Alan Bown

Stretching Out

Alan Bown Stretching Out
Label: Island Records
Country: UK
Released: 1971
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Album Overview

"Stretching Out" is the fifth studio album by The Alan Bown!, released in 1971 through Island Records. This album is a notable entry in the brass-rock and progressive jazz-rock genres, showcasing the band's evolution and musical experimentation. The album is cataloged under the label's ILPS 9163 series.

Production Details

The album was produced by Mel Collins, a multi-instrumentalist known for his work with King Crimson. The recording took place at Island Studios in London, a prominent location for many artists during that era. The engineering and production values reflect the band's desire to push boundaries within their genre.

Musical Composition

"Stretching Out" features six tracks that emphasize the band's intricate musicianship. The album opens with "The Messenger," a 7-minute and 45-second piece that sets a progressive tone. The band also offers a dynamic cover of Richie Havens' "Up Above My Hobby Horse's Head," which adds a unique twist to the album's overall sound. John Anthony's composition "Turning Point" spans 9 minutes, showcasing extended instrumental workouts and intricate horn arrangements.

The title track, "Stretching Out," runs for 8 minutes and 25 seconds, exemplifying the album's expansive nature. Other tracks include "Find A Melody" and "Build Me A Stage," contributing to the album's varied soundscape. The music is characterized by psychedelic textures and complex arrangements, a hallmark of The Alan Bown!'s style during this period.

Band Lineup

The Alan Bown! featured an impressive lineup for this release. Alan Bown played the wah-wah trumpet and flugelhorn, while Gordon Neville provided lead vocals. Jeff Bannister contributed on piano, organ, and flute, and Tony Catchpole handled both electric and acoustic guitars. John Anthony played tenor and alto saxes as well as clarinet, and Andy Brown managed bass and vocals. Vic Sweeney completed the lineup on drums and percussion.

Release Format

The album was released as a vinyl LP, a common format for music in the early 1970s. Vinyl records were the primary medium for music consumption, allowing listeners to experience the band's rich sonic layers and detailed arrangements.

The album "Stretching Out" was recorded at Island Studios in London.

Tracklist

A1The Messenger
Written-By – Bown*Written-By – Bannister*
7:45
A2Find A Melody
Written-By – Bown*Written-By – Bannister*
5:15
A3Up Above My Hobby Horse's Head
Written-By – Ritchie Havens*
4:20
B1Turning Point
Written-By – Anthony*
9:38
B2Build Me A Stage
Written-By – Bown*Written-By – Bannister*
3:30
B3Stretching Out
Written-By – Bown*Written-By – Bannister*
8:25

Credits

  • Arranged By – Bown*
  • Arranged By – Brown*
  • Arranged By – Neville*
  • Arranged By – Bannister*
  • Arranged By – Anthony*
  • Arranged By – Catchpole*
  • Arranged By – Sweeney*
  • Bass Guitar, Vocals – Andy Brown
  • Cover [Front] – Gerry Dickens
  • Design, Photography By – Hipgnosis
  • Drums, Percussion – Vic Sweeny*
  • Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Tony Catchpole
  • Piano, Organ, Flute – Jeff Bannister
  • Producer – Mel Collins*
  • Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – John Anthony
  • Trumpet [Wa Wa], Flugelhorn – Alan Bown
  • Vocals – Gordon Neville
Tags:
ROCK Psychedelic Rock Prog Rock
▶
Alan Bown - Stretching Out

SOLD OUT

← Back to list

CLOCKWORK

infocenter

Featured Recommendations "Psychedelic Rock"