Keith Law, has composed over 500 songs including, Yellow Cave Woman, Within' The Night and Once Among The Trees on the highly collectible, 1969 Velvett Fogg album, which is constantly being re-released and in May 2007 as an LP Currently selling well in Europe, USA and Japan. Keith has also written all of the songs, and performs on the Jardinealbum in which the master tapes were originally recorded in 1969, but never released until now in January 2008.
Keith started writing when he was very young, and formed his first band, in 1965 The Williamsons. After this in 1968 came Paint, whichevolved into Jardine which was formed in 1969. Keith toured and played in Germany, Denmark and Sweden with bands, including Bob Catley's, 'pre-Magnum' band Life, who performed Keith's songs. This band also included, Chis Brown, of The Band Of Joy. Keith was based in Stockholm for some time, where he worked with many Swedish musos. On his return to the UK, he was soon involved once again in the Birmingham group scene, where he continued writing and recording songs with friends such as Paul Lockey, ex- The Foundations and Robert Plant's Band Of Joy and was produced by such prolific producers as Tony Visconti. One of Keith's songs Harpsichord was released as a single on the United Artists label, by the band Stampede. Keith's songs have been published by Acuff-Rose, Schroeder Music, (The Beatles), Apple Music, Belzize Music.
Keith's break came in 1969, when approached by the band Velvett Fogg, which was primarily a studio band that toured Universities/Colleges around The Mildlands in 1968 -1970. Keith began writting songs for Velvett Fogg, resulting in the release of the original album VELVETT FOGG in 1969, a Classic Album from the 60 Psychedelic/Progressive Rock era. Featuring YELLOW CAVE WOMAN - (Keith Law), which was also recorded by a top Italian rock band and is now a cult anthem, for a whole new generation! The Velvett Fogg album has been re-released due to demand and the fact that the original vinyl album, was/is now attracting lots of interest! Keith Law is still writing and recording and is also a successful entertainer.
Keith Lawand Frank Wilson, founder member, vocalist and keyboard player, are back together writing and recording as Velvett Fogg II and are currently working on their new new album Velvett Fogg Reloaded .
Keith Lawwas Lead Guitarist/Vocalist, with The Williamsons which featured lead vocalist, and blues harp player, Bill Spilsbury. Alan Blunt and Anthony Basterfield. The band were a highly respected blues band from West Bromwich. Their gigs included, The Macabre, Casa Bambu,the town's only blues club. The Stork Club, Walsall Casino, where they were often, the main band or, support to the more well known bands at that time, including, The Moody Blues'.
The Williamsons, supported the legendary Blues Artist 'Sonny Boy Williamson' when he appeared at the Whiskey Go Go, in Birmingham, in the late 60's. Hence the dedicated name..
Walsall based group, formed as a vehicle for songwriter Keith Law,and performed only original songs, written by Keith..
Keith and the band, which included,Martin Hall, lead guitar/vocals, Eric Timmins, Bass/Vocals, and Roy Knight on drums were signed to F.P. Enterprises, and were managed by Chas Peate, Chas was to become Keith's publisher, Belsize Music and would subsequently, publish Keith's Velvett Fogg songs. Love and Understanding performed at Schools, Colleges and Universities, undertaking a six week University tour in '68.
Keith Law along with Mickey Cox (former member) and Harold Barber (former roadie) of Robert Plant's band 'The Band of Joy formed Paint,when Robert left to join Led Zeppelin.
The band, which also included John Jevons, ex. Hush on bass, and Harold Barber on drums, performed original songs, including the songs Keith wrote for Velvett Fogg. These original songs were mixed with well known, R&B, and Blues. The band appeared at Schools, colleges, US and RAF bases, often as the main band, and also, as support to bands, at that time, such as ' Slade '. Paint were regulars at well known local venues, such as The Golden Eagle, Birmingham, Ship and Rainbow, Hen and Chickens,Woolpack,and Catacombs, Wolverhampton, The Plazas, and The George Hotel, Walsall. The band at one time continued as a trio Paint recorded tracks for Les Reed's Chapter One label.
Keith Law, along with Mickey Cox had recently disbanded Paint their previous band formed Jardine, in the Winter of 1968/69. Keith wanted a more earthy psychedelic sound, Keith Law, who wrote all the band's original songs shared the vocals, and also played second guitar, and flute. Mickey Cox was the vocalist and lead guitar and was previously with Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant's, Band of Joy Colin Appleyard was on drums, and Brian Urquart on Bass. The band's show was a mix of blues classicsand original songs, penned by Keith. They were written about the same time as those on the well known Velvett Fogg album so possess the same air of psych Keith Law mystery! The band played Universities, Colleges and schools and the occasional open-air concert.
In June 1969, Jardine recorded and album in London, which was never released, until now! During the recording sessions many musicians, some famous, would come and join in. They were, Peter Frampton singer, ex’ The Herd and then an international pop star Andrew Bown ex The Herd who formed the Andrew Bown Set, and is now keyboard player with Status Quo, Michael Berg, keyboard player and engineer. Brian Appleyard, Drummer ex East of Eden.
They're on the recordings somewhere but can't remember where!"- Keith Law
With the recent resurgence of Psychedelic music and in particular the ever growing popularity of Velvett Fogg Demand for songs by Keith Law has increased enormously! Keith found the 'lost' tape, in his garage attic! Still in perfect condition, and still to tell the story!
So 40 years later, here is Jardine and their music, that has been in the garage, for far to long!
Look In The Window - Now Available on CD!!!
Jardine
Look In The Window - Jardine -(Click On The Link Below)
Keith Law, was approached for original material for Velvett Fogg, who were formed in 1968 out of a respectable Brum band called Gravy Train. The initial line-up of Velvett Fogg featured guitarist Tony Iommi (later to make the big time withBlack Sabbath).
The other band members were drummer Graham Mullett, bass guitarist Mick Pollard, and Londoner Frank Wilson who played Hammond organ. The band was soon off to Germany. Their exciting stage act included a light show and a go-go dancer. Upon returning to Birmingham, the band, was given a record deal by Jack Dorsey of Pye Records. At this time it seemed that the more unusual or controversial a band was, then the greater chance there would be for success in the record business. The record label was looking to sign unusual "underground" acts and Velvett Fogg were told to, in Jack Dorsey's words, "develop an image that would make people think you would piss on the pope"
Material for the Velvett Fogg album would be supplied by local songwriter/guitarist Keith Law who became a friend of the band. Keith takes up the story; "I was in the Rum Runner one night, when someone told me that Velvett Fogg were looking for new material, and they introduced me to them. I arranged to meet them at their rehearsal place, Langley Baths.I went along the next day, and went through the following songs with them: Yellow Cave Woman, Once Among The Trees, and Within' The Night and that was it! The next couple of days, they were in London recording"
Velvett Fogg's self-titled album was released on the Pye labelin January of 1969. Despite what some may have thought, the album stands up as a fine example of late 1960s British psychedelia. As well as the previously mentioned covers, original compositions such as Yellow Cave Woman, Once Among The Trees, Within' The Night are hypnotic if not compelling.
By far the most controversial feature of the ,Velvett Fogg album was the record cover. It displayed the band wearing garish make-up/body-paint and costume but also included two well-endowed young women wearing nothing but strategically applied body paint! This politically-incorrect package was accompanied by a typically obscure sleeve note by the influential U.K. disc jockey John Peelwho commented "There is a lot of good music on this record. Remember Velvett Fogg - you will hear the name again."
During the years since Velvett Fogg's demise, demand amongst collectors for copies of their (now very rare) album has increased considerably. Original albums have changed hands for high prices with bootleg copies also known to be in circulation. Fortunately, in 2002 the Sanctuary Records Group Ltd. re-issued the album officially for the first time on CD (CMRCD619) and it is strongly recommended for those who are fans of the British psychedelic or early progressive sounds of the late 1960s.
July 2009
The City of Birmingham, Central Library, and Birmingham City University formally recognised Keith Law as an important contributor to the cultural history of the city and he will be now be included in the Birmingham archives. Keith has been interviewed on radio and the show will be broadcast soon.
Anazitisi Records are soon to release Eyes In The Wind- Keith Law Solo Album It will feature original songs,written and recorded by Keith, in the 60's and 70's. The album will be released initially on Vinyl, as a limited collectors edition.
Keith Law - Solo
KEITH LAW Various Titles - (solo) Gainsborough Records (2007) Keith's 8 Solo albums, are also available. A list of the CD's,and songs is available from Gainsborough Records
All 8 CD's feature Keith performing classic songs from the 50' & 60's
The CD's priced at £5.99 inc. p&p., can be purchased direct by contacting Keith, through this site Gainsborough Records
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