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Blodwyn Pig - Pigthology (CD)

Genre: Rock
Release Date: 17th June 2013

Label: Gonzo
Catalogue Number: HST139CD
Price: £9.99


Blodwyn Pig - Pigthology

Blodwyn Pig the British rock band formed by Mick Abrahams (vocals, guitars, formerly of Jethro Tull) Jack Lancaster (saxes, flutes, violin and wind controllers) Andy Pyle (bass) and Ron Berg (drums), have released an anthology featuring re-mastered recordings of the band's most beloved and successful songs (Dear Jill, See My Way, Drive Me) and previously unreleased materials. Blodwyn Pig in its first form was a legend in rock history, hitting the top of the LP charts in Britain and elsewhere around the world. The members received new inspiration when Cameron Crow used the recording of Dear Jill in his movie Almost Famous. The original Blodwyn Pig consisted of Mick Abrahams (vocals, guitars), Jack Lancaster (sax, flutes, violin and wind controllers), Andy Pyle (bass) and Ron Berg (drums), and was later joined by Jethro Tull's Clive Bunker on drums. Many bands credit Blodwyn Pig with being a huge influence at the start of their careers. One member of Aerosmith was recently quoted in Rolling Stone as saying "there wouldn't have been an Aerosmith if there hadn't been a Blodwyn Pig" and there are many fan sites across the Internet that still attest to the band's popularity. Several Bands recorded covers of Blodwyn tunes, the most noted being Joey Ramone's version of See My Way. The band played alongside Led Zeppelin, The Who, Procul Harem, BB King, Miles Davis, Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd and Joe Cocker at the Isle of Wight rock festivals and the Reading rock festival. The Pig completed two successful American tours playing venues like Fillmores, numerous universities and the LA Forum. Most of the recordings on Blodwyn Pig's, Pigthology are from this period. Pigthology was produced, compiled and mastered by Jack Lancaster and Mick Abrahams.

Review: 

https://www.thealternateroot.com/rack-4/1799-blodwyn-pig-pigthology?Itemidindex_php?option=com_content


Tracks:

 



 Review: BLODWYN PIG US Review


Blodwyn Pig Pigthology 
Blodwyn Pig was a heavy, blues-rock band from the UK during the late ‘60s. Perhaps most famous for featuring future Jethro Tull guitarist Mick Abrahams, the band also traveled in the same circles as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd and other heavies. Given today’s fascination with the era, and a slew of new bands emulating the loud, bluesy riffs and acidic haze of the scene, I thought it a perfect addition to this installment. 
This comp features a clutch of outtakes and unreleased tracks, plus some recent remasters. While the tracks lack the sheen of a polished studio offering, you can really hear everything—from the up-front vocals in the mix, to the jazzy, sometimes proggy instrumentation. “Stormy Monday” sounds especially vivid, showcasing Abrahams’ considerable knack for tasty licks, while “See My Way” is strange, catchy and cool, so much so, that it was covered by Joey Ramone many years later. (Gonzo MultiMedia UK) 
For questions, comments or something you’d like to see, drop me a note atretrohead77@yahoo.com. Cheers, JK
AVAILABLE AT GONZO:
The Basement Tapes
CD - £9.99
Lies
CD - £9.99

Pigthology
CD - £9.99

 Review: BLODWYN PIG - Polish review (translated)


Blodwyn Pig - Pigthology
Author: Arthur Chachlowski 
19/12/2013.
The legend of the British blues rock releases a new album! But "Pigthology" is not a new set of new songs the group, and a compilation of unreleased on CD recordings, live tracks, and re-mastered version of the most famous hits in the achievements of Blodwyn Pig, such as, among others, "Dear Jill", "See My Way" and "Drive Me". 
Blodwyn Pig Group was founded in 1968 by guitarist Mick Abrahams, after he left the band Jethro Tull, just after his spectacular debut, "This Was". Abraham, with Jack Lancaster (saxophone, flute, violin), Andy dust (bass) and Ron Berg (drums) - later replaced it with a known Jethro Tull, Clive Bunker - recorded two CDs: "Ahead Rings Out" (1969) and "Getting To This" (1970), and then ... solved Blodwyn Pig. 
This formation, in various configurations personal, but always with Abraham and Lancaster in the composition, repeatedly returned to active operations, which in the 90s the last century has resulted in two consecutive plates: "Lies" (1993) and "Pig-in-the-middle" (1996). Then, there has been a renaissance popularity Blodwyn Pig.Perhaps not necessarily because of those two albums, and thanks to the song "Dear Jill" in the hugely popular film "Almost Famous" Cameron Crowe. 
Released this year by the branch Gonzo Multimedia, label Squirrel Music , CD "Pigthology" is an attempt to re-deserved reminder of the achievements of the British rock group, which at one time were placed on a par with The Moody Blues, The Who, Family and Joe Cocker Free - artists with whom, incidentally, Blodwyn Pig performed at the legendary Isle Of Wight Festival in 1969. On this album we find 12 unique tracks, which will certainly prove to be a large demand bluesrockowej good music. For sure it will restore the memory of the forgotten little longer formation, and for cast-wishers creativity Blodwyn Pig, at least in some cases, may prove to be a big surprise. "In appearing on this compilation version of the song" Baby Girl "Mick Abrahams plays the piano. The concert performance of "Cosmogrification", which we recorded in Luton in 1973 and the drums played Clive Bunker, who replaced a sick Rona Berg. In turn, "Moonkinit" I play the piano. I say this because in our compositions usually did not use keyboards "- explains Jack Lancaster. Such trivia is indeed on the album more. As you can see, "Pigthology" has a chance to become a real white raven and the object of desire of all the fans of this team. 
AVAILABLE AT GONZO:
The Basement Tapes
CD - £9.99
The Basement Tapes
CD - £9.99

Lies
CD - £9.99

Pigthology
CD - £9.99

 Review: BLODWYN PIG REVIEW


Blodwyn Pig

Pigthology

Review by G. W. Hill
This compilation album from Blodwyn Pig is interesting. I know they are considered a blues band, and some of this is purely blues, but overall, I think they fit under prog. In part because some of the music fits that category, but also because of the Jethro Tull connection. Mick Abrahams was the original guitarist in Tull. 

The disc is quite good, but there is a problem with the label. There are twelve songs listed, but only eleven here. It seems that “Hound Dog” is missing.
Track by Track Review
See My Way
It’s not hard to imagine the Jethro Tull connection here. This feels a lot like early Tull, but without Ian Anderson. It’s jazzy and rocks pretty well. The vocals are a little hard to take, and the cut feels a bit under-developed, but it’s good. We’re taken out into a killer progressive rock jam later that really works well. It has some violin work that brings some world music to the table, too.
Baby Girl
This energized tune is great. It’s got an older blues rock meets jazz sound to it. I love the saxophone solo and it’s just an awesome piece of music. This is fun. It does get turned more proggy at times, feeling perhaps just a bit like King Crimson in those instances.
Dear Jill
Now, this is weird. It seems like a slow Willie Nelson ballad. The instrumental sections later in the piece do have some psychedelia and prog in them, though. And, in some ways this has some things that feel a bit like early Pink Floyd.
Monkinit
This is awesome. Jazz, blues and more are combined into a killer psychedelic progressive rock jam. I love this. It’s an instrumental and arguably the strongest thing here.
Drive Me
More of a blues driven tune, this rocker has a definite 1970s vibe to it. It’s got some great guitar soloing. It’s a short number.
The Change Song
Now, this one is pretty much a pure blues cut. It’s an acoustic number and has some string accompaniment. That said, comparisons to some early Hawkwind wouldn’t be out of the question on this live number.
Cosmogification
Smoking hot jazz rock is heard on this. It’s got a great groove. We’re taken out into a jam with scat singing matched to guitar soloing. This is purely on fire and another highlight of the set. 
Same Old Story
I can hear comparisons to Hawkwind a little on this. That said, this is like a jazzy psychedelic rocker that works really well.
Sly Bones
This short instrumental is more pure blues.
It's Only Love
With lots of jazz and lots energy, this short rocker is fun.
Stormy Monday
This is an old jazz standard and it’s delivered as a great blues jam here. It’s a good tune, but it goes on a bit long for as little change as there is here.

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO

Lies
CD - £9.99

Pigthology
CD - £9.99

 Review: BLODWYN PIG REVIEW


https://blog.musoscribe.com/?p=5007

On their two well-regarded late 1960s albums, Blodwyn Pig forged a singular musical path, one some might say paved the way for such acts as Roy Wood’s Wizzard. This is epecially true on tracks like “Drive Me” from 1970′s Getting to This. Elsewhere they sounded not wholly dissimilar to Jethro Tull; this is unsurprising in light of the fact that founderMick Abrahams played guitar in Tull’s early lineup.

While Blodyn Pig formed and re-formed over the years, the two albums cut before their initial 1970 split form the core of what the group is remembered for. Subsequent lineups included Peter Banks(later of Yes and even later of Flash), but the sonic centerpiece of the group was the jazz-leaning Jack Lancaster. He played saxophone, flute, violin and (occasionally) piano.

Fast forward to 2013. The original lineup – not some of ‘em, but instead all of ‘em — have reunited to release something calledPigthology. I approached this release with some trepidation, owing to the fact that its provenance is a bit murky. Yeah, all the guys are here on this album subtitled “An Anthology Featuring the Original Band.” In addition to Abrahams and Lancaster, original bassist Andy Pyle and drummer Ron Burg are on board. So far, so good, right?

Here’s where tings got troubling, where red flags popped up. The term “Anthology” connotes – but doesn’t strictly mean – a collection spanning an artist’s career. Most people think of Beatles Anthology, a collection of unreleased material from the old days, chronologically sequenced. But a look at the back cover ofPigthology shows that among Lancaster’s instrumental credits is this: “Yamaha WX7.” If you don’t know, I’m here to tell you that the WX7 is a modern MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) device. Simply put, it’s a synthesizer controller that one plays like a wind instrument. It was first sold in…1987. Math enthusiasts might note that this is some seventeen years after the release ofGetting to This.

So Pigthology is an adventure in modern recording, then? Well, it’s simply too tough to tell. The liner notes – penned by Mick Farren, who has since passed away – notes that most of the recordings on the album are from the period during which the band “played alongside Led Zeppelin, The Who…” and so on. That places this recording in the late 60s or 70s. So which is it?

At its core, this question is one that ought to be simple enough to answer. But neither the packaging nor liner notes* clear up the mystery. What we’re left with is the music.

And of course that’s what it’s all about. Regardless of when the band cut these twelve tracks, they had it together. That curious British interpretation of the blues, imbued with a roadhouse boogie feel, forms the foundation of the songs. Lancaster’s jazz feel pulls things in that direction. The end result sounds – once again – like Roy Wood’s solo work, and his recordings with Wizzard and with the Super Active Wizzo Band. Beefy sax lines give the band a grittier sound than Jethro Tull ever had; this stuff rocks a lot harder than Ian Anderson‘s band ever did, and sports little in the way of medieval trappings (even when Lancaster’s blowing flute).

Yet Blodwyn Pig are pleasingly eclectic. On “Dear Jill,” acoustic slide guitar and fiddle create a folk-blues ambience that is extremely atmospheric. A few of the tracks don’t work: “Monkinit” sounds not at all like the product of an actual band; nearly everything about it – especially the stuttering drums – sounds like a band-in-a-box, laptop-sourced recording. Maybe not, but that ‘s what it feels like. Only Abrahams’ stinging guitar playing saves it from being completely bloodless.

But that’s the exception. Most of the material here – regardless of when and how it was created – is first-rate. A remake of “Drive Me” adds little to the 1970 original, but it’s still worth hearing; Abrahams is in fine voice, belting out the tunes in a Lonesome Dave Peverett style. An acoustic live reading of “The Change Song” shows off the group’s perhaps-unexpected quiet, reflective side. “Cosmogification” does The Average White Band one (or two) better, wedding the funk of that group’s style with the ambition of Colosseum. “Same Old Story” rocks like mad, and an instrumental country blues “Sly Bones” is a highlight.

“It’s Only Love” amps things up again, and would have sounded right at home on 1969′s Ahead Rings Out or the second LP. Save for an unnerving vocal effect (digital echo?) “Stormy Monday” wraps the album up on a delicious note.

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO
The Basement Tapes
CD - £9.99

Lies
CD - £9.99

Pigthology
CD - £9.99


 Review: Blodwyn Pig Review


BLODWYN PIG – Pigthology

Verdant 2004 / Gonzo 2013

BLODWYN PIG - Pigthology
BLODWYN PIG – Pigthology
Jazzy blues giants open up their treasure chest to trace an alternative path through their past.

To be a beloved band of non-conformist Mick Farren’s and have a song covered by traditionalist Joey Ramone is no mean feat. But then, this was not your regular progressive ensemble as guitarist Mick Abrahams left JETHRO TULL after “This Was” to find another way to the rock roots and tangle them in a different fashion. Such an agenda lies behind the demo of “See My Way” off the group’s second album, 1970′s “Getting To This,” the piece picked by Ramone and a breezy, harmonic, fairly exotic opener of “Pigthology” that collects a dozen of rarities, some from the studio, like a countrified instrumental “Sly Bones,” and some from the stage.

The concert tracks are a special attraction here, showing the collective’s wide stylistic span in their initial flight, from the airy “The Change Song” which was laid down at “The Marquee” in 1969, at the time of PIG’s debut, “Ahead Rings Out,” to the sophisticated, scat-embroidered jazz of “Cosmogrification” from 1973 when PIG briefly reunited. It’s there that the full blast is exerted by the pairing of Abrahams’ bluesy axe with Jack Lancaster‘s blaring sax, although, as “Same Old Story” or “Baby Girl” – recorded for John Peel and never released on LP – show, playing for a small audience couldn’t limit the band’s effusive boogie sway, as roaring as the “Stormy Monday” closing salvo. Yet to see the quartet confined to a single genre would be a mistake, as the slow dance of Lancaster’s violin around the leader’s acoustic slide guitar and smooth croon in “Dear Jill” takes the drift into the fusion future, as does “Monkinit” with Jack on piano and Monk quotes are underscored by a sensual rhythm courtesy of bassist Andy Pyle and drummer Ron Berg. Sadly, their magic was short-lived.

A vital addition to a collector’s trove all these years later (although it lacks “Hound Dog” listed on the cover), “Pigthology” forms a vigorous album on its own, a reminder of the times when tradition was breeding non-conformism and pigs could fly to the endless possibilities.

****2/3

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO
Lies
CD - £9.99

Pigthology
CD - £9.99

 Review: BLODWYN PIG REVIEW


https://www.thealternateroot.com/rack-4/1799-blodwyn-pig-pigthology?Itemidindex_php?option=com_content

The mixture of creativity and an avenue to put it to use collided in the late 1960’s on the airwaves on the FM radio dial. In England, the opening of creativity let bands intent on Pop chart success focus more on content and musicianship. British youth in the early 1960’s were exposed to American R&B through the U.S. bases in Germany. It was hard and heavy blues and soul and when it came time to translate the sound into their own songs, styles emerged. Blues-Rock became the musical current in England in the late 60’s, early 70’s, the sound becoming marketable in the hands of bands like Humble Pie, Savoy Brown and Cream when they landed on U.S. soil. Blodwyn Pig never received the success overseas that they enjoyed in England when the band formed around the name of Jethro Tull guitarist Mick Abrahams to create a hybrid of blues, rock and jazz in 1968.

 
Blodwyn Pig gain a bigger appreciation looking back at the band’s sound on the recent release, Pigthology. The compilation gathers remastered versions of their biggest U.K. hits including “Dear Jill”,a track that landed in U.S. theatres in Cameron Crowe’s film Almost Famous. The more well-known songs are based in a hammered blues rock that has uses a sleazy tease in the guitar work, particularly in “Drive Me”. Sitting beside the hits on Pigthology are unreleased tracks that show a decided move towards a more jazz rock hybrid, not in a fusion sense, but a true mixing of the expanded jams of jazz against the hard rhythm bottom of rock. The live “Cosmogification” is a textural masterpiece that layers jams over very structured rhythm lines. “Sly Bones” electrifies big band blues, “Baby Girl” hits a major Soul vein for its rush and “Hound Dog” instrumentally floats down a southern river of sound using harmonica, tambourines and folk blues guitar to line the shores of the song.

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO
Lies
CD - £9.99

Pigthology
CD - £9.99

 Review: BLODWYN PIG REVIEW


https://www.jerrylucky.com/


Blodwyn Pig – Pigthology (2013 Gonzo Multimedia) When I first started in radio in 1969, one of the first albums to capture my attention was one that featured a bullseye-like cover with a pig’s head wearing sunglasses splashed in the centre. THAT got my attention as did the music, especially the song Dear Jill. The band of course was Blodwyn Pig, a band that featured original Jethro Tull guitarist Mick Abrahams. On this disc, he along with Jack Lancaster, Andy Pyle, Ron Berg and guests Clive Bunker, Graham Walker and John Gordon recreate some of those classic tunes and provide us with some live unreleased music from those early days.
The music is blues-rock based, but created at a time where prog was just coming on the scene in a big way and so elements of experimentation creep in from time to time. For fans of the band this is a must have disc as the re-recorded songs shed new light on these tunes while the old live material are treasures from a long lost vault. It’s both nostalgic and new. Those unfamiliar with these blues-rock legends would do well to check out:shop.paragon-digital.net
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO
Lies
CD - £9.99

Pigthology
CD - £9.99

 Review: BLODWYN PIG REVIEW


https://www.muzikreviews.com/reviews.php?ID=2718

Blodwyn Pig
Pigthology

During their short time together in the late sixties, British band Blodwyn Pig managed to record two albums that received critical acclaim and performed well on the charts.

Leader of Blodwyn Pig and original member of Jethro Tull, Mick Abrahams (guitar and vocals) reformed Blodwyn Pig for two more albums in the nineties but they failed to have the impact that their original recordings did. There's a treat in store for those fans that have been longing for more from the original incarnation of the group; Abraham's has raided the archives and come up with Pigthology, a collection of rare and unreleased recordings from the band’s best years. 
Pigthology is a strange album to listen to. When you get releases like this they are usually accompanied by comprehensive liner notes, detailing where all the tracks originate from. You don't get that with Pigthology and there seems to be a very simple reason for that; they don't know where a lot of this stuff came from.
Despite the lack of information, there are some familiar tracks on Pigthology. The alternate version of "It's Only Love" doesn't differ too greatly from the version that originally appeared onAhead Rings Out but it is a lot of fun. It has a little bit more bounce and energy than the version from their 1969 debut record, and is one of the highlights of this collection. 
Other high points of Pigthology are the tracks recorded for the BBC's John Peel Show. Recording a Peel session was a big deal, the list of artists that have done so includes the likes of AC/DC, The Strokes, T.Rex, Elvis Costello and Pink Floyd. "Baby Girl" and "Same Old Story" were recorded for Peel, the same year that Blodwyn Pig originally broke-up but, this doesn't sound like a band falling apart, getting ready to go their separate ways. This sounds like a band on top of their game and it only adds to the disappointment that they split up when they did. 
While Pigthology probably isn't the way to introduce a newcomer to the world of Blodwyn Pig, it is a weird and wonderful collection that will no doubt be treasured by those fans that have patiently waited to hear more from the classic line-up of the now legendary group.  

BLODWYN PIG AT GONZO
Lies
CD - £9.99

Pigthology
CD - £9.99

 Review: BLODWYN PIG REVIEW


https://www.terrascope.co.uk/Reviews/Rumbles_October_13.htm

 Hands up who remembers Blodwyn Pig ?, You do, well then you may be interested in “Pigthology” a collection of rare, live and re-mastered tracks compiled by founding member Mick Abrahams. Opening with the excellent “See My Way” the listener is transported back to the early seventies, a time when the blues was the preserve of hairy white men, and there we stay as the band treat us to 12 tracks of guitar based rock with brass added in places and plenty of soloing courtesy of Mr Abrahams. For me it is the live stuff that sounds best with “Cosmogification” sounding fresh and alive, whilst “Same Old Story is a fine funky workout with some excellent brass work from Jack Lancaster. To end we are treated to a moody rendition of “Stormy Monday” that sounds just like you think it does, no bad thing. 

One complaint is the lack of actual information about where and when each song was recorded, maybe that is just the train spotter in me and the inclusion of sleevenotes by Mick Farren is a welcome bonus. Unlikely to gain new fans, this compilation will be welcomed by those that have a fondness for the bands two original albums and has obviously been compiled with love and care. (https://shop.paragon-digital.net/)

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AT GONZO
Lies
CD - £9.99

Pigthology
CD - £9.99

 Review: BLODWYN PIG REVIEW


https://www.muzikreviews.com/reviews.php?ID=2718

Blodwyn Pig
Pigthology

During their short time together in the late sixties, British band Blodwyn Pig managed to record two albums that received critical acclaim and performed well on the charts.

Leader of Blodwyn Pig and original member of Jethro Tull, Mick Abrahams (guitar and vocals) reformed Blodwyn Pig for two more albums in the nineties but they failed to have the impact that their original recordings did. There's a treat in store for those fans that have been longing for more from the original incarnation of the group; Abraham's has raided the archives and come up with Pigthology, a collection of rare and unreleased recordings from the band’s best years. 

Pigthology is a strange album to listen to. When you get releases like this they are usually accompanied by comprehensive liner notes, detailing where all the tracks originate from. You don't get that with Pigthology and there seems to be a very simple reason for that; they don't know where a lot of this stuff came from.Despite the lack of information, there are some familiar tracks on Pigthology. The alternate version of "It's Only Love" doesn't differ too greatly from the version that originally appeared onAhead Rings Out but it is a lot of fun. It has a little bit more bounce and energy than the version from their 1969 debut record, and is one of the highlights of this collection. 
Other high points of Pigthology are the tracks recorded for the BBC's John Peel Show. Recording a Peel session was a big deal, the list of artists that have done so includes the likes of AC/DC, The Strokes, T.Rex, Elvis Costello and Pink Floyd. "Baby Girl" and "Same Old Story" were recorded for Peel, the same year that Blodwyn Pig originally broke-up but, this doesn't sound like a band falling apart, getting ready to go their separate ways. This sounds like a band on top of their game and it only adds to the disappointment that they split up when they did. 
While Pigthology probably isn't the way to introduce a newcomer to the world of Blodwyn Pig, it is a weird and wonderful collection that will no doubt be treasured by those fans that have patiently waited to hear more from the classic line-up of the now legendary group.  

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO
Lies
CD - £9.99

Pigthology
CD - £9.99

 Review:


Posted on Friday, September 20, 2013 at 18:02:29 EST

British blues-rock legends BLODWYN PIG, featuring original JETHRO TULL guitarist Mick Abrahams, have released a new compilation of rare unreleased recordings titled Pigthology on Gonzo MultiMedia UK. Along with Abrahams (vocals, guitars), the band featured Jack Lancaster (saxes, flutes, violin, keys and wind controllers), Andy Pyle (bass), and Ron Berg (drums) and was later joined by Jethro Tull's Clive Bunker on drums. Produced by Mick Abrahams and Jack Lancaster, Pigtholgy features remastered recordings of Blodwyn Pig's most beloved and successful songs ‘Dear Jill’, ‘See My Way’ and ‘Drive Me’, along with unreleased live and studio material.

Blodwyn Pig in its first form was a legend in rock history hitting the top of the LP charts in Britain and elsewhere around the world. The band received new recognition and inspiration when the track ‘Dear Jill’ was used in Cameron Crow's movie Almost Famous. Many bands credit Blodwyn Pig with being a huge influence at the start of their careers, including rock legends AEROSMITH. There are several fan sites across the internets which still attest to the group's popularity. Through the years several bands have recorded covers of Blodwyn tunes, the most noted being JOEY RAMONE's version of ‘See My Way’.

Blodwyn Pig played alongside LED ZEPPELIN, THE WHO, PROCUL HAREM, BB KING, MILES DAVIS, JANIS JOPLIN, PINK FLOYD and JOE COCKER at the Isle Of Wight rock festivals, and the Reading rock festival.

The Pig completed two successful American tours, playing venues like the Filmores, numerous universities and the LA Forum. Most of the recordings on Pigthology are from this period.

A few notes from Jack Lancaster: “On 'Baby Girl' Mick played piano as an overdub, otherwise the track was played live in the studio. 'Cosmogrification', this was a reformed Blodwyn with Clive Bunker on drums. We only did a short tour. Clive joined because of Rin Berg's illness. I play piano on 'Monkinit' – I mention this because normally we never used keyboard on tracks.”


Tracks include:

‘See My Way’ – recorded at Mick Abrahams studio (date unknown)
 ‘Baby Girl’ – recorded at BBC Maida Vale studios, John Peel show (1970)
 ‘Dear Jill’ – recorded at Mick Abrahams studio (date unknown)
 ‘Monkinit’ (a tribute to Thelonious Monk) – recorded at Verdant studios Hollywood, CA (date unknown) ‘Drive Me’ – recording location unknown (1970)
 ‘The Change Song’ – live at the Marquee Club Soho (1969)
 ‘Cosmogrification’ – live at Luton Town Hall (1973)
 ‘Same Old Story’ – recorded at BBC Maida Vale studios, John Peel show (1970)
 ‘Hound Dog’ – recorded at Mick Abrahams studio (date unknown)
 ‘Sly Bones’ – recorded at Mick Abrahams studio, Verdant studios Hollywood, CA (date unknown)
 ‘It’s Only Love’ – outtake, Morgan studios (1969)
 ‘Stormy Monday’ – Mick Abrahams studo (date unknown)


 

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AT GONZO
Lies
CD - £9.99

Pigthology
CD - £9.99

 












 Review: CANADIAN REVIEW OF BLODWYN PIG


Posted on Friday, September 20, 2013 at 18:02:29 EST

British blues-rock legends BLODWYN PIG, featuring original JETHRO TULL guitarist Mick Abrahams, have released a new compilation of rare unreleased recordings titled Pigthology on Gonzo MultiMedia UK. Along with Abrahams (vocals, guitars), the band featured Jack Lancaster (saxes, flutes, violin, keys and wind controllers), Andy Pyle (bass), and Ron Berg (drums) and was later joined by Jethro Tull's Clive Bunker on drums. Produced by Mick Abrahams and Jack Lancaster, Pigtholgy features remastered recordings of Blodwyn Pig's most beloved and successful songs ‘Dear Jill’, ‘See My Way’ and ‘Drive Me’, along with unreleased live and studio material.

Blodwyn Pig in its first form was a legend in rock history hitting the top of the LP charts in Britain and elsewhere around the world. The band received new recognition and inspiration when the track ‘Dear Jill’ was used in Cameron Crow's movie Almost Famous. Many bands credit Blodwyn Pig with being a huge influence at the start of their careers, including rock legends AEROSMITH. There are several fan sites across the internets which still attest to the group's popularity. Through the years several bands have recorded covers of Blodwyn tunes, the most noted being JOEY RAMONE's version of ‘See My Way’.

Blodwyn Pig played alongside LED ZEPPELIN, THE WHO, PROCUL HAREM, BB KING, MILES DAVIS, JANIS JOPLIN, PINK FLOYD and JOE COCKER at the Isle Of Wight rock festivals, and the Reading rock festival.

The Pig completed two successful American tours, playing venues like the Filmores, numerous universities and the LA Forum. Most of the recordings on Pigthology are from this period.

A few notes from Jack Lancaster: “On 'Baby Girl' Mick played piano as an overdub, otherwise the track was played live in the studio. 'Cosmogrification', this was a reformed Blodwyn with Clive Bunker on drums. We only did a short tour. Clive joined because of Rin Berg's illness. I play piano on 'Monkinit' – I mention this because normally we never used keyboard on tracks.”


Tracks include:

‘See My Way’ – recorded at Mick Abrahams studio (date unknown)
 ‘Baby Girl’ – recorded at BBC Maida Vale studios, John Peel show (1970)
 ‘Dear Jill’ – recorded at Mick Abrahams studio (date unknown)
 ‘Monkinit’ (a tribute to Thelonious Monk) – recorded at Verdant studios Hollywood, CA (date unknown) ‘Drive Me’ – recording location unknown (1970)
 ‘The Change Song’ – live at the Marquee Club Soho (1969)
 ‘Cosmogrification’ – live at Luton Town Hall (1973)
 ‘Same Old Story’ – recorded at BBC Maida Vale studios, John Peel show (1970)
 ‘Hound Dog’ – recorded at Mick Abrahams studio (date unknown)
 ‘Sly Bones’ – recorded at Mick Abrahams studio, Verdant studios Hollywood, CA (date unknown)
 ‘It’s Only Love’ – outtake, Morgan studios (1969)
 ‘Stormy Monday’ – Mick Abrahams studo (date unknown)


 

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 Review: BLODWYN PIG BELGIAN REVIEW (Translated)


Blodwyn Pig was one of the many small groups ranging from English, soul, blues and rock in the late 60s and early 70s. As this flourishing age could equitably distribute the opportunity among hundreds of training worthy of glory, she left on the side of this group yet had an impressive pedigree. Founded by ex- Jethro Tull Mick Abrahams in November 1968 Blodwyn Pig left a powerful mix of heavy rock, blues and brass. The man who gives his own tone Blodwyn Pig is Jack Lancaster , who officiates the saxophone. The other two participants had some letters as bassist Andy Pyle also happen among bluesmen Savoy Brown and later founded the band Juicy Lucy with drummer Ron Berg . 's first album Blodwyn Pig was released in June 1969 on the Island label. This can be seen in stores with its bright pink wallet on which arises a big pig's head with a ring in the snout, a cigarette in his mouth, dark glasses and earphones. The album has great progressive moments like "The modern alchemist" or "Is not is coming home, babe" , each placed at the end of one side.

The public is interested in what the heavy rock and progressive time surrounded by jazzy atmosphere, since the first album climbed to eighth place in the UK charts. 's second album "Getting to this" (1970) is published by Chrysalis House and moves away a little blues roots for the soul.Shortly after the recording of this album, guitarist Peter Banks (ex-Yes, future Flash) joined the band. It remains for the six-string when Mick Abrahams left the band to form his Mick Abrahams Band , but no other vinyl record is recorded at that time. From there, the line-up changes become quite confusing, with a brief return of Mick Abrahams in 1974 with a new drummer ( Clive Bunker , also ex-Jethro Tull). What is also confusing is the content CD "Pigthology" offered these days by Gonzo Multimedia label. This album is not an anthology of songs but this time as a collection of remastered songs or recently re-recorded by the original group. Curiously, there are few songs directly extracted from the two albums ("Dear Jill" and "The Exchange song" for the first "Drive me" and "See My Way" for the latter). The other titles are either unreleased or live performances (which could come from subsequent albums Mick Abrahams 90s, assigned to Blodwyn Pig, like"Lies" and "Pig in the middle" , I do not have had the opportunity to listen). Another element of confusion, this "Pigthology" is already listed on the Internet as being released in 2004, nearly ten years before the reissue Gonzo Multimedia. 's connoisseur therefore may frown at the sight of this product not really clear in terms of historical Blodwyn Pig. But the novice can unscrupulous be seduced by the blues and rock tough Blodwyn Pig, which shines here with titles like "See My Way" ,"Baby Girl" , "Same old story" (released in side A 45 Towers in 1970) or the most peaceful and bluesy "Dear Jill" and "Stormy Monday" . But still, a little bit of ear on the original albums of Blodwyn Pig in 1969-70 can not hurt.

https://www.musicinbelgium.net/pl/modules.php?name=Reviews&rop=showcontent&id=6469

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 Review: BLODWYN PIG REVIEW


Pigthology

Blodwyn Pig

Maybe it was the name or the brevity of their run — Blodwyn Pig was one of those bands that shuffled through the early 70s, somewhat under the radar, yet marginally successful with two albums and playing bills alongside Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. Most significant to the public at large is that the band was led by Mick Abrahams, Jethro Tull's original guitarist who left shortly after This Was, Tull's debut album. One can speculate as to why the guitarist left a band that would go on to dominate the 70s, but if you listen to the 12-song compilation, Pigthology, you may realize Abrahams and the rest of the band — Jack Lancaster on saxes, flutes, violin, keys and wind controllers; Andy Pyle on bass; Ron Berg on drums); later, another former Jethro Tull original, drummer Clive Bunker — were moving into an entirely different direction.
Produced by Abrahams and Lancaster, Pigthology is filled with their most popular songs like "Dear Jill," (which got air time in Almost Famous), "See My Way" and "Drive Me," along with unreleased live and studio tracks. Listening in, the band easily transcends its blues-rock label with forays into jazz, folk and rock, and, aside from the sway and execution of "See My Way," you'd probably never pick up on the Tull connection. "Baby Girl" is a boogie blues number with Abrahams on guitars and an overdubbed piano. "Dear Jill" is low-down blues featuring a smooth, countrified delivery from Abrahams, refined by Lancaster's master strokes on the violin.
"Monkinit," framed as a tribute to Thelonious Monk and recorded in Hollywood, sounds like modern jazz. Without a confirmed date, it could have easily been recorded at anytime between 1970 and now. Lancaster plays horns and keys while Abrahams lays down a heavy lead. As a live band, Blodwyn Pig was clearly as musically adept as their peers. "The Change Song," from the Marquee Club in 1969, is acoustic blues with Lancaster's violin vamped in for melody and allure. A 1973 live performance of "Cosmogrification" reaffirms the group's jazz leanings. And just when you think you have it all figured out, they pull out a zesty rock gem recorded at the BBC called "Same Old Story." For all the maneuvering to be contemporary, it's clear by the end of this collection, Blodwyn Pig were a pure blues band dosed with a wide array of influences. The blues are more ingrained in "Hound Dog," an instrumental that sounds nothing like Big Mama Thornton or Elvis Presley, while "Stormy Monday" is a clean interpretation without the extra window dressing. Love it or wonder about it, you definitely get the whole picture of what Blodwyn Pig was all about on Pigthology.
~ Shawn Perry
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 Review: BELGIAN BLODWYN PIG REVIEW


"Blodwyn Pig" is a legendary British blues rock band. After guitarist Mick Abrahams in 1969, after their debut album "This Was" the progressive rock band singer Ian Anderson "Jethro Tull" left, he founded "Blodwyn Pig" on. The other band members are Jack Lancaster (sax, flute and piano), Andy Pyle (bass) and Ron Berg (drums). Guitarist Peter Banks ("Yes", "flash") replaces later Abraham when he temporarily forms a band. The duo Abraham and Lancaster takes "Blodwyn Pig" two albums. In 1969 "Ahead Rings Out" in 1970 and "Getting To This". The style of the band's first rock and blues can be in the British scene compared to other groups as "The Yardbirds", "Free" and possibly "Led Zeppelin". Saxophonist and singer Lancaster sometimes plays simultaneously on two saxophones, like his idol American jazz multi-instrumentalist Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Lancaster later works also as a producer and Pyle plays in "Savoy Brown". The group is split several times, and also some reunions, but always with the duo Abraham and Lancaster as core. "Jethro Tull's" drummer Clive Bunker temporarily joins the group. "Blodwyn Pig" brings in the 90s, two albums under the group name from ditto. In 1993, "Lies" and in 1996 "Pig-in-the-Middle". Many other artists have songs of the retreaded tire. Joey Ramone covert "See My Way". While rock festival on the Isle of Wight, the group performed alongside "Led Zeppelin", "The Who", "Procul Harem", BB King, Miles Davis, Janis Joplin, "Pink Floyd" and Joe Cocker. The band toured extensively in the USA two times.

This album is an anthology, a collection of rare and unreleased tracks of remastered tracks from some hits like "See My Way", "Dear Jill" and "Drive Me". The older songs and rarities collected with great effort and edited in the respective studios of Abraham in Bedfordshire and Lancaster in Los Angeles. The live recordings are taken from their 1974 tour, a show at the Marquee Club in London and from BBC radio recordings during shows of John Peel. Six shots is recording year unknown. 1 "See My Way" [(MA) is a number that links you directly to the roots with "Jethro Tull". Via Lancaster The song is a peculiar mix of angular blues riffs, bold progressive pieces with rhythm changes and a catchy melody] - 2 "Baby Girl" [(MA) One of two live recording of a BBC radio program during the John Peel show, Lancaster and his two saxophones and Mick Abrahams in overdub play the piano] - 3 "Dear Jill" [(MA) A remastered hit song that was used by filmmaker and producer Cameron Crow, in the movie "Almost Famous". The song with Lancaster as a violinist, sounds like "Fleetwood Mac" in country style] - 4 "Monkinit" [(JL) is a tribute to the jazz musician Thelonious Monk (1917-1982). It's an instrumental song with a mix of rock and jazzy grooves. Lancaster plays the piano] - 5 "Drive Me" [(MA) Another find ... It has been unable to find out where this groovy song recorded] - 6 "The Change Song" [(MA) Is in terms of genre and style a 'other' song. It is a live recording from 1969, included in the "Marquee Club" Soho, UK] - 7 "Cosmogification" [(JL) Is another live recording with handsome psychedelic fusion rock and jazz, with Lancaster and his two saxophones at the ready and Clive Bunker on drums (because Ron Berg was sick)] - 8 "Same Old Story" [(MA) a rock song with the typical jazz influences, we also know from progressive rock groups like the British "Colosseum Band"] - 9 "Sly Bones" [(MA) is a quiet country track with lots of bluesy slide guitar] - 10 "It's Only Love" [(MA)] - 11 "Stormy Monday" [A cover of a song by T. Bone Walker / The only bluesy track the historical terraced closing, is a real relief valve and with class].

"Pigthology" for fans of progressive rock the missing link to their wardrobe with reminders to complete and also because bootlegs can not compensate for everything. The duo Abrahams / Lancaster has put a lot of time in their successful quest. It is now up to us to discover this unknown and / or mastered songs so that this musical period in our brain can be archived ...
Eric Schuurmans
www.rootstime.be


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 Review: BRILLIANT BLODWYN PIG REVIEW


Blodwyn Pig Release New PIGTHOLOGY CompilationBritish blues-rock legends Blodwyn Pig turn out an amazing anthology chronicling one of the most influential bands to come out of the U.K. post British invasion. 
Brent Black / www.bop-n-jazz.com

As a critic you have to take what you like and what you know and move past that. Blodwyn Pig is a band that I have read about but never heard until this package hit my mailbox recently. So who are they? True rock historians are already hip to the Pig but for those playing along at home here is a brief rundown of the rock and roll bloodlines that make up this incredible band. 

Original Jethro Tull guitarist Mick Abrams is joined by Jack Lancaster on saxes, flutes, violin, keys and wind controllers. Andy Pyle holds down the bass chair with drummer Ron Berg rounding out the rhythm section. A little later Jethro Tull's Clive Bunker would join the band on drums. The sound? Comedian Martin Mull once said writing about music is like dancing with architecture. Blodwyn Pig bends genre not to mention hybrid sounds more closely associated with a Jethro Tull by incorporating blues based rock, elements of funk, and mad improvisational skills for a sound that bands such as Aerosmith credit for their very existence in the industry today. Along with the edgy blues based Aerosmith comparison perhaps a Tower of Power meets P-Funk hybrid might be the closest American bands that one could draw a legitimate comparison to but that would be inherently unfair as it is the influence on rock music both yesterday and today that establishes this eclectic ensemble as true trend setters whose music sounds incredibly fresh and viable even today. 

Blodwyn Pig played with bands such as Led Zeppelin, The Who, and Janis Joplin. The Pig had two massively successful American tours and conquered legendary festivals such as the Isle of Wight. Aside from high praise coming from the Aerosmith camp, Joey Ramone's cover of the Pig classic "See My Way" simply seals the deal for this band as a legitimate and powerful music still felt in American rock today. 

I came into this release stone cold. I walked away a huge fan!


https://www.criticaljazz.com/2013/09/blodwyn-pig-pigthology-gonzo-media-2013.html

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 Review: Album review: BLODWYN PIG – Pigthology


https://getreadytorock.me.uk/blog/2013/09/album-review-blodwyn-pig-pigthology/

Blodwyn Pig - PigthologyThis release promises much – previously unheard recordings from influential blues rock band Blodwyn Pig led by original Jethro Tull guitarist Mick Abrahams.  Unreleased material from this band (especially the formative years) must be as rare as the proverbial hen’s teeth and the project gathers interest as we learn that the band’s Mick Abrahams and Jack Lancaster have been responsible for the sourcing and remastering.
The late Mick Farren even supplies the sleeve notes and reiterates that fans of the band have had to console themselves with the only two official releases.  Non-converts of a certain age must remember that iconic “pig” cover on ‘Ahead Rings Out’ (1969).  The Farren connection (not alluded to in the sleeve notes) comes from Lancaster’s association with the writer when asked to set some of his poems to music.
This archive package (like many on the Gonzo label) is sparse on any detail and there appears to be the omission of one track ‘Hound Dog’.  It’s all really careless and detracts from an otherwise top-notch enterprise.
There are no sources given in the sparse liner notes, no enlightening essay from the main movers and shakers.  In short, it’s a missed opportunity by the label.  Thankfully, the music and quality carries this release.
There are alternate versions of two tracks from their 1969 debut ‘Dear Jill’ and ‘The Change Song’ plus an outtake ‘It’s Only Love’, and from the 1970 follow-up ‘Getting To This’: ‘Drive Me’ and ‘See My Way’.
There are two non-album tracks recorded for a John Peel radio session (‘Baby Girl’ and ‘Same Old Story’ – the former appeared on the now deleted ‘Basement Tapes’  released by Hux in 2000 and the latter on the inferior ‘Radio Sessions 67-71′ (Secret Music, 2012)), several live tracks including a  marvellous instrumental ‘Cosmogrification’ recorded live at Luton Town Hall in 1973.  (Another instrumental ‘Monkinit’ is a studio effort which sounds like it was recorded during the band’s 1990′s reformation period).
Blodwyn Pig were a strange hybrid of blues and jazz rock which made them stand out from many of their UK contemporaries and this eclectic mix achieved greater fruition with their second album.
Jack Lancaster would later be involved in session and film work (check out also his little-known solo album ‘Skinnigrove Bay’ (1980) and his collaboration with Robin Lumley, ‘Marscape’(1976)), whilst Abrahams himself has not enjoyed good health in recent years but has nevertheless continued to perform and release albums.
Although this album has been previously available direct from Mick Abrahams (on his Squirrel Music imprint in 2005) it does beg the question:  there must be more material available – at least from the live sessions and gigs?  And does this raise the prospect of a “Volume 2”?  It would be worth it if only for the record label to get their act together in respect of the packaging.  ***1/2
Review by David Randall
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