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BGO Records www.bgo-records.com [Release date 06.10.23]
The two albums released by Tempest in 1973/4 marked a musical departure for jazz rock drummer Jon Hiseman who – at the time – was best known for his work with Colosseum and to a lesser extent the New Jazz Orchestra. The latter collective he co-founded with Neil Ardley.
For his new venture – which he later described as “a thinking man’s hard rock band’ – he recruited Colosseum’s bassist and vocalist Mark Clarke and a little known guitarist Allan Holdsworth. Completing the line-up – on keyboards and vocals – was Paul Williams who had fronted Juicy Lucy on that band’s second album.
Compared to Colosseum, Tempest’s music was more accessible – more rock than jazz-rock – as demonstrated on their eponymous debut released in 1973. The album is characterised by Holdsworth’s fluid (and heavy) riffage (a slightly different style than his subsequent jazz/fusion excursions) whilst Williams’ vocals lend the band a Jack Bruce/Cream vibe.
Prior to the second album guitarist Ollie Halsall (Patto, and later with Kevin Ayers) had joined and ultimately replaced Holdsworth although for a time the band had a two-guitarist line-up. Keyboard player Paul Williams also left so that by the time of Living In Fear Tempest was now a trio.
The second album, released in 1974, was less jazz/blues tinged and definitely rockier. This must have been Halsall’s influence and he also contributed writing to half the album. There’s a rather straight version of ‘Paperback Writer’ which suggests that at this time the band were not concerned with greater commercial success and merely played what they wanted. And not even tethered by label boss/producer Gerry Bron.
The bonus tracks included on this reissue are ‘You And Your Love’ and ‘Dream Train’ from the band’s final recording sessions but – as the liner note references – there was a BBC “in concert” recorded in June 1973 and it’s a pity this couldn’t have formed a third CD. Especially as, according to writer Charles Waring, the original transcription disc version can sell for £1600. Waring’s notes give a track by track breakdown of both albums.
Collector’s note: The ‘Under The Blossom’ anthology package released by Castle in 2005 did include the BBC tracks together with the two albums and bonuses on 2 CDs.
With declining interest in the band, from both label and the wider public – and little success in the States – Tempest ultimately blew themselves out. ***
Review by David Randall
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