Room Pre-Flight
Label: Deram
Country: UK
Released: 1970
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Release Overview

"Pre-Flight," released in October 1970, is the only studio album by the British band Room. This album was issued under the Deram label, catalog number SDL 1. It captures the essence of the progressive rock and blues rock genres while showcasing the talents of its female lead vocalist, Jane Kevern. The album was recorded at Decca Studios in West Hampstead, London.

Band Background

Room emerged from Blandford Forum in Dorset. The band gained recognition after finishing second in the 1970 Melody Maker National Rock Contest, just behind the well-known group Emerson, Lake & Palmer. This achievement led to their contract with Decca's progressive imprint, Deram. The lineup consisted of Jane Kevern on lead vocals and tambourine, Steve Edge on lead and rhythm guitars and harmonica, Chris Williams on lead and acoustic guitars, Roy Putt on bass guitar, and Bob Jenkins on drums and percussion.

Musical Composition

The album features seven tracks that blend various musical influences. The title track, "Pre-Flight," is a two-part progressive rock epic that sets the tone for the album. It also includes the melodic piece "Where Did I Go Wrong," the gritty "Big John Blues," and the expansive "Andromeda," which stretches over eight minutes. The orchestral arrangements, crafted by Richard Hartley, enhance the album's sound, adding depth to the dual guitar interplay of Edge and Williams. The closing track, "Cemetery Junction," is another two-part suite that encapsulates the band's musical range.

Production Details

The album was produced by Mickey Clarke, who also contributed liner notes. The sound engineering was handled by Peter Rynston and Simaen Skolfield. Richard Hartley, known for his later work on "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," served as the musical director and orchestral arranger for the project. This collaboration resulted in a rich sound that complemented the band's energetic performances.

Release Format

"Pre-Flight" was released as a vinyl LP in a gatefold format, a popular choice at the time. The album cover design was crafted by Roy Putt, who also played bass guitar for the band. This format allowed for an immersive experience, showcasing the band's artistic vision.

Room's "Pre-Flight" was recorded in 1970 at Decca Studios in West Hampstead, London, England.

Tracklist

A1Pre-Flight - Parts I & II
Written-ByEdge*
A2Where Did I Go Wrong
Written-ByRoom
A3No Warmth In My Life
Written-ByWilliams*Written-ByKevern*
A4Big John Blues
Written-ByWilliams*
B1Andromeda
Written-ByWilliams*Written-ByKevern*Written-ByPutt*
B2War
Written-ByWilliams*
B3Cemetery Junction - Parts I & II
Written-ByJenkins*Written-ByWilliams*Written-ByPutt*

Credits

  • Arranged ByRichard Hartley
  • BassMichael J. Hart
  • Bass, Design [Artistic]Roy Putt
  • CelloDenis Nesbitt*
  • CelloNorman Jones
  • Drums, Congas, PercussionBob Jenkins
  • EngineerPeter Rynston
  • EngineerSimaen Skolfield
  • FlugelhornMo Miller*
  • Lacquer Cut ByW
  • Lead GuitarChris Williams
  • Lead Guitar, Rhythm GuitarSteve Edge
  • Music DirectorRichard Hartley
  • Producer, Liner NotesMickey Clarke
  • TrombonePeter Hodge
  • TrumpetJ. McLevy*
  • TrumpetN. Carter*
  • TrumpetRay Hudson
  • ViolaMax Burwood
  • ViolaTom Lister
  • ViolinBrian Smith
  • ViolinDenis East
  • ViolinEric Eden
  • ViolinRaymond Moseley
  • Vocals, TambourineJane Kevern

SOLD OUT

← Back to list

Featured Recommendations "Prog Rock"