Gravy Train

In the early 1970s the UK progressive rock outfit Gravy Train issued a run of LPs on Vertigo Records and Dawn Records whose sleeves featured the grandiose conceptual imagery often decried as typical of the style. Norman Barratt (vocals/guitar; b. 5 February 1949, d. 30 July 2011), Barry Davenport (drums), J.D. Hughes (woodwind/keyboards/vocals) and Les Williams (bass/vocals) formed the central lineup. Hughes’ flute lines dominated the self-titled 1970 debut, drawing immediate parallels with Jethro Tull while extended rock riffs supplied the remaining framework; one piece, ‘Tribute To Syd’, served as an explicit salute to Syd Barrett. The follow-up, Ballad Of A Peaceful Man, sold modestly yet earned praise from many critics for its complex arrangements, strong musical values and disciplined vocals, qualities they judged superior to those of the first record. Despite steady UK touring audiences, Vertigo lost patience with the band’s commercial returns and the group moved to Dawn. Second Birth is widely viewed as a step backward, short on the focus and momentum of its predecessor. On their final album, 1974’s Staircase To The Day, Greek folk and classical touches appeared, most noticeably in the Bach-inspired title track, while Roger Dean supplied the artwork. Additional personnel included Russell Cordwell (drums), Jim Frank (drums), George Lynon (guitar), Pete Solley (synthesizer) and Mary Zinovieff (synthesizer/violin). After original drummer Davenport departed, the remaining members decided to end the band’s career amid continued moderate sales.