Accolade (1970)
Accolade - Accolade (1970)
Accolade's one of those short-lived late-'60s/early-'70s English bands that attempted to expand musical boundaries, mixing traditional English folk with some rock influences. In one respect the band (bassist Eden Abba, woodwind player Brian Cresswell, singer/guitarist Gordon Giltrap, drummer Ian Hoyle and guitarist Don Partridge) was quite different from many of their contemporaries - namely they were brimming with talent. Prior to their collaboration in Accolade, both Giltrap and Partridge had enjoyed some solo recognition. Giltrap had released a pair of critically praised solo albums, while Partridge (who was actually working as a street musician (what the English term a busker)), enjoyed a fluke UK hit with the song "Rosie"). Unfortunately, Accolade's pastoral stylings guaranteed instant obscurity in the States. In fact, it's somewhat of a mystery how they even got their 1968 debut released by Capitol (a label hardly renown for its willingness to take a chance on cutting edge sounds).
Produced by Don Paul, 1969's cleverly-titled "Accolade" is hard to accurately describe. Recorded with former Artwoods bassist Malcolm Pool replacing Abba, the collection exhibits a smooth and calming sound throughout. Largely acoustic (though you don't really realize it), material such as "Maiden Flight Eliza" (featuring some weird Mamas and Papas-styled harmonies - we're not kidding), "Prelude To a Dawn" and "Never Ending Solitude" wasn't exactly mainstream rock, nor did it fall under the banner of Fairport Convention-styled English folk. Imagine well crafted cocktail jazz with the addition of a touch of English folk ("Ulyssees") and you'll get a feel for the LP. While that doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement, the result is actually a fascinating album that we repeatedly come back to. Our favorite tracks? Abba's only contribution, the bluesy "Nature Boy" and the surprisingly hard rocking "Gospel Song".
Tracklist:
(side 1)
1.) Maiden Flight Eliza (Don Partridge) - 2:42
2.) Starting All Over Again (Gordon Giltrap) - 4:45
3.) Prelude To a Dawn (instrumental) (Brian Cresswell) - 3:10
4.) Never Ending Solitude (Gordon Giltrap) - 2:36
5.) Nature Boy (Eden Ahbez) - 9:35
(side 2)
1.) Gospel Song (Gordon Giltrap) - 3:31
2.) Calico (Don Partridge) - 3:03
3.) Ulyssees (Don Partridge) - 12:32
4.) Go On Home (Don Partridge) - 2:37
Accolade 2 (1971)
Accolade - Accolade 2 (1971)
This is great! A flute and folk guitar together, similar to a well sung Jethro Tull. Don Partridge, the vocalist appears by himself later in his career. includes Brian Cresswell, Malcolm Poole, and Ian Hoyle. Wizz Jones plays acoustic guitar on four songs, and one of the songs is a Gordon Giltrap cover tune. My favorite song is 'transworld blues' on the first three listens, but I'm sure with repeated turns, this one will offer up many layers of beauty. The front cover artwork is an original painting by David Steele and attracted me to this UK prog/psych record immediately.
Maybe I'm just a sucker for flute - I don't know - but to me this is yet another excellent slice of early 70's UK psych folk. Originally released on the Regal Zonophone label in 1971. Crisp and clear male vocals, prominent flute, dreamy acoustic guitar, and occasional doses of piano, harmonica, vibraphone make for a truly enjoyable listening experience. The 11+ minute "Cross Continental Pandemonium Theatre Company" is one of the higlights of this gem. If you like flute-dominated acoustic progressive psych/folk, you can't go wrong with this.
Accolade were a light acoustic band, formed in 1969 who completely eschewed electric instruments, as they developed a folk / jazz fusion. Notable, perhaps only for the inclusion of Partridge and fellow singer Gordon Giltrap, although the latter remained for only one album. The group recorded two albums and one single, before going their separate ways in 1971.
As musical tastes changed, and the novelty value of a folk music singing, one man band, paled, Partridge retreated to his well-worn path of busking for a living. He had made a big impression in Scandinavia, and moved to live in Sweden in the early 1970s. He made two unsuccessful albums there, before ultimately returning to his homeland. 2nd album by UK band from early 70's. A well mix up of verious styles like folk, jazz, and rock, but psych folk dominated. Wizz Jones was featured on several tracks and the album also a cool return of Made In Sweden's 'Snakes In A Hole' Originally released in 1971 on Regal Zonophone. (Reviews from different sources)
Tracklist:
01. Transworld Blues
02. The Spider to The Spy
03. Baby, Take Your Rags Off
04. Cross Continental...
05. Snakes In a Hole
06. The Time I´ve Wasted
07. Sector Five Nine
08. If Only I´d Known
09. William Taplin