Bright City

by Miller Anderson

Overview

Miller Anderson is most known for his stints in several blues-rock-oriented groups, especially the Keef Hartley Band, with whom he made several albums in the late '60s and early '70s. Shortly after leaving the Keef Hartley Band, he made a brief bid for a solo career, though only one album resulted (1971's Bright City) before he went back to his usual role as bandmember. On Bright City, it seemed evident he was taking the opportunity to present material that wouldn't have fit as easily or at all in the Keef Hartley Band, much of it folk-rock and singer/songwriter-oriented. Still, it suffers from problems afflicting many solo efforts by musicians who are solid contributors to groups: a lack of consistent direction, and a sense that there's not enough material or vision to carry a full-length record of their own. Sometimes he tries out a modified hard rock approach, bringing to mind the most aggressive early Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young cuts, yet the title song is orchestrated, delicately folky singer/songwriter fare. "Grey Broken Morning" seems like an obvious attempt at a commercial hit single, with its almost middle-of-the-road lush orchestration and female backup vocals, like a cross between the Carpenters and early Bee Gees (though without the type of hit-ready tune that either of those groups cranked out as second nature). On "Shadows 'Cross My Wall," it's on to drifting introspective folk-rock with flute (by Soft Machine's Lyn Dobson), acoustic guitar, and what sounds like conga, a la some of Tim Buckley's more extended ruminations. None of the songs are striking, however, resulting in a diverse but rather forgettable record. ~ Richie Unterberger

Product Details

Release Date:	07/29/2022
Label:	Bonfire Records
UPC:	0781930069250

Tracks

1. Alice Mercy (To Whom It May Concern)
2. The Age of Progress
3. Nothing in This World
4. Bright City
5. Grey Broken Morning
6. High Tide, High Water
7. Shadows 'Cross My Wall

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Miller Anderson   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals
Lyn Dobson   Flute
Eric Dillon   Drums
Tommy Fischer   Drums
Peter Dines   Harpsichord,Congas,Piano,Organ
Tracy Miller   Vocals (Background)
Kris Gray   Vocals (Background),Bass
Gary Thain   Bass
Frank Tischer   Keyboards,Vocals (Background)
Madeline Bell   Vocals (Background)
Junior Campbell   Conductor
Pete Wingfield   Piano (Electric)
Neil Hubbard   Guitar
Mick Weaver   Organ,Piano,Congas,Harpsichord
Harry Beckett   Flugelhorn

Technical Credits

Helmut Havelka   Artwork
Richard Sacks   Photography,Artwork
Neil Slaven   Producer
Junior Campbell   String Arrangements
Roy Thomas Baker   Engineer
Miller Anderson   Composer