Jackson Heights

Ragamuffins Fool

Jackson Heights Ragamuffins Fool
Label: Vertigo
Country: UK
Released: 1972
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Album Overview

Released in 1972, "Ragamuffins Fool" is the third studio album by the British progressive folk-rock and art-rock trio Jackson Heights. The album was issued under the Vertigo label and features a collection of diverse musical styles that blend folk rock with art rock influences.

Band Composition

The core trio consists of Lee Jackson, who provides lead vocals, acoustic guitar, bass, and percussion; John McBurnie, contributing vocals, 6/12-string acoustic guitars, Mellotron, and piano; and Brian Chatton, who plays vocals, piano, electric piano, organ, and Mellotron. Their collaboration creates a rich and layered sound throughout the record.

Guest Musicians

Notably, Michael Giles, the founding drummer of King Crimson, contributes guest drumming on several tracks. Additional percussion is provided by Laurie Jay and Race McLeod, enhancing the rhythmic elements across the album.

Recording Details

The album was recorded at Sound Techniques and Olympic Studios, both renowned facilities in the UK. Chris Harding served as the engineer for the project, while Lee Jackson produced the album for Stonewall Productions. The sleeve artwork, which complements the album's thematic elements, was created by Grahame Berney.

Musical Highlights

Among the standout tracks are "Maureen," "Oh You Beauty," and "As She Starts," which showcase the band's signature blend of folk and rock. The title track, "Ragamuffins Fool," along with a rearranged vocal and acoustic version of The Nice's "Chorale (From Five Bridges Suite)," adds depth to the album's narrative. Additionally, "Poor Peter" features a country-folk flavor, highlighted by fiddle from Oli Oliver and banjo by Keith Harris.

Release Format

"Ragamuffins Fool" was released in vinyl format as an LP album. This physical medium allows for an authentic listening experience, capturing the intricate soundscapes created by Jackson Heights.

Production Credits

The album's production reflects the collaborative efforts of its members and guest artists. The combination of instruments and vocal harmonies creates a distinctive sound that is characteristic of the early 1970s UK music scene.

Jackson Heights’ "Ragamuffins Fool" was released on the Vertigo label with catalog number 6360 077.

Tracklist

A1Maureen
Written-By – Chatton*Written-By – McBurnie*Written-By – Jackson*
A2Oh You Beauty
Written-By – McBurnie*
A3As She Starts
Written-By – Chatton*Written-By – McBurnie*
A4Bebop
Written-By – Chatton*Written-By – McBurnie*
A5Catch A Thief
Written-By – Chatton*Written-By – Jackson*
B1Ragamuffins Fool
Written-By – Chatton*Written-By – McBurnie*
B2Chorale (From Five Bridges Suite)
Written-By – Emerson*Written-By – Jackson*
B3Chips And Chicken
Written-By – Chatton*Written-By – McBurnie*
B4Poor Peter
Written-By – Jackson*
B5Bellyful Of Water
Written-By – Chatton*Written-By – McBurnie*

Credits

  • Banjo – Keith Harris
  • Design, Illustration – Grahame Berney
  • Double Bass [String Bass] – Mo Fletcher
  • Drums – Laurie 'Gollox' Jay*
  • Drums – Mike Giles*
  • Drums – Race McCleod
  • Engineer – Chris Harding
  • Fiddle – Oli Oliver
  • Harmonica – 'Mox'*
  • Photography By [Poster] – Keith McMillan*
  • Producer – Lee Jackson
  • Producer [Assistant] – Alan Shepherd
  • Vocals, Bass, Congas, Guitar [6-string], Harmonica, Percussion [Assorted] – Lee Jackson
  • Vocals, Guitar [6-string], Twelve-String Guitar [Acoustic], Mellotron, Piano – John McBurnie
  • Vocals, Piano, Electric Piano, Organ, Mellotron – Brian Chatton
Tags:
FOLK WORLD & COUNTRY ROCK Folk Rock Art Rock
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