White Witch - White Witch (1972) (1999)

WHITE WITCH were formed, principally out of the Tampa area band 'The Tropics' in 1971, by Ron Goedert (vocals), Charles Richardson (guitars), Hardin Pendergrass (keyboards), Robert Shea (drums) and Loyall Fischer (bass). After touring around the South East USA, they were signed to Capricorn Records, a label specialising in Southern Rock bands, such as the ALLMAN BROTHERS and MARSHALL TUCKER bands; exposure which led to them opening for established acts like ALICE COOPER and GRAND FUNK RAILROAD.

Their name was a paean to 'white magic', as opposed to the 'black magic' image, conjured by groups like BLACK SABBATH and others within the early heavy/doom metal scene. As the group announced before their shows: "To bring good where there once was evil, to bring love where there once was hate, to bring wisdom where there once was ignorance; this is the power of White Witch".

Although they released two albums through Capricorn Records, tensions between the band and the label resulted in personnel changes within the line-up. Both the bassist and drummer were consequently replaced by Charlie Souza and Bill Peterson respectively, between the release of 1972's eponymous debut to the recording of 1974's follow up, 'A Spiritual Greeting'. Nevertheless, tensions with the record label continued, leading to guitarist Richardson's departure after the second album was recorded. Although he was replaced, and material was being written and recorded for a third studio, the band eventually disbanded, after having committed only four tracks to demo.

Although attempts have been made at pigeon-holing WHITE WITCH as a Psychedelic/ Glam/ Southern Melodic Rock band, even such a tag has limitations, as their deceptively eclectic style also encompasses Art Rock and Progressive tendencies with a hint of Southern Boogie. It may be argued that, along with fellow record company stable-mates CAPTAIN BEYOND, their particular brand of quirkiness was difficult for the label to market, as it sat outside the sphere of what was deemed contemporary and acceptable within the saturated Southern Rock music market of the era. That said, their legacy of soaring guitar work, backed with rumbling organ and effervescent Moog synthesiser will be enjoyed by fans of a diverse range of established 70's acts such as ROXY MUSIC, DAVID BOWIE, MARC BOLAN and ALICE COOPER. Meanwhile, the musical legacy of WHITE WITCH can clearly be heard in more modern, neo-Glam acts, such as UK's THE DARKNESS.