Clear Blue Sky, one of the most promising British bands of the early Seventies, devised this impressive debut album, now recognised as a classic of British progressive rock. Although influenced by contemporaries like Cream, Clear Blue Sky was keen to experiment with new original sounds. The seven tracks include the epic ‘Journey To The Inside Of The Sun’ and dynamic performances like ‘The Rocket Ride’ and ‘You Mystify’.

Produced by Patrick Campbell-Lyons, ‘Clear Blue Sky’ was first released on the Vertigo label in January 1971, its distinctive gatefold LP cover designed by Roger Dean. The trio from Acton, London features John Simmons, (guitar), Mark Sheather (bass guitar) and Ken White (drums). Eighteen-year-old Simmons wrote all the songs including ‘Sweet Leaf’, a distinctive shuffle riff that would appeal to Status Quo fans. The guitarist also handles the Jack Bruce style vocals on songs like ‘I’m Comin’ Home’, while ‘You Mystify’ is notable for some truly haunting riffs. The final item ‘Birdcatcher’ has melodic flute playing added behind a blazing guitar solo. The group was popular throughout Europe, but broke up in 1975 and this proved the band’s sole album. Long been sought after by fans it is made available by Repertoire, fully restored and remastered with the addition of informative new CD liner notes.

This English folk group’s Vertigo album debut has become incredibly rare and highly prized among record collectors over the years. However, it is now available in all its glory on Repertoire CD, bringing back memories of those attractive songs recorded in a week of sessions at Lansdowne Studios London in 1971. Tudor Lodge took their name from a local pub and came to fame with an acclaimed appearance at the Cambridge Folk Festival. The original trio comprised Ann Steuart (flute and vocals), Lyndon Green (vocals, guitar) and John Stannard (vocals, guitar). Top session musicians augment the line up on the album, notably Danny Thompson (bass) and Terry Cox (drums) from Pentangle. The 12 tracks include ‘Two Steps Back’, featuring Annie Steuart, ‘The Lady’s Changing Home’ (that was released as a single), and a cover of Ralph McTell’s ‘Kew Gardens’.

The new band was a six piece pop outfit from Birmingham who enjoyed considerable success with debut single ‘The Muffin Man’. The song, featuring lead vocalist Christopher Robin and a studio orchestra, is the first item on the band’s sole album, now widely regarded as a classic. Other tracks such as ‘King Croesus’ and ‘Willow’s Harp’ were huge hits in Europe, where the group toured and appeared regularly on TV. As well as the 12 original album tracks, we have added a further eight items, including the single version of ‘The Muffin Man’ and ‘King Croesus’, together with B-sides and mono versions.