Keef Hartley:
Not exactly a singles artist - but a well merited drummer with a vision.
A gifted man whose apparel mirrored his deep interest in the American Indian:
fringed jackets, widebrimmed hats...
Drummed with Artwoods, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers
(alongside new guitarist Mick Taylor from
The Gods) on albums "Crusade" 1967 and "Diary Of A Band, Vols. 1
& 2" in 1968 - and then founded this: his own outfit.
Featured scotsman Miller Anderson
on guitar (Gibson SG + Carlsbro) and fine lead vocals. And quite a few
good reed men.
"Just To Cry" (Lowther/Finnegan)/"Leave It 'Til The Morning"(Hewitson/James/Hartley/Thain)
DERAM DM 250 (1969)
A-Side: First few seconds make you think of Spencer Davis Group, then
a trumpet calls and changes the mood. Lots of trumpet plus oscillating
sounds everywhere. Good vocalist - not a "blues voice" (nothing wrong with
that!) but a clear, powerful voice. Modern, jazzy, neat.
B-Side: Much more pop! The Beatles meet some jazz blowers. Playful and
rocking. Lots of sounds - and a wah-wah guitar. A good single, this! Hartley
obviously surrounded himself with players of the highest quality.
Albums:
"Halfbreed" DERAM SML 1037 (1969)
"Battle Of N.W. 6" DERAM SML 1054 (1970)
"The Time Is Near" DERAM SML 1071 (1970)
"Overdog" DERAM DSL 2 (1971)
"Little Big Band" DERAM SDL 4 (1971)
"Seventy Second Brave" DERAM SDL 9 (1972)
"Lancashire Hustler" DERAM SDL13 (1973)
"Dog Soldier" UNITED ARTISTS UAS 29769 (1975)
Links:
The Musicians' Olympus: excellent page on the career of Keef Hartley!
