Glenn Cornick (1947-2014) was a cofounding member of Jethro Tull and as the only one with some kind of musical education contributed a lot to the band's early sound as bassist and arranger. 1970 after the "Benefit" recordings sacked by Ian Andersson because of his wild drug/party life style. Following a short stint as studio musician he formed the "Wild Turkey" outfit which lasted 1971-74, releasing two albums - this and the 1972 "Turkey". Vocalist Gary Pickford-Hopkins came from psych combo "Eyes Of Blue" and drummer Jeff Jones had been a member of "Man", playing on their debute - "Revelation". Guitarists Tweke Lewis and Jon Blackmore (no Purple relationship) didn't have background in any known bands and while Lewis went on to join "Man" later on Blackmore returned into oblivion. This debute fits the description "forgotten gem". Forgotten - because it seems to have disappeared soon after release with very low sales (though it did make a short visit at Billboard #193) and even today hardly acknowledged by others than the most die-hard prog fans. Gem - because it has all the ingredients of a great prog album. There's a couple of bass licks and a sometimes folky atmosphere reminding of "Benefit", but apart from that this has little to do with Jethro Tull. Diverse and adventurous with complicated melody lines and theme changes, borderline jazzy still including some raw rock/blues moments. Clearly a team effort, but to me the guitars stand out - electric as well as acoustic. On the negative side - though with good songwriting all through I miss catchy moments and some hit feeling. Also the audio on this first UK press is a little too blunt for my taste, not muddy but it would have benefited from better separation and dynamics. Favorite tracks - "Butterfly" and "Gentle Rain". 1971 European releases on Chrysalis. First US and Canadian 1972 on Reprise (MS 2070). 2004 remastered CD on Mason Records came with two (live) bonus tracks. Premiere UK had label as shown here with "i" logo on top, thick matt fold/out cover and lyric inner. (YÖHT*)
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