DESCRIPTION:
Formed in the fall of 68, Skin Alley turned professional when they signed to Clearwater Productions as managers (whom also handled High Tide, The Trees and a bit later Hawkwind), on word from an ex-member that was now in the firm. Gigging around regularly for free (concerts organized by their management firm) in order to find a following, this West-London quartet developed a different kind of rock that drew much from jazz and blues. Built around keyboardist Juskiewicz and part-time guitarist, but sax and flute player Bob James, Skin Alley had a distinctive sound, which made them stand out at the many free concerts they played. Having been spotted by the legendary John Peel, they recorded a BBC session for the Top Gear programme, which in the short term landed them a recording contract with the English branch of CBS. Recorded in November of that year, it was released in March 70 coupled with a non-album single. The critical acclaim and encouraging sales lead CBS to allow Skin Alley (who suffered the departure of Crimble during the recording and was partly replaced by ex-Atomic Rooster bassist Nick Graham) to release a second album, From Pagham And Beyond, later that same year.