Vinegar Joe (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1971 in London, England |
| Defunct | 1974 |
| Headquarters | London , England |
| Products | Albums, live performances |
Vinegar Joe was a British Blues rock ensemble established in London in 1971. They produced three albums under Island Records and gained acclaim for their energetic live shows, serving as a springboard for the solo careers of Elkie Brooks and Robert Palmer.
History
The roots of Vinegar Joe trace back to Dada, a 12-member jazz/blues rock fusion group influenced by Stax Records. Dada issued a single album in 1970, featuring vocalist Elkie Brooks and guitarist Pete Gage. After the album's completion, singer Robert Palmer, previously with the Alan Bown Set, joined the lineup. They were signed by Ahmet Ertegun to Atlantic Records, which licensed them to Chris Blackwell's Island Records for distribution in the UK and internationally. Island Records then condensed the group to form Vinegar Joe in 1971, adding keyboardist Dave Thompson. Initially, the band did not have a drummer; among those who auditioned was Phil Collins, who was not selected. Drummers Conrad Isidore and Rob Tait contributed to their first album.
Keyboardist Tim Hinkley joined alongside Thompson and appeared on the cover of their debut album Vinegar Joe, released in April 1972 through Island (UK) and Atco Records (US). The album artwork showcased plasticine figures crafted by John Padley.
Subsequently, Hinkley replaced Thompson on keyboards and was later succeeded by John Hawken. Rob Tait handled drums during early live performances before John Woods took over. Mike Deacon then replaced Hinkley on keyboards. For their second album Rock'n Roll Gypsies (1972), drummer Keef Hartley participated; guitarist Jim Mullen also joined for recording sessions and the US tour. The album's cover art was designed by Hipgnosis. Prior to the US tour and their third album Six Star General (1973), drummer Pete Gavin became part of the band. Vinegar Joe dissolved in spring 1974, with Alan Powell playing drums during their final weeks.
Following the group's breakup, both Brooks and Palmer pursued successful solo careers. Gage transitioned into production and arrangement roles, collaborating with Brooks as well as artists like Joan Armatrading, while focusing on emerging rockabilly and punk bands such as Restless and King Kurt.
Albums
- Dada – Dada, 1970 (prior to Vinegar Joe), Atco Records
- Vinegar Joe – 1972, Island Records (UK), Atco Records (US) (later reissued on Lemon)
- Rock'n Roll Gypsies – 1972, Island Records (UK), Atco Records (US)
- Six Star General – 1973, Island Records (UK), Atco Records (US)
Compilation albums
- Six Star Gypsies, 1994
- Speed Queen of Ventura: An Introduction to Vinegar Joe, 2003
- Vinegar Joe: The Island Recordings 1972–1973, 3CD, 2021, Cherry Red Records
Charts
| Year | Album | Chart | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Vinegar Joe | ||
| 1972 | Rock'n Roll Gypsies | US Billboard Bubbling Under the Top Lp's | 201 |
| 1973 | Six Star General |
Former members
- Elkie Brooks – vocals (1971–1974)
- Pete Gage – guitars (1971–1974)
- Robert Palmer – vocals (1971–1974)
- Steve York – bass (1971–1974)
- Dave Thompson – keyboards (1971–1972)
- Conrad Isidore – drums (1971–1972)
- Rob Tait – drums (1971–1972)
- John Hawken – keyboards (1972)
- John Woods – drums (1972)
- Mike Deacon – keyboards (1972–1974)
- Keef Hartley – drums (1972–1973)
- Jim Mullen – guitars (1972–1974)
- Pete Gavin – drums (1973–1974)
- Alan Powell – drums (1974)
- Additional musicians
- Dave Brooks – tenor saxophone
- Tim Hinkley – keyboards
- Nick South – bass
- Gasper Lawal – percussion