15 episodes
Holyground Records John Levon
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- Music
Holyground Records was an independent record label formed by Mike Levon and a group of friends in the UK in 1966. Its rock, folk and psych-rock releases have become highly collectable. This podcast series covers the history of Holyground from 1963 until Mike Levon died in 2011.
These are in the form of informal conversations between Shirley Levon, Mike's wife, and Pete Taylor who played and recorded with Mike for many years. Two 'bonus' podcasts are also available.
Recording by Pete Taylor.
Podcasts and notes are copyright Pete Taylor and Holyground Records 2024
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Early recording at Bretton Hall
The background to recordings that Mike Levon made at Bretton Hall. These were mainly folk-based, but also included some original tracks. Three 7 inch vinyl records were produced and one 12 inch.
Tracks played:
'Lowlands' - Jenny Tarren
'Wild Mountain Thyme' - Dave Nuttall and others
'Babe Don't Drag Me down' - Bob Hart
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'No 9 Bread Street', recording at Moodies Bar
A 12 inch album was recorded at Moodies Bar, where many students met at the regular folk club. 'No 9 Bread Street', a mixture of folk songs and original material, was the first record to be released on the Holyground label, which was established in this period.
Tracks played: 'Travelling People' - Kev Slater
'Beautiful Strangers - Jane Westlake
'Stroke Two' - Chris Coombs
'College Girl' - Piers Johnson
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Holyground at 5 Cass Yard, Wakefield
Holyground was established at 5 Cass Yard, with a bedroom used as a studio. Brian Calvert, and Chris Coombs were involved as song-writers, and Dave Wood with art work and liaising with bands. Mike was writing lyrics and experimenting with production techniques. A-Austr was released as a concept album.
Tracks played: Grail Search - Chris Coombs
Essex Queen - Brian Calvert
It's Alright, What did you go - jam session
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Astral Navigations
Mike and Brian Calvert's songs are on the first side of this album with songs by Chris Coombs. The second side is 'Thundermother', an established rock group from Preston. The album came with a booklet and poster designed by Dave Wood.
Tracks played: Fourth Coming - Brian Calvert
Tomorrow Buffalo - Chris Coombs
Someday - Thundermother
Windows of Limited Time/Astral Navigator - Brian Calvert
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Jumble Lane
'Jumble Lane' was released, recorded by Bretton students. Bill Nelson with Global Village were recording regularly and 'Northern Dream' was released. Holyground's reputation grew and many bands paid to record. Part of another Holyground album 'Gagalactyca' was recorded.
Tracks played: 'Preserve' and 'Blues for Joanne' from 'Jumble Lane'
Keep Your Feathers Fine - Bill Nelson
Cold, Tired and Hungry - Chris Coombs and Bill Nelson
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Legend of the Kingfisher
'Legend of the Kingfisher' was recorded by Gygafo, a well-known Leeds-based band, memories of recording by band member Eddie Stringer. 'Ode' by Blue Epitaph, was recorded and released, memories of recording it by Pete Howells and Jim Gordon. Mike was experimenting with effects, including a new phaser.
Tracks played: 'Solid Man Song' and 'Waiting for the Rain' - Gygafo
'I Never met You' and 'Diane' - Blue Epitaph
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