BELL & ARC V Rare Orig UK 1971 Prog Psych LP Skip Bifferty Pink Charisma A1 B1
£
24
$
32
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Description
Bell & Arc
1st
Very Rare original UK LP released on Charisma Records in 1971. 1st UK pressing on the Pink 'Scroll' Label and comes in a fully laminated gatefold sleeve.
Matrix No's
Side One - CAS 1053 A-1U
Side Two - CAS 1053 B-1U
Bell & Arc’s one and only record is a prime cut of early 1970s British rock and roll. Born out of the psychedelic ashes of Skip Bifferty, Bell & Arc saw a reunion of sorts between singer Graham Bell and his former band mates, keyboardist Mick Gallagher and guitarist John Turnbull. Anyone delving into this record expecting the underground freak-beat of that earlier band, however, is in for a rude surprise. This band is an entirely different beast, and even Graham Bell’s singing has undergone some serious evolution since Skip Bifferty sank in 1969.
Heavy threads of American soul music, as well as tasteful touches of gospel and country, are what inform this record more than anything. From the insistent groove of “High Priest of Memphis” to the rollicking banjo rolls in “Keep A Wise Mind,” it is clear what musical traditions these cats are mining. Graham Bell’s vocals here are so soulful it almost hurts, with the obvious reference point being the shredded-throat testifying of fellow countryman Joe Cocker.
Turnbull’s guitar is also on fire, whether he’s indulging in tight wah-pedal workouts in “Let Your Love Run Free” or keeping things beautifully restrained in the band’s sizzling, slow-burn workout of Leonard Cohen’s “So Long, Marianne.” In the meantime, I would assert that it is Gallagher’s rhythm piano which seems to be the bedrock of the band’s sound. Each cut displays inspired playing that really seals together the spirit of the band. His concluding improvisations on “Yat Rock” are particularly enjoyable, where he compliments his driving rhythm playing with the occasional Jerry Lee Lewis run.
TRACKS ARE :-
Side One
1. High Priest of Memphis
2. Let Your Love Run Free
3. Keep a Wise Mind
4. So Long Marianne
5. She Belongs to Me
Side Two
1. Yat Rock
2. Dawn
3. Children of the North Prison
4. Everyday
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Released on Charisma Records in 1971
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Catalogue Number CAS 1053
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Record is in Mint condition
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Sleeve is in Near Mint condition
***All Items must be paid for within 7 days***
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POSTAGE RATES WITHIN THE UK: -
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FIRST 7" IS £1.50 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL 7" ADD 50p
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FIRST 10" IS £2.00 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL 10" ADD 50p
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FIRST 12" IS £2.00 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL 12" ADD 50p
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FIRST LP IS £2.00 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL LP ADD 50p
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FIRST CD IS £1.00 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL CD ADD 50p
