If you lived in Wilmington, Delaware in 1969 and 1970, then inevitably you had heard of a band called Martha Lidd. It was the end of the 1960's. We had lived through a decade of war, racial upheaval, and cultural renaissance. Contemporary music was a reflection of this backdrop. In 1969, after five years of successful bands, Jeff Bove decided that the time was ripe for something that would paint a new musical landscape in Wilmington, and maybe beyond. He conducted auditions that first led him to guitarist Blake Ring. Bove's eclectic styles, a mix of San Francisco-folk rock and classical, would pair with Ring's never-ending love of jazz and blues (Blake would rehearse by learning Ella Fitzgerald vocal lines and Oscar Peterson's piano solos on the guitar). Both played red semi-hollow Gibson guitars, Ring with his stereo and Bove with his 335. The guitar combination broke new ground. Bove then added a versatile vocalist and performer, Julie Alexander, and bassist, Dave Berry, rounded out by drummer Jim Russell. Jim's drumming would hold it all together while everything swirled around it. Bove wrote sets of new music and Martha Lidd was launched. Later, Bob Cullen replaced Berry and Andy Eaton joined to add vocals and percussion.
The band worked countless hours in rehearsals and had a keen sense of professionalism, driven by Bove's relentless energy and work ethic. The effort showed. Martha Lidd's shows were well-planned and flawlessly performed. And they were grounded on newly minted music. Martha Lidd had a real benefit too - a rehearsal hall at Immanuel Church in the Highlands area of Wilmington. With thick stone walls, the band could work its new songs, arrangements and shows well into the night without disruption and, most importantly, without disrupting anyone else. The band flourished and as its music became successful, eventually crowds would appear outside the Church during rehearsals. With the leadership of Reverend George Chapman, Grimslade Coffee House opened in the Church basement, allowing everyone to come, watch and listen to Martha Lidd. Throughout 1970 the band's popularity soared and the crowds were large. Its shows were frequently covered by the Wilmington papers. Martha Lidd also added a new venue - - outdoor concerts at Rockford Park. These crowds sometimes reached 10,000. And it was one of the first rock bands to play in Rodney Square at lunch hour.
Martha Lidd played at nearly every high school in northern Delaware, and at numerous concerts, theaters and coffee houses. What made this unusual for the area was Martha Lidd's reliance on original material and arrangements, which when combined with its unique style, was a recipe for success.
About the CD and Songs
The CD contains recordings from 1970 and 1971. It was recorded during live shows at Grimslade Coffee House in the basement of the Church. Remarkably, the original tapes remained in good condition, making it possible to bring this music to you now. The tapes have never been released before. So this is another musical first, after forty years.
The CD opens with Bove's "Old Elm Tree" sung by Eaton. This is followed by a suite of songs beginning with "Up To You" and ending with "Situation", showcasing Ring and Bove's guitar interplay, and Ring's incredible lead guitar work. The jams are unique for the times, characterized by rhythm changes and pauses, interspersed with harmonic vocal passages, and musical styles. "It's The Sun That Makes The Wind Blow Warm" is another Bove song, featuring the singing of Eaton and Alexander. It has an almost spiritual tone.
This is followed by a classic rock song, "I've Tried Before It Seems", highlighted by the vocal interplay of Alexander and Eaton. Next is a medley of "Longtime" and "Tried To Stay Away". The only cover, "I Got A Mind To Give Up Living", appeared on the seminal album by the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, "East-West". The song features the singing of Julie Alexander and exemplifies her exceptional feel for the blues. The CD closes with "Cross The Sky", again featuring the lead guitar work of Blake Ring and Jeff Bove, and the signature instrumental work of Martha Lidd.
To some, Martha Lidd was a brief, but key piece of Wilmington culture that will live on in the hearts and spirits of the 60's generation. It reminds us of our younger years when we were free of cares and responsibilities, and when we needed to make and follow our own way, breaking from the generations that preceded us. But for the musicians and performers, Martha Lidd advanced the creative arts, and set a standard of excellence.
And it gave pleasure and meaning to all who touched it. "For those of you who were there, I am happy that I can finally give this music back to you. For those who were either not born yet or too young to understand, here is a snapshot of Saturday night from 1969. Godspeed."
Jeff, this is huge fun tripping back to Wilmington and Martha Lidd. I have a bunch of photos of you guys playing at Rockford...my first rock concerts ever! I know I caught you guys wherever/whenever possible. I even talked my friend's folks into hiring you to play at a party they threw for their daughter. Woot-woot!) Thanks to you, when I got some loot I ran down to the Drum Shop to buy a 335, but somehow came home with a used SG. Thank you for putting this all together, thank you for your musical inspiration, and more importantly: GREAT BIG HEALTH to you! Rock on, JB.
JB
Is that you, Mr. Berry? I'll get those photos scanned as soon as I can, but they're in storage on the Eastern Shore, and I'm in Ohio. It might take awhile. Thanks for your patience! Oh, and they were shot from the grassy knoll with an Instamatic, so they're probably not going to garner any Pulitzers or anything. Lastly, I'm enjoying the 2010 WDEL show w/ Rick Jensen. On to Part 3!
JB
Jeff. I'm saddened to hear about your illness. I now live in Nashville. I'm still a musician and activist. I was at many of those shows at the park and grimslades. I even played there myself. I now am highly involved in hospice work and other vollunteer work. My site is kennymullins.com. You'll remain in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings.
Hi Jeff,
I spent many nights at Grimslade. I now live in Virginia and work in radio. I'm still a working musician. I play mostly acoustic but also have a 335. I vividly remember hearing you play tremendous licks (some of which I've stolen) on your red Gibson. I wish you well.
Fritz
Peter Brooks (140.194.192.xxx) 2010-04-16 19:41:42
Hi neighbor. Groovy times, JB.
Was at many of your practices and events throughout WillyDel. Best, though were the practice sessions at the church on 17th street. Best to Scott and Andy - whereever you are. I'll be in touch.
Thanks Jeff... I'm half a generation behind so never got to see Martha Lidd, but I have sure heard enough about y'all. Clearly the Wilmington music scene is still influenced by what you guys did forty years ago...
Also, what a blast to see your gear, it looks like it came straight out of the Drum Shop on Delaware Avenue! I purchased MY Sunn Sorado there.... I can't wait to hear the cd's in their entirety.
I remember it well, lots of Friday and Saturday (I think) nights at Grimslade. Other bands as well, Melton Brothers, Watsons, Lonnie White, Shaky Jake, Willow. But Martha Lidd was always the tightest band who played there. Lets all pray for Jeff.
Martha Lidd
If you lived in Wilmington, Delaware in 1969 and 1970, then inevitably you had heard of a band called Martha Lidd. It was the end of the 1960's. We had lived through a decade of war, racial upheaval, and cultural renaissance. Contemporary music was a reflection of this backdrop. In 1969, after five years of successful bands, Jeff Bove decided that the time was ripe for something that would paint a new musical landscape in Wilmington, and maybe beyond. He conducted auditions that first led him to guitarist Blake Ring. Bove's eclectic styles, a mix of San Francisco-folk rock and classical, would pair with Ring's never-ending love of jazz and blues (Blake would rehearse by learning Ella Fitzgerald vocal lines and Oscar Peterson's piano solos on the guitar). Both played red semi-hollow Gibson guitars, Ring with his stereo and Bove with his 335. The guitar combination broke new ground. Bove then added a versatile vocalist and performer, Julie Alexander, and bassist, Dave Berry, rounded out by drummer Jim Russell. Jim's drumming would hold it all together while everything swirled around it. Bove wrote sets of new music and Martha Lidd was launched. Later, Bob Cullen replaced Berry and Andy Eaton joined to add vocals and percussion.
importantly, without disrupting anyone else. The band flourished and as its music became successful, eventually crowds would appear outside the Church during rehearsals. With the leadership of Reverend George Chapman, Grimslade Coffee House opened in the Church basement, allowing everyone to come, watch and listen to Martha Lidd. Throughout 1970 the band's popularity soared and the crowds were large. Its shows were frequently covered by the Wilmington papers. Martha Lidd also added a new venue - - outdoor concerts at Rockford Park. These crowds sometimes reached 10,000. And it was one of the first rock bands to play in Rodney Square at lunch hour.
About the CD and Songs
OMG... I am impressed Jim Russell and I go back a long way, (not this far) but I had no idea he was a drummer... Best of luck guys.
I remember it well, lots of Friday and Saturday (I think) nights at Grimslade. Other bands as well, Melton Brothers, Watsons, Lonnie White, Shaky Jake, Willow. But Martha Lidd was always the tightest band who played there. Lets all pray for Jeff.
