High Tide

High Tide, perhaps too intellectually intricate for widespread success on home soil, attracted only slight notice within England while developing a devoted following throughout the European mainland. The ensemble came together in 1969 and specialized in progressive rock that incorporated folk and pop touches. Its members included singer and guitarist Tony Hill, violinist and keyboardist Simon House, bassist Peter Pavli, and drummer Roger Hadden. The band signed with Liberty Records’ U.K. division that same year and issued two albums during the next twelve months—Sea Shanties and a self-titled follow-up—each highlighting Hill’s brilliant guitar playing and occasional vivid exchanges with House’s violin. Despite these strengths, the quartet never secured a substantial listenership and dissolved in 1970. House later joined Hawkwind, performed with David Bowie, and united with Third Ear Band musicians to contribute to the soundtrack of Roman Polanski’s Macbeth. Pavli subsequently took part in recording sessions with House and additional Hawkwind alumni. Hill and House have also reunited for projects in more recent years. The group further supplied instrumental support for Denver Gerrard on his 1970 solo album.