Cochise — Cochise 1970 (UK, Country, Blues Rock)

Cochise — Cochise 1970 (UK, Country, Blues Rock)

Cochise was a British rock band formed in 1969, performing hard rock with country elements, similar to Creedence Clearwater Revival. They released three studio albums and disbanded in 1972. Some of the band's members later gained fame: vocalist and guitarist Mick Grabham joined Procol Harum, B.J. Cole recorded solo and collaborated with many famous artists (Elton John, Uriah Heep, etc.) as a session musician, Ricky Wills joined Foreigner, and John Wilson played with David Gilmour. Cochise gained some fame less for its work (albeit quite interesting) than for the presence of individuals in its lineup who achieved popularity after its breakup. The band's founder is considered to be Sunderland native Mick Grabham, who played in the pop group Plastic Penny in the late 1960s. Elton John's friend and Bluesology bandmate Stewart Brown, whose image and performance style were reminiscent of Jim Morrison, became Cochise's vocalist. Another prominent figure was B.J. Cole, a master of pedal steel guitar, which gave the band its signature sound. Rounding out the lineup were Cambridge natives Ricky Wills on bass and John Wilson (ex-Jokers Wild) on drums. The musicians signed a contract with Clearwater Productions and headed to Dick James Studios (where Elton John and the Troggs had recorded their demos) with the intention of recording several demos. The results of their efforts found their way into the hands of Andrew Lauder, a representative of Liberty Records. Lauder liked the blues-rock tunes with a touch of country, and he offered the band a contract. They recorded their debut album, "Cochise," at Kingsway Studios in Holborn, with Dick Taylor of the band Pretty Things producing. Cole, Brown, and Grabham wrote most of the tracks for the album. In addition to the band's original material, the disc also featured a powerful arrangement of Paul Simon's "59th Street Bridge Song," which had already proven a popular live performer. Sadly, the first album, "Cochise," would be Brown's last. His girlfriend was from a wealthy family, and after persuading Stewart to quit the music business, she took him to the Mediterranean...

Tracks:
01. Velvet Mountain – 0:00

02. China – 3:27

03. Trafalgar Day – 7:24

04. Moment And The End – 12:35

05. Watch This Space – 18:35

06. 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) – 22:34

07. Past Loves – 26:16

08. Painted Lady – 29:57

09. Black Is The Color (Traditional) – 37:03


Personnel:

Stewart Brown – acoustic guitar, lead vocals
B.J. Cole – pedal steel guitar, dobro, cello
Mick Grabham – lead & acoustic guitar, organ, piano, vocals
Ricky Wills – bass, vocals
John "Willie" Wilson – percussion, drums, vocals
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Dick Taylor – producer