National Health

Label: Affinity
Country: UK
Released: 1978
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Introduction to National Health

National Health's self-titled debut album was released in February 1978 under the Affinity label. This album is a blend of rock, jazz, and progressive rock, showcasing the band's unique musical approach. The record was produced by the band itself and recorded at a portable studio set up in a converted mortuary in London.

Recording Process

The recording sessions took place in February and March of 1977 at Mobile Mobile. This studio was an innovative attempt to create a flexible recording environment. The core lineup for the album consisted of keyboardist Dave Stewart, guitarist Phil Miller, drummer Pip Pyle, and bassist Neil Murray. They were joined by keyboardist Alan Gowen, guest vocalist Amanda Parsons, and woodwind player Jimmy Hastings.

Musical Composition

The album features five tracks that highlight the band’s diverse musical influences. "Tenemos Roads," written by Dave Stewart, opens the album with a lengthy exploration of sound and rhythm. Its 14 minutes serve as an intricate introduction to National Health's style. Another key track is "Brujo," composed by Alan Gowen, which further illustrates the band's jazz-rock fusion. The album continues with "Borogroves," divided into two parts, showcasing Stewart's compositional skills and the band's improvisational prowess.

One of the standout moments on the album is "Elephants," co-written by Stewart and Gowen, which spans over 14 minutes. This track encapsulates the band's ability to blend complex arrangements with engaging melodies. The presence of flute, synthesizers, and electric piano enriches the overall sound, adding layers of texture to the music.

Credits and Contributions

The album credits highlight the collaborative nature of National Health. Neil Murray played bass, while Pip Pyle contributed drums. The design and photography were handled by Laurie Lewis and Kevin Burke, respectively. The engineering was managed by Brian Gaynor and Mike Dunne, with mixing by Paul Northfield. These contributions helped shape the final sound of the album.

Release Information

National Health's debut was released on vinyl and LP format, catalog number AFF 6. The album's release came nearly a year after the recording sessions concluded. This gap reflects the complexities often involved in the music industry during that era.

The album features a total of five tracks, with a combined length of over an hour of music.

Tracklist

A1	Tenemos Roads Bass Clarinet – Jimmy HastingsClavinet, Written-By – Dave StewartCowbell, Tambourine, Gong – Pip PylePercussion – John Mitchell	14:43
A2	Brujo Glockenspiel, Shaker, Bells, Finger Cymbals – Pip PylePiano, Written-By – Alan GowenTemple Block [Temple Blocks], Performer [Guava] – John Mitchell	10:19
B1	Borogoves (Excerpt From Part Two) Clarinet – Jimmy HastingsClavinet, Written-By – Dave StewartCongas – John Mitchell	4:16
B2	Borogoves (Part One) Clarinet – Jimmy HastingsClavinet, Written-By – Dave StewartCongas – John Mitchell	6:37
B3	Elephants Effects [Synthi Hi-fli], Mixed By – Nick LevittEngineer – Mike RuysbroekGlockenspiel, Pixiephone, Edited By [Tape Edits] – Pip PylePiano, Written-By – Alan GowenWritten-By – Dave Stewart	14:37