Barclay James Harvest

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

Overview of "Live" by Barclay James Harvest

"Live" is the first double live album from the English progressive rock band Barclay James Harvest, released in November 1974 by Polydor Records. This album captures the band's performances at two notable venues: the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London on June 30, 1974, and the Liverpool Stadium on August 31, 1974. The recordings were made using the Island Mobile recording unit, ensuring high-quality sound reproduction.

Recording and Production

The album was produced by Rodger Bain, who played a key role in bringing the band's sound to life in a live setting. The four-member lineup at the time included John Lees on guitars and vocals, Les Holroyd on bass and vocals, Woolly Wolstenholme on Mellotron and keyboards, and Mel Pritchard on drums. This lineup demonstrated their ability to perform complex symphonic rock arrangements without the use of an orchestra. The album features extended versions of popular tracks that highlight the band's musical versatility.

Live Performances

Throughout "Live," the band presents expansive renditions of several well-known songs. Tracks such as "Summer Soldier," "Medicine Man," "Mockingbird," and "She Said" are delivered with energy and precision. The inclusion of "Galadriel" showcases their ability to blend different musical styles. This live album not only captures the essence of Barclay James Harvest's music but also provides insight into their performance capabilities as a cohesive unit.

Chart Performance

Technical Details

The album is available in vinyl format as a double LP. Its catalog number is 2683 052. The production quality, achieved through the use of the Island Mobile recording unit, contributes to the clarity and depth of the live recordings.

Tracklist

A1	Summer Soldier	10:17
A2	Medicine Man	10:26
B1	Crazy City	4:59
B2	After The Day	7:28
B3	The Great 1974 Mining Disaster	6:30
C1	Galadriel	3:18
C2	Negative Earth	6:20
C3	She Said	8:34
D1	Paper Wings	4:19
D2	For No One	5:53
D3	Mockingbird	7:37

Credits

Bass Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Vocals – Les Holroyd
Design – Keith Davis
Design – Vincent McEvoy
Drums – Mel Pritchard
Engineer – Brian Humphries
Lead Guitar, Recorder, Vocals – John Lees
Mellotron, Electric Piano, Synthesizer [Moog], Baritone Vocals – Woolly 'Wooly' Wolstenholme*
Photography By – Alex Agor*
Photography By – Tim Brown*
Producer – Rodger Bain
Written-By – John Lees
Written-By – Les Holroyd
Written-By – Mel Pritchard