Skin Alley

Introduction to Skin Alley

Skin Alley emerged from London's vibrant music scene in 1969 with their self-titled debut album, released on CBS Records. This LP, catalog number S 63847, marked a significant entry in the progressive jazz-rock genre. The album's production was overseen by Dick Taylor, a founding member of The Pretty Things, adding a layer of credibility to the project.

Musical Composition

The album features a diverse array of sounds, blending heavy blues-rock with dynamic progressive organ elements. The introduction track, "Living In Sin," sets the tone with its robust jazz-rock foundation. This energetic opener is followed by "Tell Me" and "Mother Please Help Your Child," which further explore the band's intricate musical style.

One of the standout tracks is "Marsha," an expansive 7:25-minute progressive piece that showcases the band's range. The centerpiece of the album, "All Alone," stretches for eight minutes, delving into deeper musical explorations. Other tracks like "Country Aire," "Night Time," "Concerto Grosso (Take Heed)," and the bluesy closer "Highway" round out the album's compelling assortment of compositions.

Lineup and Contributions

Skin Alley's lineup plays a crucial role in the album’s texture. Thomas Crimble serves as the bassist, lead vocalist, and harmonica player. He would later join Hawkwind and help establish the first Glastonbury Festival. Bob James contributes with his skills on electric and acoustic guitars, alto saxophone, and flute. Krzysztof Justkiewicz enhances the sound with the Hammond organ, grand piano, harpsichord, and Mellotron. Drummer Alvin Pope adds rhythm with drums, congas, and other percussion instruments.

Recording Context

The album was recorded during the autumn of 1969 at CBS Recording Studios in London. The engineering was handled by Mike Fitzhenry, while the artwork for the album cover was created by Allan Tanner. This combination of talent laid the groundwork for the album's intricate sound and visual presentation.

Conclusion

Skin Alley's debut album was released in November 1969 and features nine tracks that explore various musical styles within the progressive jazz-rock genre.