Harmony
Grass had already arrived before their first
single
‘Move In A Little Closer Baby’ hit
the charts.
They were acknowledged as Britain's leading vocal
harmony act and had a string of work lasting for
many months.
Although Harmony Grass came into existence at the
end of 1968, most people realised that the group,
led by Tony Rivers, was a revitalised Tony Rivers
and the Castaways.
As the Castaways, the group were in a class of
their own, achieving almost every form of success
as a group, with the exception of a hit single.
They’d even received an award from a
National Student body as the most popular British
act currently performing in colleges and
Universities.
Their manager Colin Johnson, however, realised
that a chart hit could only enhance the group’s
career and thus changed their name.
The gamble paid off. Their hit brought them
offers on an International scale and they were
frequently off to the Continent where their tight
harmonies and exuberant style earned them
accolades. They even went as far afield as Canada
where they consolidated their success.
Harmony Grass “live” are a joy to watch.
If you’ve never had the pleasure, then this
album will give some indication of their talent..
Recorded at four separate sessions, the L.P.
spotlights the new talents of Tony Rivers - as a
songwriter. “My Little Girl”, “What
A Groovy Day”, “I’ve Seen To Dream”,
“Mrs. Richie”, “Summer Dreaming”,
“I Think Of You”, and “Ballad Of
Michael” are all Rivers’ compositions.
“I Think Of You” spotlights Tony
Harding on vocals - and he also arranged the
intriguing version of “Tom Dooley.”
U.S. songsmiths Capitanelli & O’Connor
penned both
“Move In A Little Closer Baby” and
“Good Thing” and the remaining numbers
“Bird Avenue” and “Chattanooga
Choo Choo” are from the boys stage act.
Talent aside, Harmony Grass have earned respect
because of their professionalism. This
professionalism was forged through hard work and
dogged perseverance during their early career.
As for the future? Grass grows. Bill Harry.
This text is from the back of the album, and was
written by Bill Harry, a man of some repute from
Liverpool and a ‘pop music’ journalist
from the 1960’s. |
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EM Records CD
with the ‘original’ RCA album design
(pix by Kenny Rowe)
RPM Records CD design
This was the RCA design,
which was rejected by the band.
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