Category Archives: 1971-1972

AFFINITY 1971-1972

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For those who have enjoyed the previous reissues, this collection is closer in spirit to the debut album and actually consists of outtakes and demos for a projected album that never was because the band eventually imploded in 1972. The sound quality is superb, though. Bassist Mo Foster, guitarist Mike Jopp and drummer Grant Serpell went on to join Michael D’Abo on tour and Foster had a subsequent career rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest industry names as a much-in-demand sessioner.

All credit to Peter Purnell at Angel Air, and to Mo Foster, for unearthing this superb archive piece. Investigate, if only for that growling Hammond on a medley of Hendrix and Miles Davis and the sublime instrumental ‘Sarah’s Wardrobe’! Wonderful stuff.

David Randall, get ready to rock (August 2003)


Unreleased tracks from the band after they had undergone a major line-up change with new vocalist Vivienne McAuliffe and keyboard player Dave Watts, joining the existing line-up of guitarist Mike Jopp, bass player Mo Foster and drummer Grant Serpell. Of the nine tracks on here two are newly recorded instrumentals featuring Foster and Jopp, with a cover of Dylan’s ‘All Along The Watchtower’. Songwriter BA Robertson also wrote two tracks on here as well. The music is mainly folk in style, reminiscent of Pentagle and Steeleye Span, mainly in the vocals of McAuliffe (she sadly died back in 1998).

‘Moira’s Hand’ is an uptempo folk rocker with some neat Hammond organ playing. The mellow ‘Sunshower’ sees McAuliffe in fine vocal form and again the backing instrumentation is spot on from the keys to the subtle bass lines. Another highlight are the two instrumentals, both of which are mellow numbers and fit well with the older material on here. Fans of 70′s female fronted folk rock will enjoy this lovingly compiled album.

Jason Ritchie, Classic Rock Newswire (August 2003)


…a worthy addition to any 60s – 70s folk or psychedelic rock collection.

Jeff Beck website (September 2003)


It is good stuff…some excellent musicianship, and McAulliffe’s voice is clear cut and strong…an enjoyable listen

Bernard Law, Classic Rock Society (Nov/Dec 2003)


What is immediately apparent is that not only is this an enjoyable outing throughout, but that Vivienne had a wonderful voice…If you enjoy good strong songs and great female singing then this is worth seeking out.

Feedback (Nov 2003)


…anybody who remembers catching this late incarnation of this group in concert…will not be disappointed by this collection

Jo-Anne Greene, Goldmine(Oct 2003)


What I’ve always enjoyed about Affinity was their strong leaning towards jazz, and yet they gave a nod and a wink towards their ‘rock’ peers.

Dw, Modern Dance (August 2004)

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