(This book review first appeared in issue #62 of Shindig! magazine.)
Ingram
The reputation of 1-2-3
has been steadily growing since the first magazine articles appeared
in the mid-'90s championing the Scottish trio. “The greatest band
you never heard of” claim carries weight when you stack up the
musicians who've cited the band as a major force or influence. Pete
Townshend, Paul McCartney and David Bowie were all big fans. Marquee
manager John Gee would go on to say they were the best band he saw in
all his years at the club.
Billy Ritchie's place
in popular music history is assured by being the man who introduced
David Bowie to Jimi Hendrix but his true legacy is his musicianship.
As a self taught child keyboard prodigy and through a succession of
bands Ritchie made the journey from post-war Forth, Scotland, to the
hip hangouts of swinging London and stadium tours of the States
before walking away from music altogether.
Ritchie convincingly
makes the case for 1-2-3 having been pioneers and architects of what
would later become keyboard-led progressive rock, openly naming and
shaming those who took influence from him and went on to reap vast
rewards. (I won't spoil it for you here by repeating the names!)
Unflinchingly honest
about the musical decline and industry machinations that failed to
keep the band in the public eye, Ritchie is equally adept at
analysing band chemistry, breaking down that elusive alchemy all
collaborative musicians yearn for. A fascinating read and one which
will have you re-thinking everything you know about the history of
progressive rock.
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