It Is And It Isn't

Born in Bournemouth, Dorset, Gordon Haskell was a childhood friend of Robert Fripp. The pair formed their first band, League of Gentlemen, while at grammar school, with Haskell on bass and vocals. When Fripp went off to college, Haskell joined the Southampton-based psychedelic band Les Fleur de Lys. Working as a house band for the Atlantic/Stax label, the band recorded a couple of classic singles, including “Gong with the Luminous Nose” b/w “Hammer Head.” By the late 60s, however, Haskell was writing his own songs and took a paying gig with The Flowerpotmen. His first, somewhat obscure album offered his songwriting to the world; others would hit the charts in South Africa and Australia with his songs. Haskell then teamed with Fripp on a track for In The Wake Of Poseidon, “Cadence and Cascade,” which, after some cajoling, led to Haskell’s further participation on King Crimson’s third album, Lizard. However, the relationship between Haskell and Fripp turned toxic, and his time with the band was short-lived. Haskell then signed with Ahmet Ertegun’s Atco Records and recorded a second solo album, with producer Arif Mardin and guests Dave Kaffinetti from Rare Bird, Alan Barry from Fields, and John Wetton and Bill Aktinson (Harrison) from Mogul Thrash. It Is And It Isn’t highlights the gentler side of the progressive, with poignant songwriting and affecting lyrics. Certainly, the aforementioned “Cadence and Cascade” provides a blueprint; whether it’s the hooks of “Could Be,” “Sitting by the Fire” and “Spider,” or the introspection of “Upside Down” and “Just a Lovely Day,” Haskell’s songwriting is top-notch. His voice, distinct and pleasant, and the musicians offer an excellent backdrop to Mardin’s string arrangements. Unfortunately, the album was released to little acclaim, despite some high-profile gigs backing Stackridge and Wishbone Ash; the former would cover his excellent “Worms” on their 1975 Extravaganza album. With his solo career on hold, Haskell reverted to bass playing, spending the rest of the decade as a journeyman.