London-born drummer/vocalist Bobby Harrison was a founder member of Procol Harum before leaving to form his first own band Freedom in 1968 with Procol Harum guitarist Ray Royer.
A pop/psych start with a debut release in the band’s original soundtrack to Dino de Laurentis’ film ‘Nero Su Bianco (Black On White’) was to see the band take a harder edge with a line-up review as a power trio made up of Harrison (drums/vocals), Roger Saunders (guitars/keyboards) and Walt Monaghan (guitars/keyboards),
Its consequent output was characterised by a winning meld of hard rock and r ‘n b harnessed to tight three-part harmonising that won audiences on the live circuit and tours with Black Sabbath, Curved Air and Jethro Tull.
With Monaghan leaving, 1972’s ‘Is More Than a Word’ took in support from Steve Jolly on second guitar and Pete Dennis (bass) to deliver a progressive hard rock styling, with blues elements, wind instruments and a complex melodic framework.
It was to be their last album.
Freedom had recorded a total of five albums in its career.
Harrison went on to form SNAFU in 1973 with future-Whitesnake guitarist Mickey Moody, scoring a further three acclaimed releases.
Tracks:
- Together
- Miss Little Louise
- Sweaty Feet
- Brainbox Jam
- Direction
- Going Down
- Dream
- Ladybird