Privately pressed in Scotland in 1974, Captain Marryat is one of the great lost rarities of British progressive hard-rock. Issued in an edition of just 150–200 copies on the band’s own Thor label and sold only at gigs, the album disappeared almost immediately, later becoming one of the rarest and most sought-after private press LPs of the era.
Named after 19th-century novelist and seafarer Captain Frederick Marryat, the Glaswegian band evolved from a hard-rock trio into a five-piece featuring Tommy Hendry (vocals), Ian McEleny (guitar), Allan Bryce (organ), Hugh Finnegan (bass) and Jimmy Rorrison (drums). Originally planning to record only a single, they found themselves with enough studio time to capture a full album, recording five original songs before closing the session with the improvised instrumental “Dance Of Thor.”
Deeply inspired by the organ-driven power of Deep Purple, Uriah Heep and Beggars Opera, Captain Marryat played a powerful blend of progressive rock and heavy psych. Dominated by thunderous Hammond organ, raw guitar solos and strong melodic vocals, the album ranges from the dramatic opener “Blindness” to the epic eight-minute “It Happened To Me,” the more accessible “Changes,” and the explosive instrumental finale “Dance Of Thor.”
Although the band built a solid reputation on the Scottish pub circuit, the lack of label interest brought their career to an end in 1975. Their sole album, however, has only grown in stature, earning cult status among collectors and fans of early-’70s progressive heavy rock.
Recommended for fans of Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, Beggars Opera, Rare Bird…
Remastered sound. Insert with liner notes & photos. Download card.
