Thursday, October 18, 2012

Jody Grind - One Step On (1969 uk, exciting progressive rock with jazz elements, 2006 japan remaster)



Jody Grind remain vastly understated in musical measure and lyrical overflow.Their story started in 1966 when a group called The News comprising guitarist Ivan Zagni, Andy Fields vox and keyboards, Harvey Platt bass and Denny Royal drums released two singles “The Intertainer” and “I Count The Tears”. The News even included at one time ex Chicago Line Blues Band vocalist Mike Patto which evolved into 

The Continentals with Andy Fields being replaced by Peter Miller and future Zagni looking for a more vibrant conduit. The connection came in 1969 with drummer Barry Wilson and ex Chicago Line Blues Band keyboardist Tim Hinkley, a veteran having played on Bo Street Runner’s “Ready Steady Win” formed the trio Jody Grind and launched their debut One Step On.

The album was a busy affair with Hinkley letting loose and providing the core of their improvised structures. The opening brass riddled trilogy “One Step On” was an austacious pounding with extremely fast leadbreaks by Zagni which included a very speedy rendition of the Stones’ “Paint It Black” featuring Renaissance bassist Louis Cennamo.The highlight was a heavy loaded bluesy lament called “USA”. David Palmer handled the arrangements for the debut that stands out like a mighty warrior, but sadly the swordsman were about to defect. 

After two viciously splendid singles, the Chuck Berry styled “Rock ‘n Roll Man” and “Paint It Black”. Zagni and Wilson were cajoled by ex Renaissance Cennamo to form Bogomas while later Zagni played with Elton Dean. Within six months the group depleted into Blue Whale with Ansley Dunbar keyboardist Tommy Eyre and Juicy Lucy/ Tempest vocalist Paul Williams.The group sessions included Robert Fripp but after their debut Aynsley departed for Frank Zappa. 
by Shiloh Noone
Tracks
1. One Step On - 18:46
..a.In My Mind
..b.Nothing At All
..c.Interation
..d.Paint It Black
2. Little Message - 4:42
3. Night Today - 5:04
4. U.S.A. - 6:40
5. Rock 'n' Roll Man - 4:35
All songs by Tim Hinkley and Ivan Zagni

Jody Grind 
*Tim Hinkley - Organ
*Ivan Zagni - Guitar
*Barry Wilson - Drums
With
*Louis Cenammo - Bass on 'Paint It Black', 'A Little Message', and 'Rock n Roll Man'.

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7 comments:

  1. JODY GRIND - British progressive rock band. Tragically, this ensemble has not reached those peaks that deserve and now they are an ornament collection drives only true fans of the British stage abroad 60s 70s. This is despite the fact that almost all the participants in the career can be involved in many more well-known groups. Jody Grind issued two obscure albums combining hard rock, jazz, blues, and classical influences with lineups emphasizing Hammond organ, guitar, and drums. Prone to long instrumental riffing and rather ponderous, stern original material, they were similar to other very early organ-oriented U.K. progressive rock acts. Initially called Nova, they changed their name to Jody Grind (after a song by jazzman Horace Silver)

    JODY GRIND first composition was assembled under the direction of virtuoso keyboardist Tim Hinkley , invited to record an album Ivan Zagni and Barry Wilson. Initially, not daring to perform the bass guitar itself, was connected to the recording old friend Louis Cennamo (previously in the Chicago Line Blues Band and later in Armageddon). helped out on their 1969 debut album,although the name of the latter often occurs in connection with this team, his role has been reduced to a minimum

    On "One step on", which was released in late 1969, the main role for itself took Hinckley. Perhaps due to lack of experience, or even the reasons why, but this recording is not very smooth. The album opens with a stunning 18 minute suite bearing the album's title. This four part epic includes a wonderful cover of the Rolling Stones Paint it black, the other three sections being self composed. The driving brass and superb guitar work remind a little of Uriah Heep's great Salisbury suite. The track oozes energy and originality, especially when you remember it dates from 1969. The brass sections were actually added after completion of the recording of the album, being arranged by David Palmer (later of Jethro Tull). The following Little message continues the magic, the track once again focusing on the instrumental prowess of the band. Night today finally sees the band taking a breather, the song being a softer piece featuring more in the way of vocals. While it is a pleasant listen, it lacks the dynamics of those which precede it, and is very much of its time. Anyone who enjoys the obscure one album band Aquila will also enjoy this and the following track USA. The latter is a straight blues rock number featuring some good guitar work. The album closes with a Chuck Berry tribute Rock'n'roll man, a thinly disguised cover of Johnny B. Goode. Once again some good if predictable guitar work, but the track is by and large the definition of filler. In all, a tremendously exciting album which loses its way slightly in the latter part. The first 20+ minutes though are as good as anything you will hear from the period.

    Thx Marios.

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  2. Thanks for the upgrade Marios.
    Τις πιο θερμές μου ευχές για το 2013.

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  3. Dear Marios!
    The link is unfortunately DEAD :(

    ReplyDelete
  4. .....Jody...Grind...On...Step...Up......

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    Replies
    1. Many, many thanks my friend!
      You are a gentleman.

      Delete
  5. Thankyou, Marios, for your review!

    ReplyDelete