Strider -

Strider was an English hard-rock band from London that released the 1973/74 albums Exposed and Misunderstood on GM. The second features ex-Second Hand singer Rob Elliott and ex-Spontaneous Combustion drummer Tony Brock, who went on to The Babys. Keyboardist Ian Kewley cut two mid-70s albums in rustic rockers Limey and later backed Paul Young. Guitarist Gary Grainger joined Rod Stewart‘s 1977–80 backing band.

Members: Gary Grainger (guitar), Ian Kewley (keyboards, vocals), Jim Hawkins (drums, 1972-73), Lee Hunter (bass), Lee Strzelczyk (bass), Tony Brock (drums, vocals, 1973-74), Rob Elliott (vocals, 1974)

Background

Strider formed in London when Grainger and Kewley teamed with bassist Lee Hunter and drummer Jim Hawkins.

Kewley hailed from Samson, a brass-psych band that made the 1969 album Are You Samson, produced by Paul Korda.

Strider signed with GM Records, launched in 1973 by rock manager Billy Gaff (Rod Stewart, Humble Pie, Status Quo). The short-lived label’s roster also included Chris Jagger (brother of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger) and ex-Herd keyboardist–bassist Andy Bown.

Exposed

Strider released their debut album, Exposed, in 1973 on GM.

Exposed presents seven blues-rock and hard-rock titles in a keyboard-and-guitar quartet format. Kewley holds the lead-vocal and keyboard roles beside guitarist Gary Grainger, bassist Lee Hunter, and drummer Jim Hawkins. Babe Ruth frontwoman Janita “Jennie” Haan adds backing vocals to “Ain’t Got No Love” and “Higher and Higher.” The album includes five Strider originals and covers of Jackie Wilson (“Higher and Higher”) and The Temptations (“Get Ready”).

“Flying” charges through a broad opening riff and Kewley’s rough vocal. “Ain’t Got No Love” drops into a leaner keyboard-led part. “Woman Blue” relaxes around piano support before a solo-guitar close. “Higher and Higher” accelerates into a frantic high-vocal lift and backing-voice replies. “Esther’s Place” turns through abrupt rhythm shifts and rough-edged ensemble hits. “Straddle” tightens into a compact riff piece. “Get Ready” stretches into a long jam and closes through a heated lead break.

A1. “Flying” (6:01) – Grainger, Kewley
A2. “Ain’t Got No Love” (4:18) – Grainger, Noton
A3. “Woman Blue” (5:41) – Kewley, Noton, Hawkins, Hunter
A4. “Higher and Higher” (3:55) – Smith, Jackson

B1. “Esther’s Place” (6:30) – Grainger, Kewley, Noton
B2. “Straddle” (3:49) – O’Brien, Grainger, Kewley, Noton
B3. “Get Ready” (8:50) – Robinson

Strider recorded Exposed in February 1973 at Marquee Studios in London with producer Jimmy Horowitz and engineer Phil Dunne. John Eaton served as tape operator.

Exposed appeared in a gatefold sleeve with a cover design concept by Dave Field and Michael Gill and photography by Steve Campbell.

GM lifted “Higher and Higher” as a June 1973 single (b/w “Ain’t Got No Love”). “Esther’s Place” followed as a November 1973 single (b/w “Woman Blue”).

Misunderstood

Strider released their second album, Misunderstood, in 1974 on GM.

Misunderstood features a revised five-piece lineup with lead vocalist Rob Elliott, bassist Lee Strzelczyk, and drummer Tony Brock beside Grainger and Kewley. The album contains eight originals with a wider keyboard palette; Kewley uses electric piano, grand piano, Hammond organ, Mellotron, Moog synthesizer, and French horn. Janita “Jennie” Haan adds backing vocals to “Misunderstood,” “Seems So Easy,” and “Wing Tips.”

“Open Your Eyes” snaps through sharp dynamic turns under Elliott’s front-line delivery. “Wing Tips” spreads into a longer sectional piece, with piano and synth parts against a marked guitar tone. “Take It Or Leave It” halts for a slow middle-eight, where a brief Mellotron burst returns in the reprise.

A1. “Open Your Eyes” (4:57) – Grainger, Kewley, Elliott
A2. “Misunderstood” (5:53) – Grainger, Kewley, Strzelczyk, Elliott
A3. “Crossed Line” (3:44) – Grainger, Noton, Elliott
A4. “Seems So Easy” (5:23) – Leigh, Grainger, Elliott

B1. “Already Monday” (5:03) – Grainger, Elliott
B2. “Wing Tips” (6:17) – Kewley, Noton
B3. “Take It or Leave It” (4:23) – Grainger, Elliott
B4. “Searching the Clouds” (4:38) – Grainger, Kewley, Elliott

Strider recorded Misunderstood at IBC Studios in London with producer-engineer Damon Lyon-Shaw. Andy Miller served as tape operator.

GM lifted “Seems So Easy” as a 1974 single (b/w “Arthur Hydrogen”).

Discography: