Friday, August 14, 2015

Affinity - Affinity (1970 uk, fantastic prog jazz psych rock)



Well known Vertigo release (at least in progressive circles) of early 70's Hammond-dominated progressive with some jazz-influences. The band had an excellent female singer in Linda Hoyle. The material on the album is quite strong all the way through. "I Am and So Are You" and "Three Sister" do both use horns to good effect. "Mr. Joy" is a relaxed and excellent jazzy track, while "Night Flight" is a more typical early 70's progressive rock track. There are two excellent cover versions here too. 

You would may not expect much from a cover of The Everly Brother's "I Wonder If I Care As Much", but its sounds awesome with a incredible symphonic and great arrangement. And their 11-minute version of "All Along the Watchtower" is a irresistible Hammond-orgy you must hear to believe. Definitively one of the classic Vertigo releases.
Tracks
1. I Am And So Are You (Hull) - 3:31
2. Night Flight (Jopp, Hoyle) - 7:15
3. I Wonder If I Care As Much (Everly, Everly) - 3:20
4. Mr. Joy (Peacock) - 5:02
5. Three Sisters (Naiff, Hoyle) - 4:57
6. Cocoanut Grove (Sebastian, Yanofsky) - 2:35
7. All Along The Watchtower (Dylan) - 11:36
8. Eli's Coming (Nyro) - 3:26
9. United States Of Mind (Hull) - 2:44
Bonus Tracks 8-9

Affinity
*Linda Hoyle - Vocal
*Lynton Naiff - Organ
*Mike Jopp - Guitar
*Mo Foster - Bass
*Grant Serpell - Drums

1971-72  Affinity - Affinity

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