Steamhammer is an English rock band from Worthing, England, that was formed in 1968 by vocalist Kieran White, guitarists Martin Quittenton and Martin Pugh, bassist Steve Davy, and drummer Michael Rushton.
Steamhammer's first line-up acted as backing band for Freddie King on two of his tours of England in 1968–1969. Like many of their peers, the band experimented with instrumental passages, introspective lyrics, and ultrasonic guitar effects, along with folk, jazz and classical influences. After playing in English pubs in the late 1960s, Steamhammer's self-titled album Steamhammer (aka Reflection) debuted on Columbia Records in 1968, featuring their single, "Junior's Wailing", and including covers of "You'll Never Know" by B. B. King and "Twenty Four Hours" by Eddie Boyd as well as original songs by White, Quittenton, and Pugh. Guest session musicians Harold McNair (flute) and Pete Sears (piano) also played on the album. While the album was not commercially successful, the band's sound became popular live, especially in West Germany.
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Links to Peel[]
The band's music was played by Peel in the late 60's and early 70's, including a session they recorded for his show in 1969. He also saw them perform at gigs in 1969 and 1970. Peel also reviewed the band's single, 'Juniors Wailing' for Blind Date in 1969 and described it as the whole British blues thing is falling into itself.
Sessions[]
1. Recorded: 1969-07-08. First Broadcast: 13 July 1969. Repeated: 14 September 1969
- When All Your Friends Are Gone / Passing Through / Louisiana Blues / 6/8 for Amiran
Other Shows Played[]
- 13 April 1969: Junior's Wailing (7") CBS
- 08 June 1969: She Is In Fire (album - Steamhammer) CBS
- 1970
- 04 April 1970: Passing Through (LP - Steamhammer MK. II) CBS