Orang-Utan

Orang Utan:

An often considered Psychedelic, Acid Rock, Heavy Rock, Hard Rock group from London, England, whose only album was originally released in the U.S. exclusively.   The band was previously known as Hunter but never issued any recordings under that name.  They are based heavily on sludgy Blues type riffs. They have great musicianship in all instrumental departments the biggest emphasis being on the twin lead guitars. Their heavy sound can also be considered an influence on the Stoner Rock genre.  Sounds similar to American and British groups such as, Deep Purple, Vanilla Fudge, Cream, Black Sabbath, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Led Zeppelin, B.F Trike, and Mountain.

“Orang Utan featured musicians from several other notable dissolving bands, that had been playing in north London in the late 60s. Singer Terry “Nobby” Clarke was co-founder of the band Jason Crest.  They recorded their album at a 16 track studio facility in London. The band's only album was released on the U.S. Bell Records label in 1970.

The band had no idea their album was being released and only found out about it by accident.  Adrian Miller was the person that claimed the producer's title on the Bell album release.  He was also the person responsible for stealing this material from the musicians and getting it released without the group's consent or knowledge. Adrian even secretly convinced the group's unsuspecting manager at the time, to suggest to the band to change their name to Orang-Utan.

At the time the band were still going by their original name "Hunter" which they had taken from an Albert King song.  It is believed that if the band had been managed with any real degree of integrity and professionalism, they possibly would have went on to do bigger and better things. The music itself consists of well played and diversely crafted heavy guitar oriented rock. It is not of a Psychedelic nature, or Acid Rock based as some have claimed.

There was only one member that even smoked hash regularly. Several of the songs are nothing short of brilliant and serve to show what incredible talent these young 19-20 year old musicians possessed. Most all of the music was written and composed by Jeff Seopardie who was the drummer, with the majority of the guitar & bass riffs being developed and played by Mick Clarke & Paul Roberts respectively.

“Nobby” Clark, whose powerful and well done vocal duties can be heard quite clearly on the album, only had one lung. “Nobby” was actually the second vocalist for the band and demos do exist from the band line up that proceeded him.

Despite the greatness that is recorded on their lone album, the band has yet to receive any royalties from the original recording and any of it’s reissues.” Source:(http://waxidermy.com/2006/12/22/orang-utan-same-1970-bell-records/)

“Musically, Orang Utan features great twin lead guitar work and some long tracks with titles like "Chocolate Piano" this is similar in style to Leaf Hound and early Led Zeppelin with a late '60's U.S. feel.“

Source: (http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/orang_utan/orang_utan/)

Currently, it appears the band may be in the works of putting together a reissue that they would actually benefit from and possibly a reunion tour.  The group has not been in contact with one another too much since they folded in 1970 from financial and management issues.

Members:

Terry "Nobby" Clark (vocals)

Mick Clarke (guitar)

Sid Fairman (guitar)

Paul Roberts (bass)

Jeff Seopardie (drums)

Discography (sans reissues):

Orang Utan – Orang Utan (Bell 6054) 1970 LP US