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Once
upon a time, there was a band called Stackridge. Inspired by
three disparate musical influences - the Beatles, Frank Zappa and the
Incredible String Band - they aspired, according to guitarist, bassist
and singer James Warren to 'a pure, solid melodicism, rhythmic
complexity and a weird combination of pastoral,
philosophical and positively surreal lyrics.'
The original six-piece line-up that came together in Bristol in 1969
comprised Warren, Andy Davis (guitar, keyboards, vocals) and
Jim ‘Crun’ Walter (bass) from local blues band Griptight Thynne,
Mutter Slater (flute, vocals), Mike Evans (violin) and
Bill Bent (drums).
Their
originally selected name, Stackridge Lemon, was quickly and sensibly
shortened. They had managed to play the very first Glastonbury in 1970 -
not 1971, as official histories sometimes suggest - alongside
Keith Christmas, Al Stewart and Marc Bolan. ‘We were the opening act and
came back on at the end of the second day to finish the proceedings,’ is
James’ sole recollection of what was then known as ‘The Shepton Mallet
Rhythm and Blues Festival’. Oh, and the free milk from Michael Eavis’s
herd.
'Stackridge' was created on 16-track equipment at Kingsway Studios,
London in 1971 with the help of producer Fritz Fryer of Sixties harmony
group the Four Pennies; engineer was Martin Birch, who went on to
produce many famous heavy metal acts. Quite what he made of Stackridge’s
cast of characters that inhabited their songs is not known. This album
was originally released on 6th August 1971.
Now remastered by James
Warren and Andy Davis - enjoy English popular music at its creative
best.
MUSICIANS
ANDY DAVIS, JAMES WARREN, MUTTER SLATER, JIM WALTER,MICHAEL EVANS, BILLY
BENT |
