In the early 1970s, a strange apparition began to appear on the stages
of a vibrant U.K. gig circuit in the shape of a band of West Country
troubadours, rejoicing under the odd name of Stackridge. Their music
presented an extraordinary mix of styles, from genres as diverse as
folk, classical, progressive rock, jazz, pop and music hall.In this
book, Alan Draper traces the ever diverging and remerging paths of the
core four Stackridge songwriters: Andy Davis, James Warren, Mutter
Slater and Crun Walter, both within and without Stackridge. It's a trip
that spans half a century of recording. Commencing with their eclectic
debut album Stackridge in 1971, it proceeds via many fascinating musical
paths and occasional cul-de-sacs en route. The band's 1970s heyday was
marked by many personnel reshuffles and after their dissolution in 1976,
James Warren and Andy Davis combined to form The Korgis, who scored
worldwide hits with 'If I Had You' and the much-covered standard
'Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime'. Also taking in The Korgis, Mutter
Slater Band and solo projects, our trip finally arrives in the 21st
century as Stackridge return for a second career and a heroes' welcome
from their dedicated fan base.
