Culpeper's Orchard - Mountain Music he Complete Polydor Recordings (1971-73) (2020) 2CD

Esoteric Recordings is pleased to announce the release of a new re-mastered 2 CD set by legendary cult Danish Progressive Rock band CULPEPER’S ORCHARD, “Mountain Music – The Polydor Recordings 1971 – 1973”. The band formed in Copenhagen in 1970 with an original line-up of CY NICKLIN (Vocals, Guitar), NEILS HENRIKSEN (Lead Guitar, Piano), MICHAEL FRIIS (Bass, Organ, Flute) and RODGER BARKER (Drums, Percussion). Englishman Nicklin had been living in Denmark since 1963 and had also recorded with Sandy Denny and the Strawbs whilst that act had been based in Copenhagen. In 1968 he had been a founder member of another legendary Danish band, DAY OF PHOENIX, but had departed to form his own band with Danes Henriksen and Friis and English drummer Rodger Barker. Culpeper’s Orchard signed to Polydor Records in Denmark and issued their self-titled debut album in March 1971. The album was a fine example of psychedelic, progressive rock, drawing on a myriad of diverse influences from rock, folk and the US West Coast bands of the time. The album gained a release throughout much of Europe and has subsequently earned its place as a legendary psychedelic progressive album with original vinyl copies changing hands for three figure sums.
Following this successful debut, the band recorded the album “SECOND SIGHT” in 1972, with drummer KEN GUDMAN (formerly with The Savage Rose) replacing Rodger Barker. The album was an equally fine work and took in more US West Coast acoustic influences as well as retaining a rock edge. Culpeper’s Orchard performed regularly in Scandinavia on bills with many major artists, but the band’s line-up would change once more by the time of their third and final album for Polydor, “GOING FOR A SONG”, recorded in the Autumn of 1972. Neils Henricksen departed and was replaced by Neils Vangkilde on guitar. Nils Tuxen was also recruited on Pedal Steel guitar and British drummer Tom McEwan replaced Ken Gudman.
The album took in more influences from artists such as Crosby, Stills and Nash and earned critical praise but wasn’t the wider breakthrough the band had hoped for. It would be the band’s final album for Polydor records. A hiatus followed live performances the following year (which included an appearance at the Ragnarock Festival in Norway alongside acts such as the Pretty Things and Mungo Jerry). The band would record a final album in a different stylistic vein three years later, but their albums for Polydor, and in particular their debut, are those for which Culpeper’s Orchard are most fondly remembered.