Who's Who

(Pictures off album sleeves)

(Biographies courtesy NME Book of Rock 1973)

- INDEX -

Judy Collins

Jim Croce

Bob Dylan

Lee Holdridge

The Incredible String Band

Roger Kellaway

Randy Newman

Phil Ochs

The Rolling Stones

Pete Seeger

Cat Stevens

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Index


Lee Holdridge (1972)

Born in Haiti, raised in Guatemala and Costa Rica, moved to Boston to attend the Newton School of Music. Recorded with Melanie, Neil Sedaka, Mary Travers, Andy Kim, Roger Williams and Peter Nero, Neil Diamond etc.

Index


Roger Kellaway (1967)
Biography


Index


The Incredible String Band (1968)
Mike Heron and Robin Williamson

Formed Edinburgh 1965 as trio with Heron, Williamson and Clive Palmer (banjo), their debut (1) caused sensation in folk circles, though it took (2) to bring them to public attention, by which time Palmer had left.

On (2) and (3) the song- writing of Heron and Williamson , unique in structure and variety, expanded ambitiously, becoming self-indulgent on (4) - at which point group policy was reviewed and girlfriends Licorice McKechnie (vin) and Rosie Simpson (bs) recruited to the line-up.

Thus constituted, they made (5), (6). (7) and (8), the last two being written for stage and film shows respectively. Rose left in '71 and. with label-switch, trio continued to make (9), picking up Malcolm Le Maistre for (10) and Gerard Dott for (11).

Reaching peak-early in their career, Incredible have consequently been in decline ever since, although solo ventures by Heron (12) and Williamson (13) have done a little towards recapturing what group forfeited after (4).

Too insular to influence scene at large. lncredibles nevertheless created some extraordinary music, most of which can he found on (1) & (2) and (3), and which is anthologised on (14).

(I) The Incredible String Band (Elektra 1966)/(2) The 5000 Spirits Or The Layers Of The Onion (Elektra 1967)/(3) The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter (Elektra 1968)/(4) Wee Tam And The Big Huge (Elektra double 1968)/(5) Changing Horses (Elektra 1969)/(6) I Looked Up (Elektra l970)/(7) U (Elektra double 1970)/(8) Be Glad For The Song Has No Ending (Island 1970)/(9) Liquid Acrobat As Regards The Air (Island 1971)/(10) Earthspan (Island 1972)/(11)) No Ruinous Feud (Island 1973)/(12) Smiling Men With Bad Reputations (Island 1971)/(13) Myrth (Help 1972)/(14) Relics Of The Incredible String Band (Elektra 1970).


Index


Randy Newman (1970)

Born of musical family (uncle was composer Hollywood film-scores), Newman was professional arranger before embarking on a songwriting career. (2) was his first recording, cut as demonstration tape with small group but not released until after (1) a pioneering album featuring Newman with large orchestra and his own highly original arrangements.

It was too original in the event, selling poorly; long unavailable, it is certainly Newman's best record.(3) like (2), was not originally intended for release, so that (4) could almost be said to be his debut album.

Never a commercial success, nor likely to be, Randy Newman is one of the foremost living songwriters; his terse, finely ironic lyrics complemented by a sophisticated musicality, which balances perfectly between the poignant and the burlesque. All four albums are crucial, though (3) is of slightly lesser importance.

(1) Randy Ncwman (Reprise 1968)/(2). 12 Songs (Reprise 1969)/(3) Live (Reprise 1971)/(4) Sail Away {Reprise 1972).

Randy Newman


Index


Phil Ochs (1968)
Music


Index


Pete Seeger (1971)

Big daddy of protest singers. Born May 3. 1919 New York City. Mother was violin teacher: father a noted musicologist. Learned to play ukulele and banjo. and developed-interest in folk music of America when he was about 16.

Spent long periods with Alan Lomax, famous compiler of folk songs. in archives of Library of Congress, Washington, DC Typically took his banjo and hoboed around mid-West and Southern States, soaking up music of rural America.

Also, was educated at Harvard University. and in war served in Armed Forces, though mostly he was entertaining other troops.

Started Weavers folk group 1949, after working for while with vocal group that included Woody Guthrie. His spell with Weavers was hugely, successful, and they helped to popularise songs like Goodnight Irene, on Top of Old Smokey and Seeger's own Kisses Sweeter Than Wine.

Has long been involved with left wing U.S. politics, and was person who originally, gave protest movement We Shall Overcome. Also' he popularised scores of old American folk ballads, and himself composed many anthems of the times - If I Had A Hammer. Where Have All The Flowers Gone, Little Boxes.

Tended to be overshadowed by, younger singers at start of 60's, but there is no doubting his contribution to folk/protest singers. Married with three children, his sister Peggy is English resident married to Ewan MacColl.

Seeger has made over fifty albums. so a list is impossible. In 1973, CBS released The Best Of Pete Seeger.

Rainbow Race Cover Notes
Pete Seeger Appreciation Page


Index


Judy Collins (1972)

Born Denver, Colorado 1939. Like many after her, a traditional folk singer turned protest singer turned singer/song-writer; but had an individual talent that placed her at the top of pile.

Father Chuck Collins, although blind, was well known figure in radio in Denver and on West Coast. Died 1967 (his daughter writing My Father about him).

Had a thorough musical education. At age of six began studying to be classic pianist. often practising eight hours a day, and playing with the Denver Businessmen's Symphony Orchestra.

Attended school in Jacksonville. Illinois, and University of Colorado. interest in folk music developed, spending vacation summers at Rocky Mountain National Park, and decided a career as concert pianist was not for her.

Began singing regularly at folk clubs in Colorado, especially Denver and Chicago. Made (1), an album of traditional folk music, but like others around her soon developed interest in contemporary folk music. (3) included many protest songs, all sung with raging conviction.

Her political enthusiasm thus stimulated, she was a regular performer on platforms at protest marches. By (4), was including much material of angry young folk-singers Tom Paxton, Bob Dylan and Phil Ochs.

With her thorough musical training, early on began to find the voice-guitar formula too restrictive. Developed musical ideas on (6) which was recorded in London. It included. for example, songs featured in Peter Brook's Aldwych Theatre production of Peter Weiss' "The Marat/Sade", with full orchestral backing.

(6) was not so much innovatory as revolutionary. So was (7) which, in its lush romanticism, was practically a musical companion piece to a film like "Elvira Madigan". It was also first album to feature any of her own compositions.

(8) featured her own electric back-up group, which included Stephen Stills on guitar. They had brief affair, and he wrote Suite: Judy Blue-Eyes after she'd gone.

In 1969, briefly tried her hand at acting in lbson's "Peer Gynt."

Since early 60's, her musical vision has consistently outstripped everyone else's. Describes herself as an interpretative singer, and has been particularly successful in discovering relatively unknown songwriters. Joni Mitchell. Leonard Cohen, Randy Newman and Sandy Denny among others have good reason to be grateful to her. She has excellent voice, and fine ability at arranging songs. On (15) her own ability as a songwriter was first realised.

Albums (6) (7) (8) and (15) are especially recommended.

In last year has been involved with directing a documentary film about her former Professor of Music. She has 14-year-old son by early marriage to university lecturer Peter Taylor (which was dissolved 1966).

(1)A Maid of Constant Sorrow (Elektra 1962)/(2) Golden Apples Of The Sun (Elektra 1963)/(3) Judy Collins No.3 (Elektra 1963)/(4) The Judy Collins Concert (Elektra 1964)/(5) Fifth Album (Elektra 1965)/(6)In My Life (Elektra 1967)/(7) Wildflowers (Elektra 1967)/(8) Who Knows Where The Tine Goes (Elektra 1968)/(9) Whales And Nightingales (Elektra 1971)/(10) Living (Elektra 1972)/(11) True Stories and Other Dreams (Elektra 1973).

Collections: (12) Recollections (Elektra 1970)/(13) Both Sides Now (Elektra 1971)/(14) The Best of Judy Collins (Elektra 1972)/(15) Judy Collins' Most Beautiful Songs (Elektra 1972).

Judy Collins


Index


Jim Croce (1973)

ex-construction worker, had first American hit with You Don't Mess Around With Jim, following up with Bad Bad Leroy Brown. Recorded two albums before death in air-crash late 1973 causing widespread regret, it being considered his best work yet to come.

A Young Man and His Blues


Index


The Rolling Stones (1966)

In 1962, Mick Jagger (July 26 1943), Brian Jones (Feb 28 1942), Keith Richard (Dec 18 1943) and lan Stewart (pno) got together for casual gigs at Richmond pub, Soon joined by drummer Charlie Watts (June 2 1941) from Alexis Korner Band and bassist Bill Wyman (Oct 24 1941) who took over from Dick Taylor.

Early 1963 found "Brian Jones and Mick Jagger & The Rollin' Stones" (as they were billed) depping for Korner at Marquee's original premises in Oxford Street, plus one-nighters at Eel Pie Island and Ealing Blues Club.

Recorded some demos at I.B.C. studios which were never released and opened an 8-month residency at Crawdaddy Club, Richmond. where they built large cult following, In April of same year, signed management contract with Andrew Loog Oldham & Eric Easton.

First single Come On/1 Want To Be Loved released on June 7. same day as first TV appearance on "Thank Your Lucky Stars". August brought spot on lst National Jazz Festival at Richmond; September supporting engagement on Everly Brothers/Bo Didley/Little Richard package tour; November a second single, I,ennon & McCartney's I Wanna Be Your Man.

To coincide with initial bill-topping tour with Ronettes, an E.P. was issued January 1964 and a single Not Fade Away in Feb. By now, Stones had captured imagination of British youth and group were being compared to Beatles by National press, who branded them as dirty, unwashed enemies of public decency and society. This only helped consolidate their position.

This is further enhanced by (1), possibly the finest ever debut from a rock band, as they explored a selection of old R&B standards. Sold over 110,000 copies in Britain alone. June found them on first U.S. tour, and It's All Over Now on charts.

Riots broke out in Chicago when Stones attempted to give press conference outside Chess Records, where they recorded superb Five By Five EP. Little Red Rooster became their last ethniclv daring single, and was Brian Jones' most cherished musically memory.

(2) Majority of which was recorded in States, firmly established Stones on both sides of Atlantic. Followed by first self-penned 'A' side, The Last Time, and EP Got Live If You Want It culled from British concerts. Wherever Stones played - home and abroad -- riots ensued. Press condemned them as trouble makers.

Most famous and most 'covered' single Satisfaction immediately followed controversial London Palladium appearance in August 1965. (3) explored same direction as first two albums.

Get Off Of My Cloud, 19th Nervous Breakdown/As Tears Go By, Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In The Shadows? reveal them as consistent hit maker. They have by this time appointed American accountant, Allen Klein as co-manager with Oldham.

(4) is their first all-original album, but initial irnpetus devalued by subsequent release of Beatles' Revolver and Dylan's Blonde On Blonde. Stones 'outlaw' image is further underlined by Let's Spend The Night Together being censored by Ed Sullivan Jan 1967, Keith and Mick being busted during police raid on Richard's home; riots when Stones go behind Iron Curtain to play Warsaw; Brian Jones being busted; and subsequent jail sentences and appeals which caused much public debate.

(5) and (6) emerged during these times of stress, as did We Love You, a toke of Stones psychedelia with a little help from John and Paul. Moderate success by previous standards.

Brian Jones began to suffer ill-health. August 1967, Jagger and Marianne Faithfull visit Maharishi with Beatles. Two months later, Jones' sentence for possession of drugs quashed. In December, admitted to hospital,

(7) found group lost in space and hiding under more terrestrial shadow of Sgt. Pepper, Album got unanimous thumbs down.

Brian Jones arrested yet again (May, 1968). Committed for trial on £2,000 bail.

Jumping Jack Flash single restored public's faith in Stones as definitive rock 'n' roll band. (8) was scheduled for release in July, but, owing to Decca's objection to original art-work which depicted heavily graffitied toilet wall, album wasn't released until Christmas with new sleeve.

This was Stones finest hour: includes such classics as Sympathy For The Devil, Street Fighting Man and Stray Cat Blues. Also Brian Jones' last album. He participated in Stones never-to-be-seen TV special "Rock and Roll Circus" in December and on June 9 1969 a fortnight after another bust for Mick & Marianne quit the Stones. His reason: "I no longer see eye to eye with the others over the discs we are cutting" It's much deeper than that.

June 13 1969: Mick Taylor (Jan 17 1948) left John Mayall to be replacement.

Jones talks about forming own band. But on July, 3 he's found dead in swimming pool of his Hartfield home. He was 25.

Two days later, Taylor debuted with Stones in Hyde Park before 250,000 fans, July 6: Mick & Marianne fly to Australia where Jagger was to play title role in "Ned Kel1y" movie.

Brian Jones buried on July 10: Honky Tonk Woman released July 11.

To tie in with first U.S. tour in three years, (9) released to good reviews. August 6-8 Altamont Festival and its horrendous consequences. (10) stems flow of bootlegs. It's high-energy, no-punches-pulled Stones rock. Jagger's second, highly praised film role: "Performance".

Brown Sugar and (11) top singles and albums charts (first on groups own label) and prove to be a grand celebration of Stones jet set debauchery and chic demonic postures. Jim Price (tpt). Bobby Keyes (sx). Nicky Hopkins (pno) now permanently augment band

(12) comes in all fashionable flavours of rock and is spread over four sides. Another American tour.

Stones return September 1973 with (13) and fantastically successful European tour, as strong as ever

(1) The Rolling Stones (Decca 1964)/(2) The Rolling Stones No. 2 (Decea 1965)/(3) Out Of Our Heads (Decca1965)/(4) Aftermath (Decca 1966) (5)/Between The Buttons (Decca 1967)/(6) Flowers (Decca 1967)/(7) Their Satanic Majesties Request (Decea 1967)/(8) Beggars Banquet (Decca 1968)/(9) Let It Bleed (Decca 1969)/'(10) Get Yer Ya-Yas Out (Decca 1970)/'(l1) Sticky Fingers (Rolling Stones 1971)/(12) Exile On Main Street (Rolling Stones 1972) (13) Goat's Head Soup (Rolling Stones 1973).

Compilations: Big Hits (High Tide And Green Grass) (Decca 1966)/Through The Past Darkly (Big Hits. Vol.2.) (Decca 1969)/Hot Rocks 1964/1971 (US London 1971)/More Hot Rocks (Big Hits & Fazed Cookies) (US London 1972)

The Rolling Stones Fan Club of Europe - It's Only Rock'n Roll

Index


Bob Dylan (1965)

Born Robert Zimmerman 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota. His family moved to Hibbing when Dylan was six. When he was 12 he started playing guitar and formed several groups in high school before -going to Minnesota University 1959. The following year he dropped out and, by 1961. was singing professionally in Greenwich Village.

Signed to CBS by John Hammond in '62, his debut album (1) caused sensation everywhere but in the record company, with its unprecedentedly authentic readings of traditional songs and Dylan's earthilv urgent instrumental style.

A single. Mixed Up Confusion/Corinna Corinna. was released in same year to no success, but is of intense interest in that it anticipated the Dylan-plus-group recordings he began three years later.

(2) established him as leader of American folk/ protest wave. containing genre classics like A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall. Blowin' In The Wind and Masters Of War. (3) consolidated this position, the title track becoming Dylan's first British hit in 1965 during his second tour in this country (he appeared briefly, here in 1963).

A more obviously personal style became apparent in the transitional (4) which was greeted by American Left Wing Folk movement with disapproval. but by now Dylan's first phase was over and his great central period, well under way.

(5) was about equally divided between solo Dylan and a line up featuring, among others, Al Kooper and Paul Butterfield. Lyrics. as for example those of Gates Of Eden and Mr. Tambourine Man, a single hit for Byrds in 1965, were the fully developed exercises in aliusive surrealism for which Dylan is best known.

Although well received on his solo British tour. Dylan caused furore at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival by appearing backed by, Butterfield Blues Band.

Following recording of (6) in New York in same year, Dylan again toured Britain. this time with the Band and despite hitting the chart with both Subterranean Homesick Blues and Like A Rolling Stone received rough treatment from outraged folk purists all over the country. A fascinating record of one such appearance can be heard in (19).

By the time he had recorded the epic (7) most of the opposition had died down. but pressures on him had reached crisis point - as can clearly be seen in Don Pennebaker's film of the 1965 British tour, "Don't Look Back".

A mysterious retirement followed, the original reason being that Dylan had suffered a serious motorcycle accident, although there are reasons for doubting the truth of this story. The unanimous enthusiastic reception for Dylan's singles died away, Positively 4th Street making the British charts. Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window and One Of Us Must Know failing to attract interest.

A late revival in general popularity, with Rainy Day Women Nos. 12 & 35 and I want You preceded 18 months of total silence and Dylan has not enjoyed commensurate singles success in Britain since.

During retirement he cut the legendary Basement Tape with the Band at Big Pink. copies of which circulated in Britain and America and resulted in two hit singles -- The Mighty Quinn by Manfred Mann and This Wheel's On Fire by Julie Driscoll/Brian Auger. Parts of tape are contained on (I5) and (20).

(8) broke official silence and its austere understatement met mixed reactions. Hindsight shows it to be one of Dylan's best albums. demonstrating on the other hand (9)'s homely, sentimentality, to be the beginning of a phase of barren inspiration which. despite (11), may turn out to be permanent.

(10). a diary-like record of Dylan's musical roots interspersed with his interpretations of contemporary songs by Gordon Lightfoot. Paul Simon and Everly Brothers was released to almost universal bad reviews and even (11), which many hold to signify . the re-awakening, of Dylan's creativity. is fatally flawed.

Apart from two singles - Watching The River Flow and George Jackson Dylan's only, appearance on record for last three years has been his side of The Concert For Bungla Desh. although some new material was included in (13).

An album of his songs for Sam Peckinpah's Billy The Kid film. in which he had minor role, was a late 1973 release but, as yet, there are no concrete plans for a successor to (11).

Bob Dylan's importance to development of rock in the 60s is rivalled only, by that of Beatles. His influence went much further than the innovative qualities of his lyrics, his songs effecting a change in the consciousness of an entire generation of young people opening up a general awareness of attitudes, both political and personal, that, without him, might still be stifled and denied today.

Included in this list - (15) to (24) - is a selection of the most important of the forty-odd Dylan bootlegs still in circulation.

(1) Bob Dylan (CBS 1962),(2) The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan (CBS 1963)/(3) The Times They Are A Changing(CBS 1964)/ (4) Another Side Of Bob Dylan (CBS 1964)/(5) Bringing It All Back Home (CBS 1965)/ (6) Highway 61- Revisited (CBS 1965)/(7)Blonde On Blonde (CBS double 1966)/(8) John Wesley Harding (CBS 1968)/(9) Nashville Skyline (CBS 1969)/(10) Self Portrait (CBS double 1970)/(11) New Morning (CBS 1970)/ (12) Greatest Hits (CBS 1967) /(13) More Greatest Hits (CBS 1972)/(14) Pat Garrett & Billy, The Kid (CBS 1973).

Bootlegs: (15) The Great White Wonder (several versions) /(16) Stealin'/(17) John Birch Society Blues /(18) While The Establishment Burns /(19) Royal Albert Hall 1966/(20) VD Waltz /(21) Isle Of Wight / (22) 24/(23) Black Nite Crash /(24) 40 Red White And Blue Shoestrings.

DYLANWEB


Index


Cat Stevens 1972
Tea for the Tillerman - The Original Cat Stevens World Wide Web Site


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