Description
Shamblejam is the third album by the British folk-rock group Parchment, released in both the UK and the US by Myrrh Records in 1975, a division of Word. (It was the only Parchment album to be co-released in the US.) The album was recorded and mixed by John Taylor at Grosvenor Studios in Birmingham, England; with John Pantry producing. Brass arrangements by Dave Anfield.
The record company took a chance with the group since this recording featured a more electric sound than the band’s previous two albums. Alongside their own songs Parchment cover the Washington Phillips‘ blues classic “Denomination Blues”, Judee Sill’s “My Man on Love”, and “Changes” by the Scottish duo Callagher and Lyle.
Shamblejam, the only Parchment LP to be co-released in the States, is a decidedly more electric album that contains some of the group’s best material. Opens with a roguish version of «Denomination Blues» that’s heavey on the mandolin and percussion. «Green Psalm» is a first-rate acid folkrock cut with fuzz guitar, while the psych-edged «Light Of The World» words in choice electric guitar leads alongside trippy reverse editing effects. Moods vary from the lazy staggering brassy blues of «Speaker’s Corner» to the frisky upbeat mandolin groove of «Morning Sky». «Shine On Me», «Don’t Let The Morning Come», «Corners Of My Life», a cover of Judy Sill’s «My Man On Love» – there really ain’t a bad cut on here. Mellow subdued brass on a couple of the ballads. New member Brian Smith (replacing Keith Rycroft) provides bass, acoustic guitar, electric guitar and backing vocals. Produced by John Pantry. Released in the US on Myrrh (MSA 6551), but only the British pressing comes with the gatefold cover. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]
Well it looks like the British have done it again. Parchment, consisting of Sue McClellan, John Pac, and Brian Smith, is not at all a new group – in addition to a few albums, they have a hit single in England, «Light Up The Fire».
The style is in the tradition of Fairport Convention, if you’re a fan of British rock. Being so very versatile, Parchment is extremely professional. “Variety” is the word here – there’s no sameness as with so many groups who can’t seem to broaden their musical scope.
Parchment utilizes some excellent back up musicians on ‘Shamblejam’, their latest release: Mo Witham’s electric guitar screams, and he shows his smooth picking ability on the accoustic guitar. Nick Ryan is a solid and tasteful bass player. On drums, both Mike Wade and Gordon Miller are nothing but tight. Dave Anfield’s brass arrangements fill out a few of the songs. They even use a synthesizer. To top it off, the vocals and guitars (etc.) of the three blend amazingly well. The lyrics are clear, and clearly point out the fact that this group has seen the «Light of the world».
The production and engineering, by John Pantry and John Taylor, speak for themselves. “Shamblejam” – by jove, I think they deserve a hearty BRAVO, mate. [Bob Sperlazzo, Harmony, Vol. 1, No. 6, March/April 1976]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Denomination Blues” – 2:42
A2. “Green Psalm” – 4:00
A3. “Shine on Me” – 3:42
A4. “Changes” – 2:50
A5. “Don’t Let the Morning Come” – 3:30
A6. “Corners of My Life” – 3:40
Side Two
B1. “Speaker’s Corner” – 3:05
B2. “Morning Sky” – 3:07
B3. “My Man on Love” – 3:20
B4. “Light of the World” – 4:00
B5. “Long As I Can See You” – 4:56
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Myrrh Records. The album was co-released on Myrrh Records in the US (featuring the rare Myrrh Stonehenge Picture Label). Later re-issued on CD as a part of the 3-CD box set Simply… Parchment.
Cover Artwork, UK-edition
Cover Artwork, US-edition (with the vinyl LP featuring the rare Myrrh Stonehenge Picture Label)
CREDITS. Produced by John Pantry. Recorded and reduced at Grosvenor Studios in Birmingham, England. Engineered by John Taylor. Brass arrangements by Dave Anfield.
Musicians: Parchment – John Pac (Vocals, Guitar, Dobro, Mandolin, Bass), Sue McClellan (Vocals, Guitar), Brian Smith (Bass, Guitar, Vocals). Session Musicians: Mo Witham (Acoustic Guitar, Electric Lead Guitar), Nick Ryan (Bass – Tracks: A2, A3, A5, A6, B3, B4), Mike Wade (Drums – Tracks: A1, A5, B1, B4), Gordon Miller (Drums – Tracks: A2, A3, A6, B2, B5).
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