Back Door – Back Door

Back Door – Back Door

Released in 1972, Back Door is the self-titled debut album from the highly distinctive British jazz-rock trio Back Door. Emerging from the North East of England, the group developed an unusual and instantly recognisable sound built around the interplay of Colin Hodgkinson's virtuosic bass, Ron Aspery's saxophone, and Tony Hicks' drums. With no conventional guitar or keyboard player, the trio created an expansive sound that defied easy categorisation.

Rather than following the traditional jazz-rock formula, Back Door placed the bass firmly at the centre of their music. Hodgkinson's inventive playing frequently functions as both rhythmic foundation and lead instrument, while Aspery's saxophone adds melodic and improvisational intensity. The result is a dynamic fusion of jazz, progressive rock, blues, and experimental music, performed with remarkable precision and energy.

The album opens with the fast-moving "Vienna Breakdown," followed by the intricate "Plantagenet" and the compact "Lieutenant Loose." Tracks such as "Askin' The Way," "Turning Point," and "Slivadiv" demonstrate the trio's ability to create complex arrangements without sacrificing groove or spontaneity. Side two continues with the driving "Jive Grind," the atmospheric "Human Bed," and the inventive "Catcote," before moving through "Waltz For A Wollum," "Folksong," and the title track "Back Door."

The album's innovative approach attracted attention from the progressive rock world, and Back Door would go on to share stages with major artists of the era. Their combination of virtuoso musicianship, unusual instrumentation, and improvisational freedom makes this debut particularly appealing to collectors of Canterbury jazz, progressive rock, jazz fusion, and British underground music.

Perfect for fans of Soft Machine, Nucleus, Weather Report, King Crimson, Colosseum, and Tony Williams Lifetime, Back Door is a fascinating early-1970s British jazz-rock record and a must-have for anyone interested in adventurous, bass-led progressive music.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Vienna Breakdown
2. Plantagenet
3. Lieutenant Loose
4. Askin' The Way
5. Turning Point
6. Slivadiv

Side B

1. Jive Grind
2. Human Bed
3. Catcote
4. Waltz For A Wollum
5. Folksong
6. Back Door