Stackridge: Extravaganza, 2CD

• NEW EXPANDED 2CD EDITION OF THE CLASSIC 1975 ALBUM BY STACKRIDGE.

• WITH EIGHT ADDITIONAL BONUS TRACKS RECORDED FOR BBC RADIO ONE “IN CONCERT” IN JANUARY 1975.

• FULLY RESTORED ARTWORK AND NEW ESSAY WITH EXCLUSIVE BAND INTERVIEWS.

• REVIEWS IN PROG, UNCUT, MOJO, RECORD COLLECTOR MAGAZINES PLUS COVERAGE ON RELEVANT WEBSITES AND FANZINES.

Formed in Bristol in 1969, Stackridge were one of the most unique British bands of the era. Their initial line-up featured Andy Davis (guitar, keyboards, vocals), James Warren (guitar, vocals), James “Crun” Walter (bass), Michael “Mutter” Slater (flute, vocals), Michael Evans (violin) and Billy Bent (drums). Possessing a gift for melody, musicianship and a fine sense of humour and English eccentricity, their concerts were legendary.

Throughout 1970 they honed their song writing and live act. In 1971, Crun Walter departed the band and James Warren assumed bass guitar duties. They signed to MCA Records and recorded their critically acclaimed self-titled debut album. Their second album, ‘Friendliness’, was issued in November 1972 and gained the band more dedicated followers. The band’s third album, ‘The Man in the Bowler Hat’ was produced by the legendary George Martin and is widely regarded as one of their finest works.

Following the release Stackridge underwent a series of line-up changes which saw the departure of Warren, Evans, Slater, Walter and Bent and a new line-up of Stackridge came together with Andy Davis at the helm with the addition of former Audience member Keith Gemmell (saxophone, clarinet, flute), Rod Bowkett (keyboards), Paul Karas (bass) and Roy Morgan (drums). Signing to Elton John’s newly established Rocket Records, Stackridge recorded the album ‘Extravaganza’, with Mutter Slater returning to the fold prior to recording sessions.

This Esoteric Recordings edition has been expanded to include an additional CD which features a wonderful performance for the Radio One In Concert programme recorded January 1975. The release features an illustrated booklet with exclusive band interviews and an essay by Mike Barnes.

TRACK LISTING

DISC ONE

Extravaganza
Released in January 1975
1 Spin ‘Round the Room
2 Grease Paint Smiles
3 The Volunteer
4 Highbury Incident
5 Benjamin’s Giant Onion
6 Happy in the Lord
7 Rufus T. Firefly
8 No One’s More Important Than the Earthworm
9 Pocket Billiards
10 Who’s That Up There With Bill Stokes?

DISC TWO

BBC Radio One “In Concert” 17th January 1975
1 The Volunteer
2 Who’s That Up There With Bill Stokes?
3 No One’s More Important Than the Earthworm
4 The Galloping Gaucho
5 Pocket Billiards
6 Spin ‘Round the Room
7 God Speed the Plough
8 Dora the Female Explorer