(Progressive rock) CULPEPER'S ORCHARD 1971 - Culpeper's Orchard - 2007, FLAC (image + .cue), lossless

Culpeper's Orchard is a great Danish psych/rock group that put out three albums, of which this is the only one to make the transfer to CD, so far. The first time you listen to the opening strains of "Banjocul," you'll think, "What did I get myself into?" But then comes the opening chords of Mountain Music and you'll know you are in for one fun guitar jam for the entire album. Though definitely in the psych vein, Culpeper's Orchard isn't a rehash of the '66-'69 psychedelic bands or the "west-coast sound." Instead, the band takes intense electric jams that dissolve into beautiful folk-like acoustic arrangements and harmonized vocal melodies. Even the lead guitar is clean and jangling, eschewing the popular fuzz-tone of that era. The Orchard combine known styles with Danish-folk arrangements into an original style distinctly their own. Hendrikson's electric lead played over driving dual acoustic rhthym guitars never fails to get me out of my chair and bopping 'round the living room. His lead guitar style in "Gideon's Trap," "Your Song and Mine," and the two-part "Mountain Music" draws heavily upon Eric Clapton during EC's time with John Mayall and Cream. This is most obvious in "Mountain Music Part 2," where he plays many classic Clapton licks from the Bluesbreaker album in homage to Eric. Though drawing from Clapton, Hendrikson doesn't wear it on his sleave, having developed a unique style of his own. Don't look for outstanding technical ability or phenomenal musicianship because you won't find it here. Just expect some good solid psych 'n' roll and you'll be as happy as I am with this album. Highly recommended.
A completely different beast from the usual, this obscure Danish group produced a really underrated album in 1971 that should please those fans of innovative sixties acts. This album is amazingly stylistically diverse. Opening with a banjo/vocal ditty, you really have no idea what is going to happen next as Culpeper heads into a great rock flight like the best of the early Vertigos with Jack Bruce on vocals. Strong point of this group is the lead guitarist who's tone and emotion causes this group to really excel. As the album progresses you hear the Byrds, the Beatles, Crosby Stills and Nash, Procul Harum, Chocolate Watchband, 13th Floor Elevators, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, the list goes on. The way it all comes together is extremely powerful and in my opinion far better than much of those bands music. In truth this is like an amazing tour into the late sixties and early seventies by a simply excellent band.

This band recorded one of the most beautiful records in Danish rock history. This self-titled album presents excellent electric guitar rock with some folk influences. There are heavier compositions like Mountain Music Part 1 and 2 along with beautiful songs Blue Day's Morning or Gideon's Trap with nice calm piano working. Very good English vocal comes from Englishman Cy Nicklin. The music is often compared to many well known groups which results from unique style and quality. I prefer comparison to Crosby, Stills & Nash but it gives you only hazy idea. This album was re-released on CD in Germany and is one of the most difficult to get on CD (LP is also rare and expensive). However, last year it was unofficially reissued.
Next album Second Sight was recorded with Ken Gudman (from Young Flowers) on drums that replaced Rodger Baker. It didn't reach the high standard of its predecessor, however some tracks are still very good like Julia or Keyboard Waltz. Third record was recorded with Cy Nicklin, Michael Friis from the old line-up plus three members of other Danish progressive group Blast Furnace but it didn't reach big interest. The last album is more into pop-rock direction.