Hatfield And The North

Although Hatfield And The North released their first album in 1974, their history goes back a year prior. In early 1973, keyboard player Dave Stewart joined the core of bassist Richard Sinclair, guitarist Phil Miller and drummer Pip Pyle, the latter two both ex-Carol Grimes' Delivery. Stewart had previously been in Egg and replaced original keyboard player Dave Sinclair, who went back to Caravan. They spent most of 1973 touring, including several visits to the continent. One of the first (and only) of the so-called Canterbury bands to sign with Virgin Records, their self-titled debut album was recorded at Manor Studios the previous winter. It's easy to see what the fuss is about. Hatfield's music is instantly recognizable - highly arranged, almost math-like in structure and definitely not in 4/4 time! Composition credits are fairly democratic, yet each track flows effortlessly into the next, surely another testament to the cerebral virtuosity in the band. Stewart's keyboards are central, but Miller's thick toned guitar is also distinct. The debut includes several classics, including Robert Wyatt's ethereal vocalizing on "Calyx" and the rolling instrumental "Son of There's No Place Like Homerton". Sinclair's "Licks For The Ladies" kicks off a small batch of vocal efforts on the second side, culminating with the angelic Northettes' on "Lobster in Cleavage Probe". A single, "Let's Eat (Real Soon)" b/w "Fitter Stoke Has A Bath", was released in November. Hatfield however stayed on the road.