Henry Cow was an avant-garde British rock group, formed in Cambridge in 1968 by multi-instrumentalists Fred Frith and Tim Hodgkinson. The band was named after a series of compositions by American musician Henry Cowell, whose innovative approaches resonated with the band's vision. Their music was a blend of rock, jazz, classical, and avant-garde compositions, defying traditional genre categorization and pioneering the field of experimental music. Throughout its existence, Henry Cow was known for its leftist politics, complex compositions, and improvisational performances, which often challenged the expectations of mainstream audiences.

The band's discography, though not extensive, showcases its evolution from the intricate and dissonant sounds of their 1973 debut album "Legend" (also known as "Leg End") to the more structured, yet still unabashedly complex "Western Culture", released in 1978. In between, they pushed musical boundaries with "Unrest" (1974) and the collaborative, politically charged album "In Praise of Learning" (1975), created with the German avant-garde group Slapp Happy. "Concerts (Live)" (1976) captured Henry Cow's improvisational prowess during performances across Europe, while the "John Peel Session (24th April 1973)" delivers a glimpse into their early raw energy. Despite their breakup in the late 1970s, Henry Cow's impact on the avant-garde and progressive rock scenes continues to resonate, influencing countless musicians and ensembles who challenge the conventions of musical expression.

Genres

Canterbury Scene

Experimental

Rock In Opposition

Zolo

Latest Release

John Peel Session (24th April 1973)

Henry Cow

Single - Released January 1, 2010