Allan Holdsworth is a legendary figure in the world of Jazz and Rock guitar players. For four decades he has been considered one of the finest exponents of the instrument. Esoteric Recordings are pleased to announce the release of the album that saw Holdsworth make his recorded debut, Igginbottom's Wrench. Igginbottom was formed in Bradford in 1968 and also featured Dave Freeman (drums), Steven Robinson (guitar, vocals) and Mick Skelly (bass). Their sole album was originally released by Decca's Deram label in 1969, and featured such innovative pieces as The Castle and Sweet Dry Biscuits. The record also enjoyed the patronage of Jazz legend Ronnie Scott. A criminally under-rated work, Esoteric is proud to present the album to a new audience.
This is England, the day after the 60s. It’s a time of flux. On the cusp of progressive rock but without a rule book, many groups hold fast to psychedelia’s adventurousness and melodic delights, while they are also happy to venture deep into the jazz and folk scenes. The result is some wonderful, atmospheric, rain-flecked music.
Riff Raff (1973). British progressive rock band's folk and jazz oriented debut album little bit similar to Igginbottom's Wrench. Featuring Tommy Eyre on keyboard who has been actively involved with numerous bands including The Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation, Juicy Lucy and The Sensational Alex Harvey Band.
Original Man (1974). The second album released by Britain's Riff Raff was a further study in the textures of jazz-rock as they had been articulated not only on the band's issued debut, but also with Tommy Eyre and Pete Kirkley's stint with Mark-Almond. Here are seven rather extended forays into keyboard-drenched rock that carried a jazz sensibility in its beak and dropped it thoroughly onto blues-based progressive rock.
It may be hard to believe, but this is the CD debut of this little-known, British progressive record. Released on Decca Records in 1977, the only First Aid album offer a varied, well-arranged and pompous concept album (very often recorded with studio orchestra) based on Nostradamus and his prophecies. The strongest moment of the entire record is 13-minute closing track, the real progressive monster full of inventive guitar and keyboards interplay. This memorable music will surely appeal to all fans of Camel, Yes, Strange Days and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. It should be noted, that 8 years earlier drummer Dave Freeman had played (together with guitarist Allan Holdworth) in very fine, jazzy-progressive band 'Igginbottom.