Bronco-Country Home (1971)

This short-lived band would become one of the most interesting folk-rock groups of the early 1970s in England, but they would succumb a few years later due to a lack of hits and the abundance of high-quality bands competing at that time, when everything seemed to indicate that they were, above all others, one of the most promising bands with a bright future. Formed in mid-1969, their initial lineup consisted of Jess Roden (formerly of the Alan Brown Set) on guitar and vocals, Robbie Blunt on guitar, Kevin Gammond on guitar, John Parternack on bass, and Pete Robinson on drums. In other words, a group made up of three guitarists who alternated between acoustic and electric guitars, giving their music a very deep, lyrical sound. Almost immediately, they secured a contract with Island Records, which released their album "Country Home" (1970). This album showcased a remarkably fresh folk style with a rich and intense sound, evident in tracks like the superb "Well Anyhow", and the country-rock numbers "Civil of You Stranger" and "Misfit on Your Stairs". This style evolved further with their second album, "Ace of Sunlight" (1971), which received critical acclaim but, like its predecessor, was a commercial failure. "Smoking Mixture" (1972) marked the end of the band, despite being promoted with a UK tour alongside the legendary John Martyn and Claire Hamill. After the breakup, some members went on to join other groups, such as Band of Joy (Gammond and Robinson), while others joined The Butts Band, a project formed by former Doors members Robby Krieger and John Densmore. More recently, Island Records included Bronco on their 50th anniversary album, "Meet on the Ledge" (2009), with the song "Time Slips Away".