From Mighty Oaks
Encyclopedia
From Mighty Oaks is the first solo album by Moody Blues flautist Ray Thomas
together with Nicky James, Trevor Jones, Dave Potts, John Jones and Mike Moran, originally released in July 1975. It was reissued on Compact Disc in August 1989. Despite the reissue, the album remains quite rare, particularly on CD.
The opening and title track, like the opening to the classical-rock fusion Moody Blues album Days of Future Passed
, is a symphonic-style overture incorporating themes from various songs on the album. "Hey Mama Life" is a contemplative piece about hard-earned wisdom ("I was once told the streets were paved with gold / Now I know them for what they are"). "High Above My Head" is an up-tempo number featuring a strong brass accompaniment and Thomas's harmonica. "Adam and I" is dedicated to Thomas's baby son. The final track, "I Wish We Could Fly," with sweeping orchestral backing, encapsulates Thomas's trademark unassuming optimism.
Thomas had to wait in line to record his solo album. First, fellow Moodies Justin Hayward
and John Lodge
had the use of Threshold Studios to record their Blue Jays project beginning in June 1974. When that ran well over deadline into December, Graeme Edge
was left with an uncomfortably short period to work on his "Kick Off Your Muddy Boots" album (on which Thomas appeared). To help Edge's predicament, Thomas voluntarily adjusted his schedule so that his former bandmate could finish all his recording sessions. The upshot was that Thomas had time to complete all his songs and full arrangements before his team even entered the studio. This, according to Thomas, "was a real plus. It meant that I wouldn't have to worry about using studio time to write new material and rushing things. I could concentrate instead on perfecting recordings of songs that I had already finished." As a result, "From Mighty Oaks" was wrapped up quickly and ready for release by mid-July 1975, only four months after Hayward and Lodge's album and before Edge's.
Side 2
Ray Thomas
Ray Thomas is an English musician, best known as the flautist and as a singer and composer in the rock band, The Moody Blues.-Career:...
together with Nicky James, Trevor Jones, Dave Potts, John Jones and Mike Moran, originally released in July 1975. It was reissued on Compact Disc in August 1989. Despite the reissue, the album remains quite rare, particularly on CD.
The opening and title track, like the opening to the classical-rock fusion Moody Blues album Days of Future Passed
Days of Future Passed
Days of Future Passed is the second album and first concept album by The Moody Blues, released in 1967. It was also their first album to feature Justin Hayward and John Lodge, who would play a very strong role in directing the band's sound in the decades to come...
, is a symphonic-style overture incorporating themes from various songs on the album. "Hey Mama Life" is a contemplative piece about hard-earned wisdom ("I was once told the streets were paved with gold / Now I know them for what they are"). "High Above My Head" is an up-tempo number featuring a strong brass accompaniment and Thomas's harmonica. "Adam and I" is dedicated to Thomas's baby son. The final track, "I Wish We Could Fly," with sweeping orchestral backing, encapsulates Thomas's trademark unassuming optimism.
Thomas had to wait in line to record his solo album. First, fellow Moodies Justin Hayward
Justin Hayward
Justin Hayward is an English musician, best known as singer, songwriter and guitarist in the rock band The Moody Blues.Hayward was born in Dean Street, Swindon, Wiltshire, England...
and John Lodge
John Lodge
John Charles Lodge is an English musician, best known as bassist and singer of the longstanding rock group The Moody Blues.-Early years:...
had the use of Threshold Studios to record their Blue Jays project beginning in June 1974. When that ran well over deadline into December, Graeme Edge
Graeme Edge
Graeme Charles Edge is best known as the drummer and a songwriter for the Moody Blues, but has also led his own outfit, the Graeme Edge Band.-Biography:...
was left with an uncomfortably short period to work on his "Kick Off Your Muddy Boots" album (on which Thomas appeared). To help Edge's predicament, Thomas voluntarily adjusted his schedule so that his former bandmate could finish all his recording sessions. The upshot was that Thomas had time to complete all his songs and full arrangements before his team even entered the studio. This, according to Thomas, "was a real plus. It meant that I wouldn't have to worry about using studio time to write new material and rushing things. I could concentrate instead on perfecting recordings of songs that I had already finished." As a result, "From Mighty Oaks" was wrapped up quickly and ready for release by mid-July 1975, only four months after Hayward and Lodge's album and before Edge's.
Original track listing
Side 1- From Mighty Oaks (Thomas/James) (3:43)
- Hey Mama Life (Thomas/James) (5:38)
- Play It Again (Thomas/James) (4:25)
- Rock-A-Bye Baby Blues (James) (3:31)
- High Above My Head (Thomas/James) (3:34)
Side 2
- Love Is The Key (Thomas/James) (5:16)
- You Make Me Feel Alright (Thomas/James) (5:02)
- Adam And I (Thomas/James) (5:42)
- I Wish We Could Fly (Thomas) (5:28)