Northwind | Interview | Almost Forgotten Prog-Psych Treasure
Northwind, a remarkable Scottish progressive-psych rock band, released the LP ‘Sister, Brother, Lover’ in 1970 under the EMI label. This album has since become a highly sought-after collector’s item, lauded for its masterful execution and melodious tracks.
Complementing this iconic album, the Bright Carvings label has now released ‘Peaceful,’ a compilation of previously unreleased material. This new collection features high-quality tracks from two 1970 Apple acetates, along with selections recovered from 1973 studio tapes. The compilation delivers a cohesive mix of dynamic yet refined progressive rock and ethereal ballads, characterized by majestic guitar work, outstanding vocals, and exceptional production. In our exclusive interview, Brian Young shares insights into Northwind’s legacy.
Would you be willing to share with us your birthplace and offer insights into your upbringing?
Brian Young: I was born in Glasgow. I had a normal upbringing there, then moved to Melbourne (1964-66), and later returned to Glasgow.
What occupations did your parents hold, and at what point did your fascination with music begin?
My parents had normal working-class jobs, and there was lots of family singing at parties.
Can you recall a specific moment of realization when you knew that music would be your lifelong pursuit?
Not really, but sitting on my grandad’s knee at the age of three while he played a pedal house organ accompanying my gran who was singing might have been something.
Which were some of the initial bands you participated in during high school?
I was in The Creatures (Melbourne 1966), The Level, and The Power of Music.
Where did you initially encounter the future members of Northwind?
I met them both at school and in the local clubs.
How would you characterize the music environment in your hometown?
Scotland had wonderful clubs, venues, and concert halls with very appreciative audiences.
What led to the formation of Northwind? What’s the story behind the band name, and who were the band members? Did the band go through any lineup changes?
We’re from the North (Scotland), and it’s windy. Our keyboard player had the idea for the name at school. The band members were Brian Young, Colin Sommerville, Tam Brannan, Shug Barr (all from Glasgow), and Dave Scott from Edinburgh, whom we met in Frankfurt.
Tell us about the recent issue of ‘Peaceful’ by Bright Carvings. It contains unused material from two 1970 Apple acetates and features tracks rescued from 1973 studio tapes. Could you provide some background on the unreleased material from the early 1970s? What circumstances led to these recordings being unused or unreleased back then?
The acetate had the early takes and mixes of the Northwind album. The new band (Ca Va) recorded at Thor Studios in Glasgow, essentially well-recorded demos hoping for a new record deal.
What were the challenges in selecting and curating the tracks from the Apple acetates and the studio tapes?
I have a 48-track Neve studio (called Ca Va Sound), so the transfers and embellishments are something we’re used to. Bright Carvings did the mastering.
Could you elaborate on the differences or similarities between the unreleased material and the tracks featured on the 1970 LP ‘Sister, Brother, Lover’? How does the overall sound and style compare?
That really is all down to the ears of the listeners to check out, as they are quite different in an interesting but good way.
What can you tell us about the recording environment and production techniques used during the sessions for both the 1970 and 1973 material? Are there any notable anecdotes or stories from the studio?
Both Regent Sound and Sound Techniques were a whole new beginning and adventure for us young guys, recording on 8-track, one-inch tape in London. We were well looked after and worked with talented people, including Tony Chapman (ex-Stones drummer) and the young engineer Tom Allom. We really enjoyed that brief experience.
The description of ‘Peaceful’ mentions a balance of progressive rock and spectral ballads. Can you discuss how this balance was achieved in the selection and arrangement of the tracks for the album?
This was all left up to Jon at Bright Carvings. ‘Peaceful’ has a very fond place in my heart; they did a fine job.
Could you delve into the techniques and influences behind the guitar performances?
Lead guitarist Shug Barr was an excellent guitarist and a lovely progressive guy. We had two Gibson Gold Tops and Marshall amps (loud), and we played even louder on stage.
In terms of musical arrangements, what elements stand out in the unreleased material?
The simplicity of the early arrangements, in particular.
Can you speak to the significance of the unreleased material in the context of the band’s legacy?
Not really, I’m afraid, but it was an incredible period in time, and they say time will tell.
What do you hope listeners will take away from experiencing ‘Peaceful,’ especially those who are already familiar with the band’s existing album?
How it all started with the first beginnings which give us reflection on these lasting memories.
How many copies of ‘Sister, Brother, Lover’ did Regal Zonophone release, and how did you originally get in touch with the label?
We were never officially told the sales figure, but unofficially we were told over 10,000 albums were pressed and sold. Our manager Ronnie Simpson of MAC in Glasgow knew ex-Stones co-manager Tony Calder, who was looking for fresh talent.
Did you do a lot of concerts? What are some of the most memorable things?
We did a lot of supports including Fleetwood Mac (Christine Perfect’s first appearance with the band at Glasgow’s Green Playhouse), playing at Wolverhampton Civic Hall in place of Deep Purple whose keyboard player (Jon Lord) had an injury, so we played on our own for the entire evening to a delighted audience. We also supported Free in Edinburgh when ‘All Right Now’ hit No. 1. Additionally, we supported Tyrannosaurus Rex (unusual but interesting), Eric Burdon and the New Animals (San Francisco was mind-blowing).
When did you disband?
Northwind disbanded after a fateful trip to Zurich around 1972, which followed a less interesting month playing to the GI’s again in Fulda, Germany.
What followed for you later on? What about the other members?
Northwind split in two. I started the new band Ca Va with singer/drummer Kim Beacon, Brian Michie on bass, Al Sweeney on guitar, and John O’Hagan on keys. It was great fun, but Kim got picked up by Charisma’s String Driven Thing. I then joined A Million People in London with singer Jackie Challenor and Tom Brannan on bass. Later, Ca Va (the studio) got busier.
I would love to hear about Ca Va Studio and all the work you did for other musicians like The Question, Kim Beacon, etc.
The very early work at Ca Va Sound was with Cado Belle, Slik, Ken Hensley, Downtown Flyers, Contraband, and Fraser Speirs. After the move to 8-track in Glasgow’s city center on St. Vincent Street in 1977, we worked with Simple Minds, Midge Ure, The Jolt, Cuban Heels, Modern Man, Hi-Fi, The No Entry band, The Shakin’ Pyramids, Kim Beacon & the Serenaders.
Is there any unreleased material? Maybe songs you did live but never recorded? Or some material you did with other projects later on?
There are lots of live recordings.
Looking back, what was the highlight of your time in the band? Which songs are you most proud of? Where and when was your most memorable gig?
The best gigs were certainly those mentioned above, but playing residencies in the clubs of Frankfurt and its nearby towns for months on end really opened the doors to band creativity. We were well appreciated by the visiting American Forces and the locals.
What else occupied your life later on and what do you do these days?
I joined BBC Scotland in graphics for a year around 1975 and have not stopped working in sound recording at Ca Va in Glasgow. This includes 6 albums with John Martyn and work with excellent Scottish artistes including Runrig, Capercaillie, Heavy Pettin’, Teenage Fan Club, Hue and Cry, Deacon Blue, The Silencers, Arab Strap, Colin Chisholm (HMFC), Scotland Football team, Belle & Sebastian, and currently The No Entry band and Paolo Nutini. I’m also lucky enough to be married to Marilyn and have three daughters and now two granddaughters…et Ca Va!
Thank you for taking your time. The last word is yours.
I suppose like most musicians, engineers, and producers, you have to mostly go with the flow, and if you’re lucky, other musicians and producers enjoy working alongside you… (oh, and don’t forget the dreadful jokes).
Headline photo: Northwind promotional photo
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