Blodwyn Pig

During its short life, Blodwyn Pig made a valuable contribution to the British blues boom in the late '60s. The band was formed after guitarist Mick Abrahams (b. 7 April 1943, Luton, Bedfordshire, England), surprisingly departed the fast-rising Jethro Tullin 1969. His energetic and fluid playing blended well with the rest of the band; Jack Lancaster (saxophone), Andy Pyle (bass) and Ron Berg (drums). The fine debut AHEAD RINGS OUTWITH its famous pig cover was a critical success, containing a healthy mixture of various styles of progressive blues. The Tull influenced Ain't Ya Comin Home and the superb slide guitar of Dear Jill were but two highlights. Lancaster's lengthy The Modern Alchemist showcased his jazz influence and saxophone skills. The band were a prolific live attraction, and Abrahams would delight the crowds with his exceptional showpiece, Cats Squirrel, probably the only time that a Creamnumber had been ‘borrowed’ and improved upon. Abrahams's solo was superior to Eric Clapton's, although this was a millstone he would constantly attempt to shed. The second album showed great moments, notably Abrahams's punchy See My Way. Lancaster's advanced long pieces like San Francisco Sketches ultimately gave the band a split direction. Abrahams departed and was replaced by Pete Banks formerly of Yesand Larry Wallis. Their direction was now led by Lancaster and they changed their name to Lancaster's Bomber, and finally, Lancaster, before they crash landed shortly afterwards. Four years later, Abrahams and Lancaster reformed Blodwyn Pig again, with Pyle and ex-Tull drummer Clive Bunker, but they had hardly got started when the signs that their day was long past became evident. While Lancaster eventually carved out a career as a producer, Abrahams set up his own financial consultancy business. However, Abrahams was not able to forsake the music business for too long and subsequently resurrected the group in the early '90s to play club dates, performing new material, utilizing the services of Dick Heckstall-Smith, plus former Piggies, Clive Bunker and Andy Pyle.