Catapilla was an obscure band from West London, formed in the late 60s by guitarist Graham Wilson and saxophonist Robert Calvert (no Hawkwind!). The other band members were: Thierry Reinhardt (fl, clarinet), Hugh Eaglestone (sax), Dave Taylor (b) and Malcolm Frith (dr). After getting a contract with Vertigo singer Jo Meek left the band and was replaced by her sister Anna Meek. Sadly with her shrill voice she ruined this first self-titled debut album, which was released in 1971. Otherwise this experimental Jazz-Rock with long largely improvised tracks is ambitious and innovative. But the disagreements were not long in coming: most of the musicians left the combo. But with a new line-up they recorded a second album the following year.
This first and very rare UK Vertigo release with a beautiful sleeve was designed by Rick Breach, who create a lot of 1970s rock album covers.
