Indian Summer present a technical approach to prog, it’s very likeable, and in parts they sound like very early Uriah Heep.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Indian Summer
ALBUM: Indian Summer
LABEL: RCA/Neon
SERIAL: NE3
YEAR: 1971
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: England
LINEUP: Bob Jackson – lead vocals, keyboards * Colin Williams – guitar, backing vocals * Malcolm Harker – bass, vibes, vocals * Paul Hooper – drums, percussion, vocals
TRACK LISTING: 01 God Is The Dog * 02 Emotions On Man * 03 Glimpse * 04 Half Change Again * 05 Black Sunshine * 06 From The Film Of The Same Name * 07 Secret Reflects * 08 Another Tree Will Grow
Background
Nothing remotely Indian about this lot, who originated from the English Midlands, Coventry to be exact. Formed in 1968, they rubbed shoulders with Black Sabbath‘s management, with Sabbs boss Jim Sampson picking up the responsibility. Unlike Sabbath who signed with Vertigo, Indian Summer were picked up by RCA imprint Neon Records, their sole LP released in early 1971. But it wasn’t to be an Indian Spring, Summer nor bed of roses for these prog pyschonauts.
The Songs
Indian Summer present a technical approach to prog. It’s very likeable, and lead singer Bob Jackson holds it altogether, combined with some nifty keyboard playing too. In parts they sound like very early Uriah Heep, which can only be good.
Leading off with ‘God Is The Dog’, this one is full-on keyboard central with a great emotive lead vocal from Bob Jackson. ‘Emotions On Man’ is a shape-shifting affair, which changes throughout to good effect. The guitar noodling is rather excellent on this one. The pick of the material is the deft and very musical ‘Glimpse’, which features extended solo parts by keyboardist Jackson and guitarist Williams. Very good track. ‘Half Changed Again’ is a very wistful and meandering with soaring vocals.
Things heavy up from the impressive ‘Black Sunshine’, with tough guitars and omni-present organs combining well. ‘From The Film Of The Same Name’ is a bit odd sounding, but I liked it nonetheless. Quite jam based. The final pairing of ‘Secret Reflects’ and ‘Another Tree Will Grow’ veers more to traditional prog, the former a subdued affair, the latter more folk rock and pastoral which picks up in tempo as we head toward the finish, including a spirited guitar solo from Colin Williams.
In Summary
In the case of Indian Summer, the band eventually called it a day in 1972, completing their touring engagements with not much to show for their endeavours. However, the after-impact of Indian Summer’s personnel makes for interesting reading.
Ross, Badfinger, David Byron (solo) and The Dodgers all appear on the CV of singer and keyboardist Bob Jackson, while Paul Hooper also played on The Dodgers records.
We have reviews on all those bands, use the tags to read more. If you like late 60’s and early 70’s proto-prog then Indian Summer might be worth a shot.
