Although singer/guitarist Roy Harper has long been well-known to the rock snob cognoscenti through his classic 1970 album Stormcock, as well as his associations with Led Zeppelin (”Hats Off to Roy Harper” from Led Zeppelin III, is obviously a tribute to him) and Pink Floyd (that’s Harper on “Have a Cigar”), it’s only really been in recent years that his music is getting the attention it deserves.

The Smiths’ Johnny Marr said of Harper’s Stormcock (and I agree 1000%):

If ever there was a secret weapon of a record it would be Stormcock... It’s intense and beautiful and clever: [Bowie’s] Hunky Dory‘s big, badder brother.

Kate Bush, who has recorded with Harper on several occasions over the years, told BBC Radio’s Paul Gambaccini:

Roy is one of the greatest English songwriters we’ve had, and people just don’t realize it. And I really think that when they do we’re going to have another top songwriter up there. He’s brilliant.

Harper has been cited as a strong influence by several important younger musicians in recent years, including Joanna Newsom, Jonathan Wilson and Will Oldham.

This extraordinarily intimate 30-minute performance was originally broadcast on Norweigan TV in 1970, but probably dates from the previous year.

“One For All”
“Today Is Yesterday” (aka “Garden of Gethsemane” which Harper informs the viewer was written the day before)
“Hell’s Angels”
“How Does It Feel”
“Forever”
 

 
Via MOJO