Barclay James Harvest

Label: Harvest
Country:
Released:
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Album Overview

Released on November 10, 1972, "Baby James Harvest" is the fourth studio album by the English progressive rock band Barclay James Harvest. This album came out under the Harvest Records label, catalog SHSP 4023. The band took on the production responsibilities themselves, allowing them to craft their sound in a way that represented their artistic vision.

Recording Locations

The recording of "Baby James Harvest" took place across two main locations. The band utilized Strawberry Studios in Stockport for some of the tracks, while other songs were recorded at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London. The choice of these studios reflects the band's desire to achieve high production standards during the recording process.

Songwriting Contributions

Barclay James Harvest featured collaborative songwriting from all four members. John Lees contributed the 10-minute track "Summer Soldier," which carries anti-war themes. He also penned "Delph Town Morn," which included an impressive 13-piece brass section. Les Holroyd wrote "Crazy (Over You)," "Thank You," and "One Hundred Thousand Smiles Out." Woolly Wolstenholme brought a classical influence to the album with "Moonwater," which was recorded with a full 60-piece symphony orchestra at Abbey Road Studios.

Musical Style

"The album embodies a blend of rock genres, incorporating elements of soft rock, symphonic rock, and progressive rock. The arrangements often feature orchestral instrumentation, creating a rich and layered sound. The combination of rock and classical elements marks a distinctive characteristic of Barclay James Harvest's style during this period.

Production Techniques

The production techniques employed in "Baby James Harvest" reflect the band's experimental approach. By recording in two different studios, they were able to utilize varied acoustics and equipment, which contributed to the diverse sound throughout the album. The involvement of a large brass section and symphony orchestra further demonstrates their commitment to expanding their musical palette.

Album Details

With its blend of rock and orchestral elements, "Baby James Harvest" serves as a significant entry in Barclay James Harvest's discography. The album was released on vinyl format and is categorized under multiple tags, including rock, soft rock, symphonic rock, and progressive rock. The meticulous production choices and collaborative songwriting make it a noteworthy work in the band's career.

"Baby James Harvest" was released on November 10, 1972, by Harvest Records.

Tracklist

A1	Crazy (Over You) Bass, Organ, Mellotron, Vocals – LesDrums, Percussion – MelElectric Guitar, Vocals – JohnPiano – WoollyWritten-By – Les Holroyd
A2	Delph Town Morn Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Vocals – JohnAlto Saxophone [2nd] – Bill NewtonAlto Saxophone [Lead] – Barry ThompsonArranged By, Conductor – Brian DayBaritone Saxophone – George WattsBass Trombone – Austin GleaveBass, Piano, Vocals – LesDrums, Percussion – MelTenor Saxophone [2nd] – Nat WhitworthTenor Saxophone [Solo] – Norman BrownTrombone [2nd] – Miff KingTrombone [3rd] – Frank BrierlyTrombone [Lead] – Frank DixonTrumpet [2nd] – Lennie MoakesTrumpet [3rd] – Don BanksTrumpet [4th] – Brom HarveyTrumpet [Lead] – Dave BrowningWritten-By – John Lees
A3	Summer Soldier Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Effects [Sound], Twelve-String Guitar, Vocals – JohnArranged By [Arrangement at the end] – WoollyBass, Acoustic Guitar, Organ, Mellotron – LesDrums, Percussion – MelEffects [Sound], Effects [Special] – PeteOrgan, Mellotron – WoollyWritten-By – John Lees
B1	Thank You Bass, Piano, Vocals – LesDrums, Percussion – MelElectric Guitar, Vocals – John*Written-By – Les Holroyd
B2	One Hundred Thousand Smiles Out Bass, Piano, Vocals – LesDrums, Percussion – MelElectric Guitar – John*Written-By – Les Holroyd
B3	Moonwater (Poco Adagio) Arranged By – John BellArranged By – Martyn FordConductor – Martyn FordLeader – Alan TraversOrchestra – Barclay James Harvest Symphony OrchestraOrgan, Bells, Tam-tam, Vocals – Woolly WolstenholmeWritten-By – WoollyWritten-By [Additional Material] – Les Holroyd