Whilst by no means as acclaimed as many contemporaries, Jade Warrior had been at the leading edge of early 70s British innovative song. Steeped within the folks and psychedelic blues of the past due 60s, they had been additionally enthusiastic exponents of Latin American, African and Indian rhythmic components – uncommon for Ecu innovative rock artists of the time.
First of all a trio of guitarist Tony Duhig, flautist/percussionist Jon Box and bassist/vocalist Glyn Havard, Borne On The Sun Wind collects the 3 albums they made for the Vertigo label. Their 1971 eponymous debut captures the eclectic mixture of types, which characterized their early output.
A Prenormal Day In Brighton boasts early Jethro Tull vibes colliding with sunglasses of Mild Massive; whilst Masai Morning alternates sections of wafting flute and light-weight African percussion with extra frenetic percussive exercises and distorted guitar. Sundial Tune sandwiches folky urgency between airy starting and finish sections.
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Later the similar 12 months, with drummer Allan Worth now a member and contributions from saxophonist Dave Connors, the band introduced 2nd album Launched. Extra direct and mainstream, it moved clear of a few of its predecessor’s extra experimental leanings.
Extra obtrusive rock influences creep in on insistent, conga-driven opener 3 Horned Dragon King; and the band does smoky jazz with Water Curtain Cave, whilst embracing their folks roots with tracks like the sleek, dreamy Yellow Eyes.
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With 1972’s Closing Autumn’s Dream, Jade Warrior misplaced their method slightly. Many tracks really feel like glorified jams or makes an attempt to construct one thing out of minimum musical concepts – equivalent to Woman Of The Lake, which guarantees a lot in its first minute or so however in the end doesn’t pass anyplace.
There may be a lot right here this is price savouring, however in the end Borne On The Sun Wind (which follows 2023’s Wind Borne – The Island Albums 1974-1978) paperwork a band nonetheless slightly caught within the 60s and suffering to adapt a transparent imaginative and prescient and more potent songwriting.
Borne On The Sun Wind – The Vertigo Albums is on sale now by way of Esoteric.
