One of the giants of British pop in the early '70s, Blue Mink was formed in fall 1969 by keyboard player Roger Coulam, around a nucleus of musicians based at London's Morgan Studios -- bassist Herbie Flowers, guitarist Allan Parker, and drummer Barry Morgan were also involved. Having already recorded a number of backing tracks, Coulam then approached soul singer Madeline Bell and former David & Jonathan star Roger Greenaway as vocalists; Bell accepted, Greenaway declined but recommended his songwriting partner (and fellow David & Jonathan-er) Roger Cook in his stead.
With this lineup, Cook and Greenaway's "Melting Pot" was released as Blue Mink's debut single, a plea for multi-racial harmony that reached number three in the U.K. that November. An album of the same title was released in the new year, alongside the single "Good Morning Freedom" -- for reasons unknown, the single did not originally appear on the LP. However, its swift rise into the U.K. Top Ten prompted a rethink, and subsequent pressings packed it on board.
by Dave Thompson
Tracks
1. Melting Pot (Roger Greenaway, Roger Cook) - 3:54
2. Gidda Wadda Wobble (Alan Parker) - 3:50
3. Gimme Reggae (B. Fox) - 3:13
4. But Not Forever (Roger Coulam) - 3:02
5. Chopin Up Stix (Herbie Flowers, Roger Coulam) - 4:21
6. Can You Feel It Baby (Roger Greenaway, Roger Cook) - 4:32
7. Country Chic (Roger Coulam) - 4:33
8. Mary Jane (Herbie Flowers, Kenny Pickett) - 3:19
9. Over The Top (Roger Coulam) - 6:23
10.Good Morning Freedom (Roger Greenaway, Roger Cook, Albert Hammond, Michael Hazlewood) - 2:54
Bonus Track 10
Blue Mink
*Madeline Bell - Vocals
*Roger Cook - Vocals
*Roger Coulam - Piano, Organ
*Herbie Flowers - Bass
*Barry Morgan - Drums, Percussion
*Alan Parker - Guitar
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