High Tide

A group that may have been too clever by half to succeed in England, High Tide never received more than a minimal amount of acceptance in their own country, but found a cult audience on the European continent. Formed in 1969, they played progressive rock with some folk and pop influences. Tony Hill was the singer and guitarist, Simon House played violin and keyboards, Peter Pavli handled the bass, and Roger Hadden played the drums. They were signed to Liberty Records' U.K. division in 1969 and released two albums over the next year -- Sea Shanties and a self-titled second album -- both of which featured dazzling guitar work by Hill and occasional striking interplay between his instrument and House's violin. The group never really found an audience however, splitting up in 1970. Simon House later became a member of Hawkwind, played with David Bowie, and joined members of the Third Ear Band to perform on the soundtrack of Roman Polanski's movie Macbeth. Pavli later joined in recording with House and several other Hawkwind expatriates. Hill and House have also recorded together in more recent years. The group also backed Denver Gerrard on his 1970 solo album. ~ Bruce Eder, All Music Guide