Hunter Muskett
| Company type | Musical ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1968 |
| Founder | Terry Hiscock, Chris George, Doug Morter |
| Defunct | 1974 |
| Fate | Disbanded; reunited in 2010 |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
| Website | www |
Hunter Muskett is a British folk-rock ensemble that originally operated between 1968 and 1974 before reuniting in 2010.
Origins
The group was established at Avery Hill College in South London by Terry Hiscock, Chris George, and Doug Morter. Their name was inspired by a story involving an eccentric individual from Cornwall. Hunter Muskett attracted notice through performances at folk clubs and colleges across London, combining original compositions with acoustic folk and blues elements. Notably, they distinguished themselves by employing a PA system and electric instruments within traditional folk settings.
Recording career and live performances
Following their exposure at London's The Troubadour, Hunter Muskett secured a contract with Decca Nova. Their 1970 release, Every Time You Move, produced by Kim Margolis, included uncredited bass work by Danny Thompson and orchestral arrangements from Richard Hewson. Shortly thereafter, bassist Rog Trevitt joined the lineup. However, Decca Nova ceased operations within a year.
From 1971 until 1974, the band toured extensively throughout the UK and Europe, including Morocco. They appeared at festivals such as Cambridge and St Albans and supported artists like Dutch singer-songwriter Lenny Kuhr, Ralph McTell, and Amon Düül. Their broadcasts included appearances on Radio Hilversum as well as BBC shows like Country Meets Folk and Sounds on Sunday.
In 1973, under the management of Mike Hutson and George Fenton, Hunter Muskett signed with Derek Johns at Bradley's Records. They were featured prominently in the label’s launch alongside acts such as Paul Brett and Kala. Their self-titled album released that year was produced by Keith Relf and featured contributions from musicians including Michael Giles, Jim McCarty, Ken Freeman, along with uncredited synthesizer parts by John ‘Rabbit’ Bundrick.
Although the band never secured a permanent drummer, session musicians like Andrew Steele and Roger Swallow supported them during live shows and demo recordings throughout this era.
Disbandment and reunion
In 1974, a change in artistic direction at Bradleys Records under former Mojo editor Stuart Slater resulted in the label dropping all three original acts to focus on chart hits. Confronted with the loss of their recording contract and increasing touring expenses, the band decided to part ways.
Among the four members, only Doug Morter maintained a professional music career, balancing solo work with collaborations. Now residing in Denmark, his portfolio includes associations with Richard Digance, Magna Carta, The Albion Band, the Maddy Prior Band, Then Came The Wheel, Jerry Donahue, The Backroom Boys, and The Gathering Britannia. Chris George, who had previously crafted instruments for Hunter Muskett, went on to establish himself as a distinguished luthier.
Following the 2010 reissue of ‘Everytime You Move,’ Hunter Muskett reunited for live performances and resumed touring activities. In 2013, they released 'That Was Then This Is Now,' produced by John Ellis alongside Bill Leader. Later albums include 2016’s 'Unafraid and Sober,' featuring contributions from Jacqui McShee and George Fenton, as well as 'Roll On' (2024), which contains the final recorded work of American guitarist Jerry Donahue.
Discography
| Title | Label | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Every Time You Move | Decca Nova
Cherry Red |
1970
2009 |
LP format
CD format |
| Hunter Muskett | Bradleys
Self-release Wasabi Records, Japan |
1973
2020 2023 |
LP format
CD format CD format |
| John Blair | Bradleys | 1973 | Single release |
| Bradleys Roadshow Live At The Marquee | Bradleys | 1973 | LP featuring 2 Hunter Muskett tracks |
| That Was Then This Is Now | Limefield | 2013 | CD release |
| Unafraid And Sober | SPC | 2016 | CD release |
| Roll On | Self Release | 2024 | CD release planned |
Hunter Muskett songs covered by other performers
The song Silver Coin (written by Terry Hiscock) has been recorded on:
- Thank You For (1972), Dandelion Albums and BBC Collection (2015) - performed by Bridget St John
- Sunsets I've Galloped Into (1995), Windward Away (2008) - performed by Archie Fisher
- All Those Songs (1997) - performed by Derek Brimstone
- Hand Pict (1998) - performed by Ken Campbell
The track Leave It With Mine (written by Terry Hiscock) appears on:
- The Best Of All Times (2019) - performed by Archie Fisher and Garnet Rogers