In 1968, Mick Abrahams left Jethro Tull to pursue a more bluesy direction than the innovative avenue Ian Anderson was going down.
He left behind a sterling contribution to Tull’s debut album This Was with his ragged solos and masterful slide work (most unforgettably on Song For Jeffrey). But Abrahams was obviously never happy with it, as Blodwyn Pig re-recorded it.
Their fine debut album Ahead Rings Out (with its famous pig cover) was a critical success. The Tull influenced Ain’t Ya Comin’ Home and the superb slide guitar of Dear Jill were two highlights.
The band were a prolific live attraction, and Abrahams delighted crowds with his exceptional showpiece, Cat’s Squirrel – probably the only time that a Cream number had been ‘borrowed’ and improved upon. Abraham’s solo was superior to Eric Clapton‘s.
The second album showed great moments, notably Abrahams’ punchy See My Way. Jack Lancaster’s advanced long pieces, such as San Francisco Sketches, ultimately split the band’s direction and Abrahams departed. He was replaced by Pete Banks and Larry Wallis.
Now led by Lancaster the band changed their name to Lancaster’s Bomber, and finally, Lancaster. They only lasted a short while.
Four years later Abrahams and Lancaster re-formed Blodwyn Pig with Andy Pyle and ex-Jethro Tull drummer Clive Bunker, but the re-formed line-up was also short-lived.
Lancaster became a producer while Abrahams started a financial consultancy business. He resurrected the Pig again in the 1990s.
Mick Abrahams
Guitar
Andy Pyle
Bass
Jack Lancaster
Saxophone, flute
Ron Berg
Drums
Pete Banks
Guitar
Larry Wallis
Guitar
Clive Bunker
Drums
