Jody Grind
In the same superior rage as T2, Jody Grind remain vastly understated in musical measure and lyrical overflow.Their story started in 1966 when a group called The News comprising guitarist Ivan Zagni, Andy Fields vox & keyboards, Harvey Platt bass and Denny Royal drums released two singles “The Intertainer” and “I Count The Tears”. The News even included at one time ex Chicago Line Blues Band vocalist Mike Patto which evolved into The Continentals with Andy Fields being replaced by Peter Miller and future Zagni looking for a more vibrant conduit. The connection came in 1969 with drummer Barry Wilson and ex Chicago Line Blues Band keyboardist Tim Hinkley, a veteran having played on Bo Street Runner’s “Ready Steady Win” formed the trio Jody Grind and launched their debut One Step On.
The album was a busy affair with Hinkley letting loose and providing the core of their improvised structures. The opening brass riddled trilogy “One Step On” was an austacious pounding with extremely fast leadbreaks by Zagni which included a very speedy rendition of the Stones’ “Paint It Black” featuring Renaissance bassist Louis Cennamo.The highlight was a heavy loaded bluesy lament called “USA”. David Palmer handled the arrangements for the debut that stands out like a mighty warrior, but sadly the swordsman were about to defect. After two viciously splendid singles, the Chuck Berry styled “Rock ‘n Roll Man” and “Paint It Black”. Zagni and Wilson were cajoled by ex Renaissance Cennamo to form Bogomas while later Zagni played with Elton Dean. Within six months the group depleted into Blue Whale with Ansley Dunbar keyboardist Tommy Eyre and Juicy Lucy/ Tempest vocalist Paul Williams.The group sessions included Robert Fripp but after their debut Aynsley departed for Frank Zappa.
Hinkley’s finest moment came with the next Jody Grind album Far Canal, launched in June 1970 next to Pete Gavin and future Hummingbird guitarist Bernie Holland who had started out in the early days with Bluesology, Patto and Ferris Wheel.The classical motif intro “We’ve Had It” spirals like a magician into some ejaculated riffs that make you realise this is no ordinary group. You have to hear the live track “Plastic Shit” recorded at the Roundhouse to understand the capabilities of this nuclear force. The lengthy workout on the instrumental “Red Worms And Lice” with Bernie’s guitar spurting like hot mercury balanced with the jazzy ”Ballad For Bridget” were astounding. Peter Gavin joined Heads, Hands & Feet and Vinegar Joe while Tim played sessions with Al Stewart, Snafu and Alvin Lee. Bernie Holland went on to play with Van Morrison.