Matthew's Southern Comfort
Formed in 1969 by former Fairport Convention singer/guitarist Iain Matthews, the group comprised Mark Griffiths (guitar), Carl Barnwell (guitar), Gordon Huntley (pedal steel guitar), Andy Leigh (bass) and Ray Duffy (drums). After signing to EMI Records, they recorded their self-titled debut album in late 1969. Country-tinged rather than folk, it nevertheless displayed Matthews’ songwriting talents. In the summer of 1970, their next album, SECOND SPRING reached the UK Top 40 and was followed by a winter chart-topper, Woodstock. The single had been written by Joni Mitchell as a tribute to the famous festival that she had been unable to attend. Already issued as a single in a harde -rocking vein by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, it was a surprise UK number 1 for Matthews Southern Comfort. Unfortunately, success was followed by friction within the group and, two months later, Matthews announced his intention to pursue a solo career. One more album by the group followed, after which they truncated their name to Southern Comfort. After two further albums, they disbanded in the summer of 1972.