Affinity

Album Overview

The self-titled debut album "Affinity" by the British quintet Affinity was released in April 1970 under the Vertigo label (catalog number 6360 004). This album was recorded at Trident Studios in London during mid-1969 to early 1970. Managed by the renowned jazz musician Ronnie Scott, the band consisted of university science students from Brighton.

Musical Composition

Affinity provides a blend of rock, psychedelic rock, jazz-rock, and progressive rock. The album features the strong, smoky vocals of Linda Hoyle. Her performance is complemented by Lynton Naiff's masterful Hammond organ work, which adds a rich texture to the tracks. Mike Jopp contributes with both electric and acoustic guitar, while Mo Foster handles bass guitar and double bass. Drummer Grant Serpell rounds out the rhythm section, later gaining fame as a co-founder of the band Sailor.

Collaborations and Arrangements

The album is enhanced by guest arrangements from John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin. He provided brass arrangements on the track "I Am And So Are You" and string arrangements for "I Wonder If I'll Care As Much." Chris Hughes also contributed a brass arrangement on "Three Sisters." The production was overseen by John Anthony, known for his work with bands such as Genesis and Queen.

Track Highlights

Affinity's tracklist features an array of musical styles and influences. The album opens with the lively "I Am And So Are You," showcasing the band's jazz-rock roots. A haunting rendition of The Everly Brothers' "I Wonder If I'll Care As Much" adds a symphonic depth. The band also covers Annette Peacock's "Mr. Joy" and The Lovin' Spoonful's "Coconut Grove." Notably, the album includes an 11:35-minute interpretation of Bob Dylan's "All Along The Watchtower," which stands out for its progressive blues-rock approach.

Production Details

The cover design and photography were handled by Keef, also known as Keith MacMillan. The album's sound was captured by engineers Robin Geoffrey Cable and Frank Owen, adding to the high production values evident in the final release. The combination of the band's talent, innovative arrangements, and expert production makes this vinyl LP a unique entry in the progressive rock genre.

"Affinity" was released in April 1970 and features a gatefold sleeve with a swirl label.