Andy Roberts - And The Great Stampede

Nearly-man enjoys a second moment in the Jamaican sun

Roberts was ubiquitous in the 70s Liverpool Scene, Plainsong, Grimms and various other hardtouring, if largely unsung, aggregations. Later he would be a support musician in the Pink Floyd set-up, and after that, the guitarplaying sidekick of country-singing gynaecologist Hank Wangford.

The Great Stampede was his 1973 shot at stardom. and was released on the American Elektra label – suitably so, as Roberts’ musical heart lies on that side of the Atlantic. Musicians include BJ Cole, Britain’s king of the steel guitar, Zoot Money on keys, and Fotheringay’s rhythm section. Scarcely a note is wasted. Clowns On The Road, reflecting his time with musical comedians Grimms, is particularly poignant.

The theme here is countrymeets- reggae, the latter due to Roberts spending his honeymoon in Jamaica and falling in love with the music he heard. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, The Great Stampede didn’t sell, and our man continued his merry way in various supporting roles. But bonus tracks (unnecessary in the artist’s opinion, but now obligatory) and fabulous presentation, including Roberts’ engaging sleevenotes, make this an irresistible package for 70s soft-rock fans.

Fledg’ling | FLED 3064

Reviewed by Michael Heatley
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