The Keef Hartley Band – Pioneers of British Blues and Progressive Rock

The Keef Hartley Band was a British rock group formed in 1968, known for its innovative fusion of blues, jazz, and progressive rock. Fronted by drummer Keef Hartley, the band became famous for its energetic live performances and the incorporation of horn sections and diverse musical influences into their sound. They gained prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s with their unique approach to blending blues rock with more complex, progressive arrangements.

The Keef Hartley Band. 1. Formation and Early Years

Keef Hartley, who had previously played with the John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, formed his own band in 1968 with the intent to push the boundaries of blues rock by infusing it with jazz and progressive rock influences. Hartley’s background as a drummer and his time with Mayall’s group gave him a solid foundation for a career that would be marked by ambitious, genre-blending projects.

The initial lineup of The Keef Hartley Band included:

• Keef Hartley (Drums)
• Gary Thain (Bass)
• Mick Bradley (Trumpet)
• Luther Grosvenor (Ariel Bender) (Guitar)
• Danny McCulloch (Vocals, Bass)
• Chris Mercer (Saxophone)

The band’s first albums were deeply influenced by the British blues boom, but their sound quickly became more expansive, incorporating jazz, progressive rock, and even elements of big band music.

The Keef Hartley Band. Key Albums and Evolution

The band’s music is characterized by the fusion of blues, jazz, and rock elements, with an emphasis on layered arrangements and complex rhythms. They produced a series of albums in the late 1960s and early 1970s that still remain highly regarded among progressive rock fans for their pioneering blend of genres.

1. Halfbreed (1969)

Released in 1969, Halfbreed is The Keef Hartley Band’s most iconic album and often considered their masterpiece. The album blends hard blues with brass sections, showcasing Hartley’s unique fusion of jazz, blues, and rock elements.

• Key Tracks: Leavin’ Trunk, Sinister Minister
• Sound: Halfbreed blends blues with brass-heavy arrangements, using saxophones, trumpets, and trombones alongside the traditional rock setup. The album’s jazz influence is evident in its horn-driven compositions, while its energy and soulfulness keep it grounded in blues rock.
• Interesting Fact: Halfbreed became a critical success and helped the band gain popularity, both in the UK and the US. It remains one of the defining albums of late 1960s/early 1970s British rock.

2. The Keef Hartley Band (1970)

After Halfbreed, the band followed up with The Keef Hartley Band in 1970. This album continued the fusion of blues and jazz, but with a more refined approach and stronger progressive rock influences.

• Key Tracks: The Human Being Lawnmower, Peter
• Sound: The album introduces more intricate arrangements, with a focus on Hartley’s drumming and the brass section. There is a notable shift towards more experimental, jazz-infused rock.
• Interesting Fact: The album was recorded after a period of lineup changes, with Luther Grosvenor (later known as Ariel Bender) joining the band as lead guitarist.

3. Battle of NW6 (1973)

Released in 1973, Battle of NW6 marked a shift in the band’s sound, as they embraced more progressive rock elements, particularly with the use of longer, more intricate compositions.

• Key Tracks: The Ballad of the Easy Rider, Long Time Gone
• Sound: The album sees the band move toward a more symphonic rock style, blending brass and jazz elements with more elaborate, orchestral arrangements. The track lengths are longer, and the music is more complex.
• Interesting Fact: Battle of NW6 was met with mixed reviews but is appreciated today for its ambitious attempts to blend different musical genres.

4. Live in Concert (1971)

In addition to their studio albums, The Keef Hartley Band was known for their powerful live performances, which often featured extended jams and a variety of improvisational moments. The 1971 live album captures the raw energy and experimental nature of their shows.

• Key Tracks: Rock Me Baby, Hurry On
• Sound: The live album features energetic performances of some of the band’s best tracks, with Hartley’s drumming taking center stage alongside the brass section. The performances are filled with improvisation, showcasing the band’s ability to blend jazz, blues, and rock effortlessly.
• Interesting Fact: The live album gives a deeper understanding of how the band’s complex arrangements came to life in a live setting.

The Keef Hartley Band. Musical Style and Influences

The Keef Hartley Band’s music is difficult to categorize, as it spans several genres, including blues rock, jazz fusion, progressive rock, and big band music. They are best known for their ability to fuse hard blues with jazz and brass arrangements, creating a unique sound that was ahead of its time.

Key Elements of The Keef Hartley Band’s Sound:

• Brass Sections: The use of brass instruments (saxophones, trumpets, trombones) was a key feature in the band’s music, setting them apart from other blues and rock bands of the era.
• Jazz Influences: The band’s rhythm section, especially Keef Hartley’s drumming, was heavily influenced by jazz, with syncopated rhythms and complex time signatures.
• Blues Foundations: At its core, The Keef Hartley Band remained rooted in blues, often covering traditional blues songs while injecting them with a more modern, progressive twist.
• Progressive Rock: The band’s later work showed an increasing interest in progressive rock, with longer compositions, intricate arrangements, and more experimental instrumentation.

The Keef Hartley Band. Live Performances and Reception

The Keef Hartley Band was known for their high-energy live shows, which showcased their ability to blend complex rhythms with improvisation. Hartley’s drumming was often the focal point, and the brass section added a unique dimension to the live performances.

Although they were not as commercially successful as some of their contemporaries, their live performances were highly regarded, and they built a devoted following. Their music, while not always commercially successful, was influential in shaping the sound of progressive rock in its formative years.

The Keef Hartley Band. Legacy and Influence

While The Keef Hartley Band did not achieve the commercial success of some of their progressive rock peers, their influence is still felt today. They were pioneers in blending jazz, blues, and rock in a way that was innovative for their time. Their complex arrangements and use of brass instrumentation set them apart from other bands in the British blues and rock scenes.

Influences:

• John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers: Keef Hartley’s time with Mayall’s group had a significant impact on his style and approach to music.
• The Band: For their fusion of Americana and rock, similar to the way Hartley’s band blended jazz, blues, and rock.
• Blood, Sweat & Tears: The Keef Hartley Band shared a similar brass-heavy sound, combining jazz and rock in their compositions.

Conclusion

The Keef Hartley Band remains a beloved yet somewhat obscure group in the history of progressive rock and blues. Their unique fusion of jazz, blues, and rock helped shape the sound of British rock in the late 1960s and early 1970s. While they may not have reached the same commercial heights as some of their peers, their music continues to be appreciated for its bold experimentation and genre-blending compositions. As a trailblazer in the worlds of jazz rock and progressive blues, The Keef Hartley Band left a lasting legacy that still influences musicians today.