Graham Bond:Holy Magick.Vertigo.Aynsley Dunbar.

BOND, GRAHAM Holy Magick (limited Edition of 3000 copies)

REP5063 Mini relica sleeve as per the original Vertigo release Picture shown shows the full fold out open sleeve and insert. However, the copy you will be sent is still housed in the shrinkwrap.

Holy Magick, the band's debut album, was originally released on the "progressive" Vertigo label in 1970 . The album was based on Bond's interest in white magic and Druid and Celtic mysticism. Holy Magick consists of two parts containing 18 songs based around mantras, rituals, and improvisational pieces.

The band, a flexible unit, featured some of the top musicians Britain had to offer in 1970 including Rick Gretch (Blind Faith), Victor Bronx, Alex Dmochowski, Jon Moreshead from the Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation, and a host of session performers.

1 CD, 7 Tracks (incl. 2 Bonustracks) Total Time: 48:29

Graham Bond was one of the most extraordinary characters you could ever wish to meet. Even when the world was full of hellraisers like Keith Moon, Vivian Stanshall, Jimi Hendrix and the Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Graham’s World seemed crazier than most. In Jan 1970 Graham set about recording a solo record for the Vertigo label, which was going to be called ‘Reunion’ but ended up titled ‘Holy Magick.’ The hand picked musicians assembled for this album included keyboard man Victor Brox, guitarist John Moreshead and drummer Keith Bailey. At the sessions it was said that Graham drew a huge pentagram on the studio floor and insisted that all the musicians stood on their birth signs. Bond the master magician carried out various rituals and set up an altar with two large candles perched on a vibraphone. Victor Brox obediently drank from a chalice Bond offered him and was promptly sick. The fluid it contained wasn’t wine. It was some kind of vomit inducing perfume. As the music got underway one of the candles fell over and set fire to the studio. Outside came a great clap of thunder and it began raining. The first part of ‘Holy Magick’ consisted of a long improvised piece that related to the Qabalistic Cross, the Pentagram and the Tree Of Life. One of the songs ’12 Gates To The City’ was released as a single coupled with another track ‘Water Water.’ These tracks are included on this CD as bonus tracks.

1 Meditation AUMGN 23:09

2 Return Of Arthur 05:04

3 The Magician 04:02

4 The Judgement 04:44

5 My Archangel MIKAEL 04:08

Bonustracks

6 Water Water (Single version) 03:44

7 Twelve Gates To The City (Single Version) 03:38

I have played this CD but the sleeve still has the shrink wrap around it - I have not removed the booklet - Nr mint copy