Thursday, September 8, 2016

More U.K. Obscurities On U.S. Labels: Hardin & York

HARDIN & YORK-Tomorrow, Today/Candlelight US Bell B-799 1969


















One of the more interesting "supergroups" in the U.K. late 60's was the short lived venture known as Hardin & York . Keyboardist Eddie Hardin had previously played with A Wild Uncertainty before joining the Spencer Davis Group in 1967 to replace Steve Windwood. By the end of 1968  Hardin and original S.D.G member Pete York (drums) both left to form this duo.

The group cut just one single and three albums in their short career.  "Tomorrow Today" was released in the US, UK and Germany.  Our American specimen was released in June 1969, one month after the UK issue (Bell BLL 1064). "Tomorrow Today" is  a groovy little blue eyed soul number not at all unlike The Spencer Davis Group when they were playing rocking Hammond driven material . It starts out light with just some piano and acoustic guitar and then in comes Hardin's churchy Hammond, his soulful vocals and some amazing female backing vocalists with so much soul that it's powerful (care of the British due Sue & Sunny).  The backing vocals blend perfectly with the organ and Hardin's voice giving it a gospel feel. Magical stuff!

"Candlelight" is a bit heavier and due to some serious over  phlanging and organ noodling. At times it's pretty akin to early Deep Purple, musically anyway. It's not terrible but in light of the monster A-side it pales considerably and doesn't really make me want to play it repeatedly.

"Tomorrow Today" live on German TV's "Beat Club" November 1969:



Hear "Tomorrow Today":

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x11mfdh_hardin-york-tomorrow-today-1969-uk-psych-rock_music

Hear "Candlelight":

https://youtu.be/qshJwrBMlb8

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