisted of a few rock standards and

a song written by John Lennon, "Move Over Ms L".

He also does a version of The Who's, " The Kid's Are Alright."

Many contributed, including Joe Walsh and Ringo Starr.

John Entwistle did not play on the album.

Move Over Ms L - (audio clip)

Below is a drawing by John Entwistle.

John Entwistle died on June 27th, 2002.

Related websites of interest -

THE OX - John Entwistle's Home Page

John Entwistle's Bass Guitars

The Who Official Band Website

FREE and BAD COMPANY

2011-07-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

FREE were formed in 1968 by Paul Kossoff and Simon Kirke, who were in a band called, Black Cat Bones. They met Paul Rogers, who was in a band called Brown Sugar, and asked him to join them to form a new band. Blues musician, Alexis Kornor, suggested Andy Fraser as a bass player. He was only 15 but had already played with John Mayall's Blue's Breakers. The band's name is believed to have been suggested by Kornor. Their first two albums went unnoticed, but on their third album, "Fire and Water", they hit it big with the song, "All Right Now". Upon that success they decided to split. They reformed and recorded "Highway". They split again and reformed to record two more studio albums, "Free At Last" and "Heartbreaker". The last album was recorded with original members and new members. This time their split was final. Andy Fraser formed The Sharks, then The Andy Fraser Band. Later on he had great success as a song writer for others. Paul Kossoff recorded a solo album, "Back Street Crawler", then formed a new band under that name. Paul Rogers and Simon Kirke formed Bad Company and were the first group on Led Zeppelin's new label, "Swan Song".
Paul Kossoff died in March 1976 from health problems related to drug abuse.

My friends and I saw Free perform on their last tour of the US at Bill Graham's Winterland in San Francisco on January 26, 1973. To see our photos and read our memoirs, go to -

Brit Rock By The Bay

The article below is from "The Harmony

Illustrated Encyclopedia of Rock", by

Mike Clifford. © Salamander Books 1986.

The article below is from "The

Rolling Stone Encyclopedia

of Rock & Roll".

©Rolling Stone Press 1983.

The article below is from "Seventies Rock",

by Taylor Trade 2003.

A review of their fourth

album, "Highway" from

March 1971.

The band split after the release

of "Highway" and rumors of

their next move began to surface.

During that time Paul Kossoff

worked on Jim Capaldi's

first solo album.

Free reformed to record,

"Free At Last". A review

of that album from July 1972.

Shortly after that, Andy Fraser

left Free and formed The

Sharks with Chris Spedding.

Paul Kossoff also left to

record a solo album,

"Back Street Crawler",

but he did record on a

few songs on their last

album, "Hearbreaker"

The Sharks' first

album is reviewed.

Paul Kossoff answers question about

his work on "Heartbreaker", his

solo album and future plans.

A history of how Bad Company

was formed from the book,

"Seventies Rock",

by Taylor Trade 2003.

Bad Company received a lot of popular

press after only one album and one single.

It may have had more to do with their

manager, Peter Grant, than the music itself.

Andy Fraser only recorded

one album with The Sharks.

He left and recorded a solo

album. After that he achieved

success as a song writer for top

acts like Joe Cocker, Robert

Palmer and Rod Stewart.

Bad Company made a few popular

albums, but none reached the

level of musical creativity

as "Fire and Water" or

"Highway" by Free.

Paul Kossoff's "Back Street Crawler"

solo album was not released in the US

until October 1975. It was a

patchwork of songs and musicians

with some highs and lows.

He later formed a band

using that title and recorded

two albums with them.

Paul Rogers is interviewed for "The

Hit Parader" in November 1975.

Paul Kossoff is interviewed on

January 1, 1976. He died three

and a half months later.

A review of

Paul Kossoff's

last album.

Below are my photos of Bad Company's

performance at The Oakland Colosseum

on August 17, 1974. They opened for

The Edgar Winter Band.

Here are some of the

albums that make up the

story of Free.

Paul Kossoff and Simon Kirke

were in Black Cat Bones.

Feeling Good - (audio clip)

Death Valley Blues - (audio clip)

The first Free album.

It was more bluesy

then the others.

The Hunter - (audio clip)

Their second album was just titled "FREE".

Below is the story of the artwork used

for the cover. It is from the book, "100

Best Album Covers", by Storm

Thorgerson and Aubrey Powell.

Their third album, "Fire and Water" was a

break through with the mega-hit,

"All Right Now".

Fire and Water - (live clip)

Mr. Big - (live clip)

Even with their success the band split.

Paul Kossoff and Simon Kirke recorded an

album with John Bundrick and Tetsu Yamauchi,

who both joined Free to record and tour for the

"Heartbreaker" album.

Blue Grass - (audio clip)

Andy Fraser formed a new band,

Sharks, with Chris Spedding.

Ol' Jelly Roll - (audio clip)

Free reformed to record their fourth

album, "Highway"

Riding On A Pony - (live clip)

They split again and the company

released a live album to cash in on their

popularity. It must have been a rush job, because

the recording is flawed. During one song, Paul Kossoff's

quitar has a connection problem and can be heard

going silent at times.

The album was made to look like a letter

and early copies of the album actually

had the band photos attached like real stamps.

They reformed once more and recorded

their fifth album.

The band was disovling during the recording

of their last album, "Hearbreaker".

Kossoff and Fraser left before it was

finished. John "Rabbit" Bundrick and

Testsu Yamauchi joined.

Heartbreaker - (audio clip)

Paul Kossoff recorded a solo album with

help from the other members of Free.

It was released in 1973, but not in

the USA until 1975.

Molton Gold - (audio clip)

Andy Fraser formed a new group

and released one album in 1976.

Don't Hide Your Love away - (audio clip)

Paul Kossoff died an March 19th, 1976

at the age of 25.

This is from the book, "Death By

Rock & Roll". Published by Citadel Press 1995.

Links to other related sights.

Interview with the band 1970 - (live clip)

Memorial for Paul Kossoff

Paul Kossoff Interview 1975.

Andy Fraser's Official Website.

Bad Company Official Website

Paul Rogers' Official Website.

The Sensational Alex Harvey Band

2011-06-28T16:58:00.000-07:00

Alex Harvey, from Scotland, recorded as Alex Harvey and His Soul Band in 1964. That band broke up and Alex went solo until forming a 60s psychedelic band called Giant Moth. That was a flop. In 1971 he teamed up with members of a band called Tear Gas and they called themselves, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. They consisted of Zal Cleminson (guitar), Chris Glenn, (bass), and cousins, Hugh Mckenna, (keyboards), and Ted Mckenna, (drums). Together they created a unique show that went from raunchy rock to cabaret and vaudeville music hall numbers. Harvey would act out the characters in the song. A trench coat and fedora, film noir style, for “The Man in the Jar”. He swung a bamboo cane and danced about for “Sgt. Fury”. He read from the “Book of Vambo” for “Vambo Marble Eye”. As the band played on, he would climb up to a fake brick wall and spray paint, “Vambo Rool” across it. His most hilarious bit was during "Framed". Wearing a street punk style leather jacket, he would stuff two socks into his cheeks, mocking Marlon Brando in "The Godfather" and "The Wild One". Fans of SAHB are familiar with these antics and would follow the band across Europe. In 1975 SAHB toured the USA with their well crafted show. They gained some recognition in the states, but never reached the level of fame they desired. A couple more albums and Alex Left the band. The band recorded one without him. He rejoined and quit again. The band has continued on in one form or another ever since.

Alex Harvey died of a heart attack in 1982.

My friends and I saw The Sensational Alex Harvey Band perform at the San Francisco Civic Center on April 4, 1975. To see our photos of that concert and read our memoirs, go to -
Brit Rock By The Bay

Alex Harvey and His Soul Band.

Alex Harvey is bottom, center.
(Photographer is unknown)

Alex Harvey and his Soul Band

from "British Beat 1960-1969"

by Terry Rawlings.

History of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band,

from "The Harmony Illustrated History of Rock"

by Mike Clifford. © Salamander Books 1986.

From "Rock Family Trees Volume 2"

by Peter Frame. © Omnibus Press 1983.

A detail from above.

Les Harvey, guitarist for

Stone The Crows, was

electrocuted on stage and died

in May 1972.

He was Alex Harvey's

younger brother.

SAHB gets some

recognition in

the Fall of 1973.

A history of the band and Zal Cleminson

talks about Tear Gas and the death of

Les Harvey and how it affected Alex.

Melody Maker's Band File, June 1974.

Alex is interviewed and discusses the band,

"Vambo" and violence.

A detailed review of the band from August 1974.

They release the album, "The

Impossible Dream" in September 1974.

"The Impossible Dream" receives

a great review in October 12, 1974.

The band received praise

in the USA in this article

from April 24, 1975.

Some of the albums that make up

the history of Alex Harvey and his bands.

I Ain't Worried Baby - (audio clip)

The song, "Framed" was originally recorded by

Alex Harvey in 1964 by AH and his Soul Band.

"Framed" - (Audio clip)

"Framed" by The SAHB 1974 - (live clip)

Below is the first album by SAHB.

Their second album.

Their third album contained his popular version

of "Next" by Jacques Brel and

the wild "Vambo Marble Eye" .

Next - (Live clip)

Vambo - (Live clip)

The fourth album was live.

The fifth album title, "The Penthouse Tapes"

was a satire of "The White House Tapes",

referring to Richard Nixon's

infamous private tapes.

Their sixth album.

Their seventh, "SAHB Stories".

The last SAHB album.

"Fourplay" was done without Alex Harvey.

He is shown tied up on back cover.

Alex Harvey's final album, 1979. He had a

different band, but the sound was similar.

"The Mafia Stole My Guitar" - (Audio clip)

Tear Gas was the band Alex Harvey

united with to create SAHB.

Where is My Answer? - (Audio clip)

Les Harvey was in Stone The Crows with

Maggie Bell. She sang on Rod Stewart's

"Every Picture Tells a Story.".

I Need Your Love - (Live clip)

A biography by John Neil Munro.

Alex Harvey died of a heart attack

on February 4th, 1982.

Anthem - (Live clip)

CARAVAN

2011-05-18T23:01:00.000-07:00

Caravan are from Canterbury, a historic part of the District of Kent in South East England. Home to many old cathedrals, and the setting for Chaucer’s 14th century “Canterbury Tales”. It is also the birth place of a type of progressive rock music from the 1960s. The music had it's roots in jazz, folk and blues, but was very experimental. One of the earliest and most influential bands was The Wilde Flowers. Formed in 1963, it included Kevin Ayers, Richard Sinclair, Robert Wyatt, Brian and Hugh Hopper. Pye Hastings, (guitar / vocals), and Richard Coughlan, (drums), joined in 1965. Robert Wyatt and Kevin Ayers left to form Soft Machine. In 1968 David Sinclair joined The Wilde Flowers and they changed their name to Caravan.

Since then there have been many changes, but Pye Hastings and Richard Coughlan remained throughout the band’s long history.

Caravan made it’s first tour of the USA in 1974. My friends and I were lucky to see them perform at The Keystone Club in Berkeley on November 9th, 1974.

You can see my photos of that concert and read our memoirs at -

Brit Rock By The Bay

Below are the autographs I got from the band that night.

A flyer from the Keystone Club in Berkeley.

The flyer is from 1975. The Keystone Club was

torn down in 1985. There is an apartment

complex there now.

A history of the band.

from "The Rolling Stone

Encyclopedia of

Rock & Roll".

Below is a page from Pete Frame's

"Rock Family Trees"

The page is enlarged here in two parts.

A color graph shows the many

changes in the band.

The cover of "For Girls Who Grow Plump In

The Night" caused some controversy and

was even banned. This article is from

Beat Magazine, 9/73.

Their 5th album is released. This ad

was published October 13th, 1973.

The title is a play on words taken from

the James Thurber short story, "Things

That Go Bump In The Night".

A bio of the band from February, 23rd, 1974.

An article from April 13th, 1974.

The band talks about their new album,

"Caravan & The New Symphonia".

They discuss their plans to tour

San Francisco. They talk about their

devotion to the band. John Perry

says he is not planning to leave, but

did so a short time later.

A review of "For Girls

Who Grow Plump...",

June 6th, 1974.

Another change in the band is announced.

Pye Hastings and Richard Coughlan

in more recent times.

Below are the early albums of Caravan

and a recent CD release of

The Wilde Flowers.

He's Bad For You - (audio clip)

She Loves To Hurt - (audio clip)

Caravan's first album.

A Place Of My Own - (audio clip w/ my photos)

Their second album. Some of the titles of their

albums and songs were playful and at times risque.

If I had To It All Over Again, ... (audio clip)

Their third release..

In The Land Of Grey And Pink - (audio clip)

Their fourth album.

Waterloo Lily - (audio clip)

Their fifth album, "For Girls..." sold well in

the USA and prompted their first tour of the

states and San Francisco in particular.

John Perry left the band just before the tour

and was replaced by Mike Wedgewood

from Curved Air.

The Dog, The Dog, He's At It Again - (live clip)

Their album "The New Symphonia", was recorded

live on October 28th, 1973 at the Theatre Royal.

It included a full orchestra, male and

female backing vocals.

The Love In Your Eye - (audio clip)

Their sixth studio album, "Cunning Stunts",

(another risque play on words).

The Show Of Our Lives - (audio clip)

Their seventh album.

Here Am I - (audio clip)

Other albums by artists who were involved

in The Wilde Flowers or Caravan

at one point or another.

"Rock Generation" was
released by BYG Records. It salvaged
some lost tapes of early Soft Machine
and Canterbury music.
When I don't Want You - (audio clip)

Mike Wedgewood had recently left Curved Air

and joined Caravan to replace John Perry.

"Phantasmagoria" was their last album.

Marie Antoinette - (live clip)

Kevin Ayers first solo album.

Joy Of A Toy - (audio clip)

The first Soft Machine album.

It was titled after a William Burroughs book

referring to the human body.

Why Are We Sleeping - (audio clip)

Robert Wyatt left Soft Machine and

formed Matching Mole. The name for the band

was a play on the French translation for

Soft Machine, "Machine Molle".

O Caroline - (audio clip)

Robert Wyatt's first solo album.

The first song on the second side is

titled "To Caravan and Brother Jim".

Jim is Pye Hastings brother and

fellow musician.

To Caravan And Brother Jim - (audio clip)

Robert Wyatt's solo albums often had old band

mates from The Wilde Flowers and

Soft Machine join him.

"Rock Bottom" was produced by Nick Mason

from Pink Floyd. It was recorded 1974 after

Wyatt was released from the hospital. He had

fallen out of a window at a party and was

paralyzed from the waist down. He considers this

his first true solo album. Many consider it his

finest and most personal work.

Little Red Riding Hood Hit The Road - (audio clip)

Hatfield and the North included

Richard Sinclair from The

Wilde Flowers and Caravan

Son Of There's No Place Like Hometown - (audio clip)

John Perry's solo album after leaving

Caravan. He worked with many other bands

before and after Caravan, including Curved Air.

A recent CD release of lost BBC tapes.

A DVD of a Caravan

reunion 2003.

While piecing this together, my friend

and fellow blogger, Gary Hodges, sent

me this letter.

Links to recommended websites.

Caravan's Official Site

Pye Hastings Interview on Prog Sphere

A History Of The Canterbury Scene

Canterbury Sound Waves

FAIRPORT CONVENTION and SANDY DENNY

2011-04-18T18:23:00.000-07:00

Fairport Convention have a long and complicated history.

Formed in the late 60s, they have continued in one

form or another ever since.

Sandy Denny was not in the original line up and only

recorded three albums with the band before branching

off with Fotheringay and then launching a solo career.

In 1974 she rejoined Fairport Convention for one

album and a tour of the USA.

My friends and I were lucky enough

to see them perform at The Berkeley

Community Theatre in 1974.

We met Sandy Denny and other

members of the band after the show and

got their autographs.

To see my photos and read
our memoirs, go to -
Brit Rock By The Bay

Below is my ticket stub from the
concert and the autographs
I got after the show.
On top is Sandy Denny, then
Dave Mattacks and Dave Swarbrick.

A history of Fairport Convention

from "The Harmony Illustrated

Encyclopedia of Rock" by

Mike Clifford.

An insert from the Sandy Denny

boxed set by Carthage Records.

A detailed history of Fairport and all

of the off-shoots from "Rock Family Trees"

by Pete Frame.

A review of their second

album and first one with

Sandy Denny.

Reviews of both

"Unhalfbricking"

and "Leige & Lief".

A review of "Fotheringay" and

"Full House" appeared side-by-side.

Sandy is interviewed and talks about

breaking up Fotheringay, going solo and

possibly rejoining Fairport.

Sandy is interviewed and discusses

recording her new album, "Like an

Old Fashioned Waltz", and touring the USA.

No mention of her up coming marriage

to Trevor Lucas.

A detailed history of

Fairport and it's members

in two parts.

Sandy talks about rejoining Fairport.

A glowing review

of a live show by

the new Fairport.

Comparisons are made between Renaissance

and Fairport Convention.

"Rising For The Moon"

receives a poor review.

From the book, "The Day The Music Died".

From the book, "Death By Rock & Roll"

Published by Citadel Press 1995.

Richard Thompson's biography gives

some interesting history on the formation of

the band and it's early period.

Below are some of the albums

that make up the history of

Fairport Convention

and some of it's members.

The first album with Judy Dyble,

Ian MacDonald, (Ian Matthews), Richard Thompson,

Simon Nicol, Tyger Hutchings and Martin Lamble,

(He later died in a car accident that also took the

life of richard Thompson's girl friend).

Reno, Nevada - (live clip)

Time Will Show The Wiser - (live clip)

I like the serious look on their faces in

contrast to the Marx Bros. photo.

Sandy Denny's first recordings from 1967.

They were released in 1978 after her death.

The British cover of the second Fairport album

and the first with Sandy Denny.

The cover art was done on a chalk board

by the band while waiting back stage.

After the concert they sent a photographer

over to get a shot of it before it was erased.

Meet On The Ledge - (audio clip)

The USA release of the album without a title.

The British release of their third album

"Unhalfbricking".

Si Tu Dois Partir - (audio clip)

The USA version.

Their fourth album "Leige & Lief".

After the car accident they nearly disbanded.

Sandy Denny left and Dave Swarbrick joined.

Come All Ye - (audio clip)

BBC Radio Sessions from 1968-69.

They were released on Hannibal

Records in 1987.

Their next album, "Full House". Members were

Dave Mattacks, Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg,

Dave Swarbrick and Richard Thompson.

This was the last album Richard Thompson

performed with Fairport.

Dirty Linen - (live clip)

"Fotheringay" was formed in 1970. Members

were Sandy Denny, Trevor Lucas, Gerry Conway,

Jerry Donahue and Pat Donaldson.

Trevor Lucas later married Sandy Denny and

had a child. They released one album and

disbanded while working on a second which

was recently released.

Gypsy Davey - (live clip)

After leaving Fairport Convention,

Judy Dyble sang with Giles, Giles and Fripp,

(King Crimson), and then joined Trader Horne

with ex-Them member, Jackie McAuley.

They released one album, "Morning Way".

Jenny May - (audio clip)

Giles, Giles & Fripp. "I Talk To The Wind" - (audio clip)

Iain Matthews, (Ian McDonald), left Fairport

and formed Matthews' Southern Comfort

and later Plainsong.

When She Smiles - (audio clip)

Woodstock - (audio clip)

Dave Swarbrick and Martin Carthy recorded

five albums together in the late 60s. Swarbrick

later joined Fairport and Carthy joined

Steeleye Span.

Byker Hill - (live clip)

The album, "The Bunch" was a one shot

recording in 1972. British folk rockers

cover American classics from Hank Williams

to Chuck Berry. Linda Peters later married

Richard Thompson.

Morris On was considered a British

folk music super group. They recorded

two highly acclaimed albums.

Cuckoo's Nest - (audio Clip)

Sandy's first solo album. The first song, "Late

November" was written for the second

Fotheringay album.

Sandy Denny - (live clip)

Sandy's second album included Richard Thompson,

Pat Donaldson, Dave Swarbrick and Linda Peters.

Her next album also included ex-Fairport and

Fotheringay members. The songs have a

more "jazzy" sound.

Her reunion with Fairport included Dave Swarbrick,

Dave Pegg, Jerry Donahue, Trevor Lucas,

Dave Mattacks and Bruce Rowland.

Rising For The Moon - (audio clip)

"Rendezvous" was her last recording.

Who Knows Where The Time Goes - (audio clip)

To see more about Sandy Denny in

my previous blog post -

David's Rock Scrapbook - STRAWBS

In 1981 Fairport did a reunion concert at

Broughton Castle. They performed songs from

various periods and even one by Jerry Lee Lewis.

On hand were Dave Swarbrick, Richard Thompson,

Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg, Dave Mattacks,

Bruce Rowland and Judy Dyble.

RICK WAKEMAN - (JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH)

2011-03-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

Rick Wakeman’s career started as a session musician. Dave Cousins, from the Strawbs, met him while producing an album by the band, Paper Bubble. Wakeman then did session work on the Strawbs’ 2nd album. Cousins invited him to join the band. He recorded one live album and one studio album with the Strawbs before leaving to join Yes. He recorded 3 albums with Yes from 1971 - 75. He recorded two solo albums while still a member of Yes, “The Six Wives of Henry the 8th” and “Journey to the Centre of the Earth”. There had been rumors about him leaving Yes since the release of “Tales of the Topographic Ocean”, which he was not happy with. The same day that his album, “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” hit #1 on the UK charts, he announced that was leaving Yes to pursue a solo career.

My friends and I saw Rick Wakeman perform “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” live at the San Francisco Civic Center on September 28th, 1974.

You can see our photos and read our

memoirs of that concert -

Brit Rock By The Bay

Below is a sticker I purchased

that promoted the album and the tour.

My ticket stub from the concert.

I was lucky to have been able to meet

Rick Wakeman after the concert

and get his autograph.

His first solo album

received high praise

from the critics.

An ad promoting his 2nd solo album.

It was a much more ambitious project

than anything he had done before.

In this article Wakman discusses the

problems he had recording "Journey..."

and Gus Dudgeon remembers Rick's session

work on David Bowie's album, "Hunky Dory".

An interview with Wakeman

about the upcoming premier of

"Journey to the Center of the Earth".

A positive review of

the premier.

A review of the premier

from Circus magazine, April 1974.

Wakeman talks about the premier, the release

of his album, his last tour with Yes and

the state of British bands and the

music business in general.

The album is released. The reviews come in.

With the success of

"Journey to the Centre of the Earth"

Wakeman announces his split with Yes.

He quickly moved on

to the next project, "The

Myths and Legends of King

Arthur and the Knights of

the Round Table".

Wakeman discusses his split with Yes and

says, "I'll never be in Yes again."

Never say "never". He joined and rejoined

Yes 5 times. His son took his place after that.

He also talks about plans for touring the USA

with "Journey..." and the next project,

"King Arthur..."

The American reviews

of "Journey..." are in.

Wakeman is Interviewed

two weeks before I saw him perform

in San Francisco. He talks about his plans for

touring with "Journey...". He also discusses

plans for the next project, "King Arthur..."

Rick is interviewed 6 months after leaving Yes.

He reflects on the tour with "Journey to

the Centre of the Earth", his time with the

Strawbs and Yes and his life inside and

outside of the music business.

A DVD of "Journey to the Centre of the Earth"

performed live in 1975 at the Sydney Meyer

Concert Bowl in Australia.

Rick Wakeman continued recording

solo albums and with other bands.

His career is long and complicated.

Below are his first three solo albums.

"The Six Wives of Henry VIII" is an

instrumental album released in 1973.

He is accompanied by many others, including

members of his former bands, Strawbs and Yes.

Anne Boleyn - (audio clip)

The back cover has a mini-bio on each of

the wives. The music is meant to reflect their

lives and personalities.

A detail of the back cover

The inside gatefold displays

the keyboard equipment.

An impressive collection

of musicians.

The second album was a much

more ambitious project.

It included a rock band with two male

lead vocals, a full choir and orchestra.

Wakeman would mortgage

his home to produce it.

Journey to the Centre of the Earth - (live clip)

The back cover.

The pages of the booklet inside.

It shows that not only did Wakeman

have a sense of flair, but also a sense of humor.

The monsters in the boiling sea are

represented by a pet lizard and turtle

rising out of glasses of beer.

(Rick Wakeman is well known

to enjoy a tall glass of beer).

The inside gatefold.

A detail.

His 3rd solo album, "The Myths and

Legends of King Arthur and the Knights

of the Round Table" was released in 1975.

It was already in the planning before

"Journey..." had toured the USA.

King Arthur - (live clip)

The back cover.

The inside gatefold.

The illustrated booklet.

To see more about Rick Wakeman,

visit previous postings on this blog -

STRAWBS

YES

To see photos and read our memoirs

of Yes with Rick Wakeman go to -

Brit Rock By The Bay

STRAWBS

2011-02-17T15:56:00.000-08:00

The Strawbs were a folk/bluegrass band formed in 1967 by Dave Cousins and Tony Hooper. In 1968 Cousins discovered Sandy Denny playing in a folk club and invited her to join. Some studio recordings were made, but Denny left to join Fairport Convention. They released their first self titled album in 1969 with Ron Chesterman on bass. Rick Wakeman played piano on their second release, “Dragonfly”. He officially joined the band for their next album, “Just a Collection of Antiques and Curios.” John Ford and Richard Hudson, from Elmer Gantry’s Velvet Opera, also joined at that time. They recorded their next album, "From the Witchwood." Then Rick Wakeman left to join YES and Blue Weaver replaced him for their next album, “Grave New World.” Then Tony Hooper left because the band was moving away from it's folk roots and becoming more of a progressive rock band. He was replaced with Dave Lambert, from King Earl Boogie Band. They reached their greatest success with the release of their next album, “Bursting at the Seams.” A rift developed between Cousins, John Ford and Richard Hudson. They left to form their own band, titled Hudson-Ford. Then Blue Weaver left to join Mott the Hoople. He was replaced with John Hawken from Renaissance, but later left to re-join Renaissance. The Strawbs continued on in one form or another, but never achieved the same success they had in the early 70s.

My friends and I saw Strawbs perform at Bill Graham’s

Winterland in San Francisco on May 24th, 1973.

To see photos of that show and

read our memoirs, go to -

Brit Rock By The Bay

Dave Cousins' autograph.

From "Illustrated Encyclopedia of Rock"

The inner sleeve from the album "Bursting

at the Seams" gives a history of the band.

This review of "From the Witchwood"

gives high praise to Rick Wakeman's

work on the album and even predicted

his future success. Wakeman had

already left the band when this

review was published in

November 1971.

Rick Wakeman's playing

is heard in these two tracks.

A Glimpse of Heaven - (audio track)

I'll Carry on Beside you - (audio track)

An interview from "Beat Instrumental" 12/71.

Their interest in theatrics on stage sounds

more like early Genesis than Strawbs.

A review of "Grave New World"

from July 20, 1972. The reviewer

didn't care for the heavy production

and studio "gimmicks".

A review of "Bursting

at the Seams", June 7th, 1973.

The new Strawbs are

announced in July 1973.

John Ford, (top) and Richard Hudson, (bottom)

discuss their new band, Hudson-Ford.

Dave Cousins displays some feelings of competition

with Hudson-Ford and details of their

break up are discussed. Dave Lambert

was split between staying with Strawbs

or joining Hudson-Ford.

Hudson-Ford discuss their success

as a new band and plans

for their future.

A long interview with

Dave Cousins in April 1974

in three parts.

Dave Lambert is interviewed

about his choice of rock

equipment.

Sandy Denny's third solo album

and the first Hudson-Ford album

are reviewed at the same time.

A reveling look into Dave

Cousins' dark side.

A very negative review

of a Strawbs performance

October 1974.

A very negative review

of a Hudson-Ford performance

November 1974.

"Ghosts" received a

mediocre review,

July 1975.

Dave Cousins lent his

voice to an emsemble

piece, January 1978.

Below are some of the albums

that make up the Strawbs' story.

"Tell Me What You See in Me" was written

by Cousins with Sandy Denny doing lead vocals.

It was redone for the first album with Cousins

doing lead vocal.

Tell Me What You See in Me - (audio track)

Sandy Denny's famous song, "Who

Knows Where the Time Goes" was

first recorded with the Strawbs.

Who Knows Where the Time Goes - (audio track)

Paper Bubble were an unknown band. Dave

Cousins and Tony Hooper were hired to produce

their first, (and only), album. Richard Hudson, John Ford

and Rick Wakeman did session work for that album.

Six months later all three joined Strawbs.

Mother, Mother Mother - (audio track)

Energy - (audio track)

Richard Hudson and John Ford were

in the band, Elmer Gantry's Velvet Opera.

Long Nights of Summer - (audio track)

Flames - (audio track)

The Strawbs first album was successful

in England, but unknown in the US.

Where is This Dream of Your Youth - (audio track)

The Man Who Called Himself Jesus - (audio track)

Rick Wakeman plays piano on

their second album, "Dragonfly",

but was not an official member.

Strawbs with Rick Wakeman, 1969 - (live clip)

Their third album was live. Recorded at

Queen Elizabeth Hall, London 1970.

The band now included Rick Wakeman,

John Ford and Richard Hudson.

Hangman and the Papist, 1971 - (live clip)

Their fourth was a studio album.

Rick Wakeman left to join Yes soon

after it's release, 1971.

Witchwood - (audio clip)

Their fifth album was their most successful to

date. Blue Weaver had replaced Rick Wakeman.

New World - (audio clip with film)

John Ford and Richard Hudson both wrote

music and lyrics for the Strawbs . That

left Cousins with extra songs he had written.

He used them for a solo album. Rick Wakeman

and Miller Anderson, from The Keef Hartley Band,

both played on it. It was released in 1972.

Before Strawbs, Dave Lambert was in

King Earl Boogie Band. It included

members from the band Mungo Jerry.

Dave Cousins produced some of their music.

Stealin' - (live clip)

The album, "Bursting at the Seams" was

their most successful. It included

one of their most popular songs,

by Dave Cousins, "Lay Down".

Lay Down - (live clip)

It also included their biggest hit, "Part of

the Union", by Hudson and Ford. Dave

Cousins hated the song and it led to

the breakup of the band. In this live clip you

can see Cousins' less then enthusiasit

performance of the song.

Part of the Union - (live clip)

The first Hudson-Ford album had the

song "Pick Up the Pieces" which

was a hit single.

Pick Up the Pieces - (audio clip)

It also included "Burn Baby Burn"

Burn Baby Burn - (audio clip)

and "Crying Blues"

Crying Blues - (live clip)

Their last album, "Daylight", was a

flop. They disbanded but later

formed The Monks.

Nice Legs, Shame About Her Face - (live clip)

The Strawb's next albums

generally sold better in

the USA than England.

Dave Cousins lent his voice to The Intergalactic Touring Band. It was not a real group; it was a science fiction concept created and organized by Stephan Galfas and Marty Scott, written by Danny Beckerman and Wil Malone, and recorded as a one-off all-star album by a large cast including Rod Argent, Arthur Brown, Clarence Clemons, Annie Haslam, Ben E. King, and Meat Loaf, among many others, in 1977.

Space Commando - (audio clip)

The album "Deadlines" had striking

cover art by Hipgnosis.

The inner sleeve.

Both Tony Hooper and Richard Hudson

rejoined the Strawbs in 1988

for the album "Don't Say Goodbye".

An acoustic album, "Baroque & Roll"

was released in 2003. It included

many early Strawbs songs.

Ghosts - (audio clip)

The album "Ringing Down the Years" was released

in 1984. It was, in part, a tribute to Sandy Denny

who died in 1978. The cover art shows a time piece

that is broken. It refers to her song, "Who Knows

Where the Time Goes." The lyrics to the title

song are about her.

Ringing Down the Years - (live clip)

Strawbs Official Website