Colin Scot (Expanded Edition)

In later years, this singular set would leave a new generation of classic rock fans scratching their heads. Just what were so many superstars doing backing this unknown singer? However, in 1970, Colin Scot was at least as famous as any of those now legendary names that guested on this his debut solo album, with the singer/songwriter regularly packing the house for his frequent live shows. Of course, those gigs brought Scot into the orbits of a host of other folk-tinged groups from the day, but it seems to have been producer John Anthony who brought most of this crew together. This included Brinsley Schwarz of the eponymous band, Genesis Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins, Van Der Graaf Generators Peter Hammill and David Jackson, King Crimsons Robert Fripp, then-Strawbs organist Rick Wakeman, and his future bandmate Yes frontman Jon Anderson (the pair met at these sessions), and the list goes on and on. Considering all the talent and egos in the studio, producer Anthony must have run an extremely tight ship, for he never allows any of the virtuosos to get in Scots way or their excesses to overwhelm his songs. Nevertheless, the musicians left their marks, be it the shimmering guitars on Do the Dance Now, Davey that foreshadow the ones that strew glitter across Genesis The Music Box, or the quintessential Fripp chords that empower Here We Are in Progress. The Boatman is buffeted by gusting wind, lapping waves, and exquisite guitar work, Lead Us sweeps listeners along with a choir of singers, while Hey! Sandy, features some of the angriest acoustic guitars ones ever likely to encounter. All four of those songs were well-chosen covers, while the country-tinged My Rain, the brooding Take Me Away, and the psychedelic laced Nite People showcased the strength of Scots own pen. ~ Jo-Ann Greene