Gravy Train: Second Birth 1973 + Staircase To The Day 1974

 

Prog rock band from Lancashire, UK, formed in 1969 by guitarist/vocalist Norman Barratt. After they managed to get a contract with the famous Vertigo label their first outing aptly named Gravy Train hit the street in early 1971. Their 2nd album, by many critics and followers hailed as their best, came later

that same year titled: (A Ballad Of) A Peaceful Man (december 1971). That also saw the ending of contractaul obligations with Vertigo. However Dawn records signed them for another 2 albums: Second Birth was released in 1973 and Staircase To The Day in 1974. The group’s core members were Norman Barratt (vocals/guitar; b. 5 February 1949, d. 30 July 2011), Barry Davenport (drums), J.D. Hughes (woodwind/keyboards/vocals) and Les Williams (bass/vocals).
                           

Their first, self-titled 1970 album was dominated by Hughes’ flute melodies, which earned the group initial comparisons to Jethro Tull, as well as extended rock riffs. One of the songs, ‘Tribute To Syd’,

was an obvious salute to the genius of Syd Barrett. The follow-up collection, which sold poorly, was Ballad Of A Peaceful Man. Despite its relative lack of success, many critics considered it to be far superior to the group’s debut, with its complex arrangements, strong musical values and disciplined vocals attracting particular praise.
                         

Though they continued to draw crowds on their extensive UK touring schedule, Vertigo became frustrated with their lack of record sales, leading to a move to Dawn. For their final album, 1974’s

Staircase To The Day, the group experimented with Greek folk and classical signatures (notably on the Bach-inspired title track), while Roger Dean supplied the cover artwork. The group utilized a wide variety of collaborators for this album, including Russell Cordwell (drums), Jim Frank (drums), George Lynon (guitar), Pete Solley (synthesizer) and Mary Zinovieff (synthesizer/violin). Original drummer Davenport had now left, and the rest of the band elected to close their career after further moderate sales.
                                   

GRAVY TRAIN - SECOND BIRTH 1973

      

                      

This is Gravy Train, and I like this album even more than it's predecessor and successor. By the way,

second part (instrumental) of title track is one of the most beautiful melodies I've ever heard. And such raisin is present on all GT albums (e.g. ending of title track Staircase to the day). Gravy Train have really surpassed themselves with this marvellous melange of music, featuring big romantic orchestral numbers on Side One and hard and heavy rockers on Side Two.
(Raleks)
                    

Gravy Train – Second Birth
Label: Sequel Records – NEM CD 612
Format: CD, Album, Reissue, Remastered 1991
Country: UK
Released: 1973
Genre: Rock
Style: Prog Rock

TRACKS

                  

01. Morning Coming   6:40
02. Peter   4:08
03. September Morning News   5:40
04. Motorway   5:47
05. Fields And Factories 8:39
06. Strength Of A Dream   4:00
07. Tolpuddle Episode   5:10
08. Second Birth   7:01

BONUS TRACK        

    
09. Goodtime Girl   4:15
Written-By – N. Barratt

LINE - UP

Norman Barratt / guitar, lead vocals
George Lynon / guitar
J. D. Hughes / flutes, sax, keyboards, vocals
Lester Williams / bass, backing vocals
Barry Davenport / drums & percussion (1,5,7)

WITH

Russell Cordwell / drums (2-4,6,8,9)

NOTES

Track 9 from single B-side of " Starbright Starlight " ( 1974 ) [Dawn DNS1058]. On original version is credited as " Good Time Thing ".
Track 9 is a bonus selection.

Flac Size: 355 MB

GRAVY TRAIN - STAIRCASE TO THE DAY 1974

            

A very beautiful album by GRAVY TRAIN is "Staircase to the Day", even though many, as mentioned,

swear to "Ballad to a Peaceful Man". Musically they´re sort of a mix of good solid UK prog / rock / folk (plenty of wonderful flute playing.), incorporating some lovely sweeping string arrangements, giving the music a rich orchestrated fullness.
                                 
                

Gravy Train – Staircase To The Day
Label: Repertoire Records – REPUK 1089
Format: CD, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue 2007
Country: UK
Released: 1974    
Genre: Rock
Style: Hard Rock, Prog Rock

TRACKS

                        

01. Starbright Starlight   4:27
Written-By – Barrett
02  Bring My Life On Back To Me   5:44
Written-By – Barrett
03  Never Wanted You   4:00
Written-By – Barrett
04  Staircase To The Day   7:29
Written-By – Barrett
05  Going For A Quick One   5:14
Written-By – Candy Carr, Vic Smith
06  The Last Day   5:35
Written-By – Barrett
07  Evening Of My Life   2:59
Written-By – Hughes, Barrett
08  Busted In Schenectady   8:11
Written-By – Barrett

BONUS TRACKS        

       
09. Starbright Starlight   4:13
Written-By – Barrett
10. Good Time Thing   4:15
Written-By – Barrett
11. Climb Aboard The Gravy Train   3:08
Written-By – Barrett
12.  Sanctuary   4:02
Written-By – Barrett

LINE - UP

Norman Barratt / acoustic & electric guitars, vocals
George Lynon / acoustic & electric guitars
J. D. Hughes / flute, piano, e-piano, organ, clavinet, Mellotron
Lester Williams / bas
Russell Cordwell / drums

WITH

Mary Zinovieff / synth (4), electric violin (8)
Peter Solley / synth (1,5)
Jim Frank / drums & percussion (1,5), harp (3)
Patricia Cole / backing vocals (8)
Gospel Ayres / backing vocals (5)
Bobby Harrison / backing vocals (2,5,8)
Victor Smith / cowbell (5), producer

NOTES

Limited Edition (3000 copies)

Flac Size: 441 MB

 

Gravy Train on Urban Aspirines (2 Albums 1970 + 1971) HERE