Speech | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | Early 1972 | |||
Recorded | Winter 1971 | |||
Genre | Progressive rock | |||
Label |
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Producer |
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Steamhammer chronology | ||||
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Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
Allmusic | [1] |
Speech is the fourth album by the British rock band Steamhammer.
In 1971, bassist Steve Davy left the band, and Louis Cennamo was recruited as his replacement - then, vocalist/guitarist Kieran White also left after a summer tour. Guitarist Martin Pugh, drummer Mick Bradley and Cennamo (with guest vocalist Garth Watt-Roy, of Fuzzy Duck) then went in the studio to record Speech, which was released in 1972. It consisted of three lengthy (and mostly instrumental) songs in a heavier progressive-rock vein, that was somewhat different from their initial blues and folk/jazz-influenced albums. [2]
Bradley died from leukemia shortly before the album's mixing was completed (the album is dedicated to him on the inside album cover). The band continued with American singer/guitarist Bruce Payne and drummer John Lingwood, touring in Germany in support of the album, where they were more popular than back home in England. [3]
After Steamhammer wound down, Pugh and Cennamo joined up with former Yardbirds vocalist Keith Relf (who had provided production assistance on Speech, as well as contributing background vocals) [4] and drummer Bobby Caldwell, formerly of Johnny Winter's band and Captain Beyond, to form Armageddon. [5]
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
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1. | "Penumbra"
| Martin Pugh, Louis Cennamo, Mick Bradley; lyrics by Elizabeth Romilly | 22:42 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
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2. | "Telegram (Nature's Mischief)" | Pugh, Cennamo, Bradley; lyrics by Karl Williams | 12:00 |
3. | "For Against" | Pugh, Cennamo, Bradley | 10:58 |
Also:
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Steamhammer is an English rock band from Worthing, England, that was formed in 1968 by vocalist Kieran White, guitarists Martin Quittenton and Martin Pugh, bassist Steve Davy, and drummer Michael Rushton.
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Steve Davy is a British bass guitarist and vocalist, known for being a member of the blues-rock band Steamhammer. He played on the first three Steamhammer albums. Subsequently he left the band and was replaced by Louis Cennamo.
Mick Bradley was a British drummer and vocalist, known for being a member of the blues-rock band Steamhammer. He played on three Steamhammer albums.