As I sit here, enveloped in the rich, hauntingly wonderful sounds of "House on the Hill," I find myself transported back to my early years, a time when my passion for music began to shape the course of my life.
The Beginning of a Lifelong Obsession
My journey into the world of music began with a simple yet significant purchase – my first integrated Holiday 10 watt amplifier. This modest piece of equipment ignited a fire within me, a burning desire to explore the depths and nuances of sound. It wasn't long before this interest grew into an obsession.
At the tender age of 18, I had the opportunity to run a Nakamichi dealership. This experience opened the doors to a world I had only dreamed of – the realm of high-end audio equipment. It was an exhilarating time, filled with the excitement of buying and selling top-tier equipment and immersing myself in the art of sound.
Parallel to my business endeavors, I began amassing a personal collection of record albums. Over time, this collection grew to include literally thousands of titles, each album a world unto itself, waiting to be explored and cherished.
Today's Nostalgic Spin: "House on the Hill"
Today, I revisited one of these treasures – "House on the Hill." Spinning this record, I was immediately swept away by the production quality and the unique sound that had first captivated me years ago. The echoes of the flute, breathing distinct life into each track, reminded me why this band's work had always resonated so deeply with me.
Listening to "House on the Hill," I realized that music has the extraordinary power to transport us through time, to bring back subtle memories and feelings from our past. It's a bridge to the moments that have shaped us, a reminder of our journey through life.
As the last notes of the album fade away, I am left with a profound sense of gratitude for the journey music has taken me on. From my first amplifier to the thousands of albums that have filled my life with joy, each step in this journey has been a testament to the enduring, transformative power of music.
Join me as I continue to explore and share my experiences in the world of high-fidelity sound and the timeless magic of music. Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or just beginning to discover your passion, there's always a new melody to uncover, a new rhythm to get lost in.
Brief History of great musical talent:
Audience was a British art rock band that existed initially from 1969 until 1972 and then reunited from 2004 until 2013. The original band consisted of Howard Werth on electric classical guitar and vocals, Keith Gemmell on soprano and tenor saxophone, flute, and clarinet, Trevor Williams on bass guitar and vocals, and Tony Connor on drums and vocals
Their music can be categorized as a blend of rock with elements of art rock and progressive rock, exemplified in their album "The House on the Hill," released in 1971. This album is their third studio album and is known for its creative artistry and unique sound. The North American version of the album included the single "Indian Summer," which reached number 74 on the Billboard Hot 100, and also featured "It Brings A Tear," while dropping the song "Eye To Eye" from the UK version
The tracklist for "The House on the Hill" as per the Charisma UK and foreign LP track listing is as follows:
"Jackdaw" (Werth, Gemmell) - 7:28
"You're Not Smiling" (Werth, Gemmell) - 5:12
"I Had a Dream" - 4:17
"Raviole" (Werth) - 3:38 "Nancy" - 4:14
"Eye to Eye" - 2:30
"I Put a Spell on You" (Jay Hawkins) - 4:08
"The House on the Hill" - 7:27
Additionally, the Charisma UK single included "Indian Summer" (Werth, Williams) - 3:16
The album personnel included:
Howard Werth on electric classical guitar and vocals
Keith Gemmell on tenor saxophone, recorder, clarinet, and flute
Trevor Williams on bass and vocals
Tony Connor on drums, percussion, vibes, and vocals
Additional personnel involved Gus Dudgeon on maracas and cowbell, Robert Kirby on string arrangement and conducting for "Raviole," and members of the London Symphony Orchestra for strings on "Raviole." The album was produced by Gus Dudgeon, engineered by Robin Cable, and had its sleeve designed by Hipgnosis
During their career, Audience recorded three albums with Charisma Records after being signed by Tony Stratton Smith, the director of Charisma Records, who spotted the band while they were supporting Led Zeppelin. The albums produced under Charisma Records were "Friend's Friend's Friend," "House on the Hill," and "Lunch," with "House on the Hill" and "Lunch" being produced by Gus Dudgeon and featuring arrangements by Robert Kirby and cover art by Hipgnosis