Jackson Heights

Introduction to King Progress

Released in late 1970, King Progress is the debut studio album by the British progressive/art rock band Jackson Heights. The album came out on Charisma Records under the catalog number CAS 1018. This release marks a significant departure from the sound of The Nice, with which band leader Lee Jackson was previously associated.

Formation and Musical Direction

Jackson Heights was formed by Lee Jackson following The Nice's disbandment in 1969. The band aimed to shift away from the heavy keyboard sounds that defined Jackson's previous group. Instead, they focused on acoustic-driven art rock that incorporated classical textures and melodic songwriting. This new direction was evident in the arrangements and instrumentation throughout the album.

Recording and Production

The recording sessions for King Progress took place at Advision Studios in London. Engineers Eddy Offord and Damon Lyon-Shaw played crucial roles in capturing the album's sound. Lee Jackson took on the production duties himself. The album features liner notes written by Tony Stratton-Smith, the founder of Charisma Records. The cover art was designed by the well-known design group Hipgnosis, known for their work in the music industry.

Track Highlights and Band Lineup

The album consists of seven tracks that blend various musical influences. Among these, "Mr. Screw," "Since I Last Saw You," and "King Progress" exemplify the band's new sound. Additionally, the album includes a rearranged acoustic version of "The Cry of Eugene," originally co-written by Jackson, Keith Emerson, and Davy O'List from The Nice. The band lineup on this album included Lee Jackson on vocals and guitars, Charlie Harcourt on electric guitar and keyboards, Mario Enrique Covarrubias Tapia on bass, and Tommy Slone on drums.

Conclusion

King Progress was released by Charisma Records in 1970.