Edgar Broughton Band

Label: Harvest
Country: UK
Released: 1973
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Introduction to Oora

Released in May 1973, "Oora" is the fifth studio album by the British progressive rock and blues-rock group Edgar Broughton Band. This album came out on EMI's Harvest label, catalog number SHVL 810. It marked the end of the band's association with Harvest Records and was the last album to feature guitarist Victor Unitt.

Recording and Production

The album was recorded over several months, from June to December 1972, in various studios including Olympic Studios, Morgan Studios, and The Manor. The production was handled by the band themselves, with engineering by Alan O'Duffy and mixing by Rufus Cartwright. The elaborate packaging for "Oora" was designed by Barney Bubbles, featuring center fold photography by the visual design group Hipgnosis.

Musical Elements

"Oora" incorporates a blend of rock and progressive elements, showcasing the band's diverse sound. The album features orchestral and wind arrangements by David Bedford, who also played piano on the track "Green Lights." Victor Peraino contributed synthesizer elements, enhancing the album's experimental edge. Notably, the album includes prominent backing vocals from the soul vocal trio of Doris Troy, Madeline Bell, and Lisa Strike.

Key Tracks

Release Format

"Oora" was released in the vinyl LP format, which was standard for albums of that era. The focus on physical media highlighted the band's artistic vision through its elaborate packaging and design. The album remains an example of the creative freedom that characterized the early '70s music scene in the UK.

The album was recorded in various studios, including Olympic Studios and Morgan Studios, between June and December 1972.

Tracklist

A1a	Hurricane Man Bass Guitar, Electric Guitar – Art Grant*Drums, Percussion – Steve BroughtonElectric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals – Victor UnittLead Vocals, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Edgar Broughton
A1b	Rock 'N' Roller Bass Guitar – Art GrantDrums, Percussion, Bells [Tubular] – Steve BroughtonElectric Guitar, Backing Vocals – Victor UnittLead Vocals, Electric Guitar – Edgar BroughtonVocals [Voices] – Doris TroyVocals [Voices] – Lisa StrikeVocals [Voices] – Madeline Bell
A2	Roccococooler Bass Guitar – Art Grant*Drums [Them Funny Sounding Drums] – Steve BroughtonHarmonica, Backing Vocals – Victor UnittLead Vocals, Electric Guitar – Edgar Broughton
A3	Eviction Bass Guitar [Bowed On Intro] – Art Grant*Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Slide Guitar [Bottleneck] – Victor UnittLead Vocals [1st], Drums, Percussion, Electric Guitar – Steve BroughtonLead Vocals [2nd And 3rd] – Edgar Broughton
A4	Oh You Crazy Boy! Bass Guitar – Art Grant*Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Piano, Backing Vocals – Victor UnittVocals [Voices] – Maggie ThomasVocals, Drums, Percussion – Steve Broughton
A5	Things On My Mind Bass Guitar – Art GrantDrums, Percussion – Steve BroughtonElectric Guitar, Backing Vocals – Victor UnittLead Vocals, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Edgar BroughtonVocals [Voices] – Doris TroyVocals [Voices] – Lisa StrikeVocals [Voices] – Madeline Bell
B1a	Exhibits From A New Museum Bass Guitar – Art GrantClassical Guitar [Spanish], Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals, Kazoo [Comb And Paper] – Victor UnittDrums, Percussion, Electric Guitar – Steve BroughtonLead Vocals, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Edgar BroughtonVocals [Voices] – Doris TroyVocals [Voices] – Lisa StrikeVocals [Voices] – Madeline Bell
B1b	Green Lights Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Backing Vocals – Victor UnittBass Guitar – Art Grant*Drums, Percussion – Steve BroughtonLead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – Edgar BroughtonPiano – David Bedford
B2a	Face From A Window Bass Guitar – Art GrantElectric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Victor UnittLead Vocals, Drums – Steve BroughtonVocals [Voices] – Doris TroyVocals [Voices] – Lisa StrikeVocals [Voices] – Madeline Bell
B2b	Pretty Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Backing Vocals – Victor UnittLead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – Steve BroughtonTape [Tapes] – Edgar Broughton
B2c	Hi-Jack Boogie Bass, Acoustic Guitar – Art Grant*Drums, Percussion – Steve BroughtonElectric Guitar, Backing Vocals – Victor UnittLead Vocals, Bass Guitar – Edgar Broughton
B2d	Slow Down Bass Guitar – Art Grant*Drums, Tambourine – Steve BroughtonLead Vocals, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Slide Guitar [Bottleneck] – Victor Unitt
B3	Capers