Jade Warrior

Label: Vertigo
Country: UK
Released: 1972
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Exploring Jade Warrior's Last Autumn's Dream

Released in late 1972, "Last Autumn's Dream" is the third album from Jade Warrior, available under the Vertigo label (catalog number 6360 079). This album marks a significant point in the band's career, showcasing their unique blend of rock and ethnic influences. The gatefold cover features artwork by Japanese artist Kunio Hagio, depicting a fantasy scene that reflects the album's themes of Eastern mysticism intertwined with Western rock.

Musical Composition and Influences

The album is characterized by its intricate arrangements and diverse instrumentation. Jade Warrior adeptly combines acoustic Japanese garden folk elements with heavier rock sounds. This is achieved through the use of alto and concert flutes, Indian tablas, West African talking drums, and electric guitars. Tony Duhig and Jon Field serve as the primary composers, contributing their talents on various instruments. Duhig's guitar work is especially notable, providing a fuzz-laden backbone to several tracks. David Duhig makes a guest appearance, adding lead guitar on the tracks "Snake" and "The Demon Trucker".

Track Highlights

The album opens with "A Winter's Tale", a haunting piece that sets a contemplative mood. "Snake" follows with a heavy fuzz workout that contrasts sharply with the more melodic elements of the album. One of the standout tracks is "Dark River", which spans 6:26 minutes and showcases atmospheric soundscapes. The pop-prog track "Joanne" offers a catchy melody, while "Obedience" presents a meditative raga-inspired journey. Other notable tracks include the hypnotic "May Queen" and the hard-rocking "The Demon Trucker". The closing track, "Borne On The Solar Wind", wraps up the album with a cosmic feel.

Recording and Production Details

"Last Autumn's Dream" was recorded at Nova Sound Studios in Marble Arch, London, during mid-1972. The production team consisted of band members Glyn Havard, Jon Field, and Tony Duhig, with Richard Dodd serving as the sound recording engineer. The mastering process was handled by Gilbert Kong, ensuring a polished final product. The album's unique sonic qualities can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of the musicians and the technical team behind the scenes.

"Last Autumn's Dream" is pressed on vinyl and features a distinctive Spaceship label design. Its release in late 1972 solidified Jade Warrior's presence in the progressive rock scene.

Tracklist

A1	A Winter's Tale Alto Flute – Jon FieldDrums – Alan Price*Lead Guitar – Tony DuhigVocals, Acoustic Guitar – Glyn Havard	5:06
A2	Snake Alto Flute, Percussion – Jon FieldDrums – Alan Price*Guitar – Tony DuhigLead Guitar – David DuhigVocals, Bass Guitar – Glyn Havard	2:55
A3	Dark River Acoustic Guitar, Alto Flute, Congas – Jon FieldDrums – Alan Price*Guitar, Percussion – Tony Duhig	6:26
A4	Joanne Drums – Alan Price*Guitar, Lead Guitar – Tony DuhigPercussion – Jon FieldVocals, Bass Guitar – Glyn Havard	2:50
A5	Obedience Guitar, Bass Guitar, Lead Guitar – Tony DuhigTabla, Piano – Jon Field	3:12
B1	Morning Hymn Concert Flute, Alto Flute – Jon FieldGuitar, Lead Guitar – Tony DuhigVocals – Glyn Havard	3:36
B2	May Queen Alto Flute, Concert Flute, Tabla, Congas, Talking Drum, Piano – Jon FieldGuitar, Lead Guitar – Tony DuhigVocals – Glyn Havard	5:22
B3	The Demon Trucker Concert Flute, Alto Flute, Congas, Percussion – Jon FieldDrums – Alan Price*Guitar – David DuhigGuitar – Tony DuhigMastered By – Gilbert KongVocals, Bass Guitar – Glyn Havard	2:34
B4	Lady Of The Lake Guitar, Lead Guitar – Tony DuhigTabla, Talking Drum – Jon FieldVocals – Glyn Havard	3:17
B5	Borne On The Solar Wind Concert Flute, Alto Flute, Piano – Jon FieldDrums – Alan Price*Guitar, Lead Guitar – Tony Duhig	3:02