Walrus - Walrus (1970) 24-bit/96kHz
Jazz-Rock, Progressive Rock | 1970 UK LP | Deram SML 1072
Walrus were a Jazz influenced progressive rock outfit who formed in 1969. They recorded one of the most collectable and sought after albums to be released by Decca Records' progressive imprint, Deram. A superb mixture of styles, the album was notable for a cover version of Traffic's Coloured Rain, alongside original numbers. Esoteric Recordings
In the late sixties, bassist Steve HAWTHORN came up with an idea to fuse rock and jazz. By 1969, he'd formed WALRUS, an eight-piece monster (the band's roster in the tradition of large orchestral groups would fluctuate many times throughout Walrus's short career) and the band toured heavily around the London area.
In June of the same year, WALRUS was picked up by Decca Records, handed some money, and told to produce an album. Their self-titled debut was released in December [though technically a 1970 release] on Decca's Deram label with Hawthorn on bass along with John SCATES on guitars, Barry PARFITT on keyboards, Nick GABB's & Roger HARRISON's drums, the vocals of Noel GREENAWAY, and Don RICHARDS, Roy VOCE & Bill HOAD on various brass instruments, the track "Who Can I Trust?" being pushed as the single.
However, the outfit was not to be. Another album was never realized and by 1972, despite having attained a large and faithful live following, the band split up. Among the many WALRUS alumni, only occasional percussionist Ian MOSELY went on to musical success, becoming a member of MARILLION.
Although HAWTHORN's dream was for Walrus to become a fusion of jazz & rock, the band's style is more reminiscent of orchestral early blues a la JETHRO TULL or ROOM. However, it is progressive blues with the lengthy jams of Tull mixed together with the chaos of AMON DUUL II and a touch of early KING CRIMSON to keep everyone sane. A rare treat for fans of early 70s classic prog. Classic Rock Forums.
Vinyl provided through the kind auspices of puzzleoyster. Thank you.
Track listing:
01. WHO CAN I TRUST ?
02. RAGS AND OLD IRON / BLIND MAN / ROADSIDE
03. WHY
04. TURNING / WOMAN / TURNING (Reprise)
05. SUNSHINE NEEDS ME
06. COLOURED RAIN / MOTHER'S DEAD FACE IN MEMORIAM / COLOURED RAIN (Reprise)
07. TOMORROW NEVER COMES
Personnel:
Steve Hawthorn: Bass guitar
John Scates: Lead & Rhythm guitar
Nick Gabb: Drums
Barry Parfitt: Organ & Piano
Noel Greenaway: Vocals
Don Richards: Trumpet
Roy Voce: Tenor Sax
Bill Hoad: Soprano-Alto-Tenor & Baritone Saxes, Clarinet, Flute, Alto Flute
Roger Harrison: Drums (1 & 3), Cowbell, Tambourine, Claves
Produced by David Hitchcock
Technicals:
Knosti RCM.
Michell GyroDec full version.
Funk Firm FXR II Tonearm.
Audio Technica AT33PTG/II MC Cartridge.
Harman Kardon HK990 Integrated Amplifier.
Gold Interconnects. E-MU 0204 Audio Interface.
Recording, split and manual de-click with Adobe Audition 3.0.1
Click Repair 3.9.1
Vinyl transfer by son-of-albion, March 2014.