Blodwyn Pig

Label: Island Records
Country: UK
Released: 1969
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Introduction to Blodwyn Pig's Debut

Ahead Rings Out marks the debut studio album of the British group Blodwyn Pig. Released in August 1969 by Island Records, this album brought together a blend of blues-rock and jazz fusion. The band's formation can be traced back to Mick Abrahams, the original lead guitarist and vocalist of Jethro Tull, who departed from the band after their first album, This Was.

Musical Composition

The album incorporates a range of musical styles. It features heavy British blues-rock combined with jazz influences, including horn sections and progressive time signatures. Acoustic folk elements also find their place within the tracks. This varied musical landscape allows for an engaging listening experience that showcases the band's versatility. Multi-instrumentalist Jack Lancaster contributes significantly to the sound, playing tenor and soprano saxophones, flute, and violin, while also handling brass arrangements. Andy Pyle on bass and Ron Berg on drums complete the lineup, bringing their own musical backgrounds to the project.

Recording and Production

Ahead Rings Out was produced and engineered by Andy Johns, known for his work with various prominent artists in the rock genre. The recording took place at Morgan Studios and Olympic Sound Studios in London, locations that were popular among many musicians during that era. Executive producer Chris Wright oversaw the album's production, ensuring that the group's vision was realized in the final product.

Track Highlights

The album features a mix of tracks that highlight the band's range. "It's Only Love" opens the album with a strong blues influence. The slow blues number "Dear Jill" showcases the band's emotional depth. Instrumental piece "The Modern Alchemist" captures the jazz-rock essence, while "Ain't Ya Coming Home, Babe?" adds a touch of folk flavor. Each track contributes to the overall diversity of the album.

Conclusion

Ahead Rings Out was released on vinyl as an LP album, catalog number ILPS 9101.

Tracklist

A1	It's Only Love Written-By – Abrahams*	3:20
A2	Dear Jill Written-By – Abrahams*	5:15
A3	Sing Me A Song That I Know Written-By – Abrahams*	3:07
A4	The Modern Alchemist Written-By – Lancaster*	6:20
B1	Up And Coming Written-By – PyleWritten-By – LancasterWritten-By – AbrahamsWritten-By – Berg	5:27
B2	Leave It With Me Written-By – Lancaster*	4:51
B3	Change Song Written-By – Abrahams*	3:39
B4	Backwash Written-By – PyleWritten-By – LancasterWritten-By – AbrahamsWritten-By – Berg	1:02
B5	Ain't Ya Coming Home, Babe? Written-By – PyleWritten-By – LancasterWritten-By – Abrahams*	6:00

Credits

Arranged By [Brass Arrangements] – Jack Lancaster
Design – John Williams
Drums – Ron Berg
Effects [Wind Effect] – John Peverett
Electric Bass, 6-String Bass – Andy Pyle
Engineer [Assistant] – Robin Black
Executive-Producer – Chris Wright
Flute, Violin, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Jack Lancaster
Guitar, Vocals, Slide Guitar [Seven-String] – Mick Abrahams
Photography By [Photographs] – Brian Ward
Producer [Produced By], Engineer [Engineered By] – Andy Johns