ST

MAY BLITZ were formed by vocalist/guitarist Jamie Black who recruited Tony Newman on drums, (ex Sounds Incorporated and Jeff Beck Group), and Reid Hudson (bass, vocals) in 1969. The original lineup featured bassist Terry Poole and drummer Keith Baker, from Bakerloo, but both left before recording anything for the band. Baker had a better offer from Uriah Heep, and went to record "Salisbury" with the band.

The band survived long enough to record two incredibly heavy, powerful and psychedelic albums with strong blues undertones and progressive tendencies, despite the lack of keyboards. These were released on Vertigo, who we also associate with Black Sabbath and Uriah Heep - but the music is probably heavier than either. Their style comes in somewhere around High Tide and the Pink Fairies - but these are really ballparks.

Their debut album is a must-hear for anyone curious about the development of heavy music, and features a production in which it is not only almost possible to smell the ganja smoke, but is also rich and clear enough to provide the striking dynamic contrasts the music needs, as it occasionally veers from ambience to crushing riffs in the blink of an eye. It is certainly very unpredictable, even now.

James Black (Victoria, British Columbia): lead guitar, lead vocals
Reid Hudson (Victoria, British Columbia): bass, vocals
Richard Anthony “Tony” Newman (Southampton, Hampshire England): drums, vibes, bongos, congas

All tracks composed and produced by May Blitz
Produced by James Black, Tony Newman & Reid Hudson, with special thanks to Barry Ainsworth
Engineered by Barry Ainsworth

Illustration by Tony Benyon