Dave Greenslade

The ultra-rare quadruple Swedeface - don't try this at home kids!

Composer, producer and all-round keyboard maestro Dave Greenslade died earlier this week, at the age of 83. Following a short stint with Geno Washington's Ram Jam Band in 1968, Dave joined British jazz-rock heavyweights Colosseum, staying until their split in late 1971, after which came the band that bore his name. I first crossed paths with Greenslade in late 1973, via a friend who had their second LP 'Bedside Manners Are Extra' and quickly became a firm fan. All these years later, Greenslade's four original albums remain in my collection and whenever I play one of them, I invariably end up playing them all. 

From 'Time and Tide', the band's final LP (and my own favourite), 'Catalan' is a fine showcase for Dave Greenslade's dexterity on the ivories. 

Catalan

Monday Long Song

Top notch prog this week, from 'Spyglass Guest', the third LP by Greenslade, released in 1974. I've bloody loved Greenslade for more years than I care to remember and they're right up there with ELP in my early teen affections. The band put out four albums between 1973 and 1975 before splitting due to management problems in 1976. I'd argue that they improved with every release and that their true masterpiece still lay ahead, though they nevertheless left a slim, but consistently excellent catalogue behind them.

Greenslade - Joie de Vivre