Kieran White (vocals and harp) and the two guitarists Martin
Pugh and Martin Quittenton of Steamhammer played it bluesy,
jazzy or folksy. Lots of detailed guitar pickings, lots of small riffs.
Powerful drummer was Micky Waller from Jeff
Beck Group. Not a run-of-the-mill bluesband, they played mostly
original material and developed a truly individual sound. "Juniors Wailing"
was issued as a single:
"A British group that lives up to its name! It beats out the blues with verve and vigour in this 12-bar opus. Features the fruity-voiced soloist, with a juddering back-drop of twangs and walloping beat."Said N.M.E. in April 19, 1969.
B-Side: Slow droning song with flute intro & outro. Makes me think of The Doors. Changes atmosphere now and again during the song. Flute, wailing guitar - and a guitar break with tons of reverb. No blues this, rather a nod to psychedelia.
Good single!
Later on Quittenton left, a saxophonist (Steve Jolliffe) came and went, Waller left, Mick Bradley took the drum chair...
"An LP composed of songs created by Steamhammer themselves (except for one Boyd and one B.B. King), this set is essentially blues but with overtones of effective progression, such as the introduction of relevant sound effects on tracks like Water (parts one and two). It is beautifully produced and the guys are instrumentally and vocally very proficient. Unfortunately this type of album has a limited market but I am sure that all those for whom it was designed, will go out and buy it."A pious wish - from John Halsall in "Top Pops" magazine, May '69 on Steamhammer's debut album.
Albums:
"Steamhammer" CBS 63611 (1969)
"Steamhammer Mk II" CBS 63694 (1969)
"Mountains" METRONOME 15 376 (1970)
"Speech" BRAIN 1009 (1972)