Henry Cow

Release Overview

Concerts is a double live album by the English band Henry Cow, released in 1976 through Caroline Records. This album features performances recorded between September 1974 and October 1975 in the UK and Europe. The recordings capture the eclectic and experimental nature of the band's music, embodying elements of avant-garde rock and the Rock in Opposition (RIO) movement.

Production and Engineering

The album was engineered by a team that includes Tony Wilson, Bob Conduct, Jack Balchin, and Sandro Pascolo. It was mastered by David Vorhaus, known for his work with electronic music group White Noise. The technical quality of the recordings reflects the band's commitment to sound exploration and innovation.

Musical Lineup

Concerts features a diverse lineup of musicians. Fred Frith plays guitars, piano, violin, and xylophone. Tim Hodgkinson contributes with organ, clarinet, and alto saxophone. John Greaves provides bass guitar, vocals, and additional keyboard work. Chris Cutler is on drums, while Lindsay Cooper plays bassoon, flute, oboe, and other instruments. Dagmar Krause, known for her previous work with Slapp Happy, serves as the lead vocalist.

Album Structure

The album is divided into four sides, each showcasing different aspects of the band's live performances. Side A includes the suite "Beautiful As The Moon: Terrible As An Army With Banners," recorded at the New London Theatre. Side B features guest vocalist Robert Wyatt on tracks like "Bad Alchemy" and "Little Red Riding Hood Hits The Road," alongside the piece "Ruins." Side C is dedicated entirely to the 29-minute improvisational work titled "Oslo." Finally, Side D presents live improvisations recorded in Groningen and Udine.

Artistic Context

Henry Cow was part of the avant-garde movement known as RIO, which sought to challenge conventional rock music structures. This album encapsulates their experimental ethos, blending elements of jazz, electronic music, and free improvisation. The live setting allows the band to explore their compositions in real-time, creating a dynamic interplay among the musicians.

Final Thoughts

Concerts serves as a documentation of Henry Cow's performances during a crucial period of their career. The album provides insights into their musical approach and the collaborative spirit that defined their work. The release was cataloged as CAD 3002 by Caroline Records.