The Story of Martha Lidd
| Listen: |
| Old Elm Tree https://marthalidd.com/mp3/Old-Elm-Tree.mp3 |
| Cross the Sky https://marthalidd.com/mp3/Cross-the-Sky.mp3 |
If you lived in Wilmington, Delaware in 1969 and 1970, then inevitably you had heard of a band called Martha Lidd. It was the end of the 1960’s. We had lived through a decade of war, racial upheaval, and cultural renaissance. Contemporary music was a reflection of this backdrop. In 1969, after five years of successful bands, Jeff Bove decided that the time was ripe for something that would paint a new musical landscape in Wilmington, and maybe beyond. He conducted auditions that first led him to guitarist Blake Ring. Bove’s eclectic styles, a mix of San Francisco-folk rock and classical, would pair with Ring’s never-ending love of jazz and blues (Blake would rehearse by learning Ella Fitzgerald vocal lines and Oscar Peterson’s piano solos on the guitar). Both played red semi-hollow Gibson guitars, Ring with his stereo and Bove with his 335. The guitar combination broke new ground. Bove then added a versatile vocalist and performer, Julie Alexander, and bassist, Dave Berry, rounded out by drummer Jim Russell. Jim’s drumming would hold it all together while everything swirled around it. Bove wrote sets of new music and Martha Lidd was launched. Later, Bob Cullen replaced Berry and Andy Eaton joined to add vocals and percussion.
The band worked countless hours in rehearsals and had a keen sense of professionalism, driven by Bove’s relentless energy and work ethic. The effort sh
owed. Martha Lidd’s shows were well-planned and flawlessly performed. And they were grounded on newly minted music. Martha Lidd had a real benefit too – a rehearsal hall at Immanuel Church in the Highlands area of Wilmington. With thick stone walls, the band could work its new songs, arrangements and shows well into the night without disruption and, most importantly, without disrupting anyone else. The band flourished and as its music became successful, eventually crowds would appear outside the Church during rehearsals. With the leadership of Reverend George Chapman, Grimslade Coffee House opened in the Church basement, allowing everyone to come, watch and listen to Martha Lidd. Throughout 1970 the band’s popularity soared and the crowds were large. Its shows were frequently covered by the Wilmington papers. Martha Lidd also added a new venue – – outdoor concerts at Rockford Park. These crowds sometimes reached 10,000. And it was one of the first rock bands to play in Rodney Square at lunch hour.
Martha Lidd played at nearly every high school in northern Delaware, and at numerous concerts, theaters and coffee houses. What made this unusual for the area was Martha Lidd’s reliance on original material and arrangements, which when combined with its unique style, was a recipe for success.
About the CD and Songs
The CD contains recordings from 1970 and 1971. It was recorded during live shows at Grimslade Coffee House in the basement of the Church. Remarkably, the original tapes remained in good condition, making it possible to bring this music to you now. The tapes have never been released before. So this is another musical first, after forty years.
The CD opens with Bove’s “Old Elm Tree” sung by Eaton. This is followed by a suite of songs beginning with “Up To You” and ending with “Situation”, showcasing Ring and Bove’s guitar interplay, and Ring’s incredible lead guitar work. The jams are unique for the times, characterized by rhythm changes and pauses, interspersed with harmonic vocal passages, and musical styles. “It’s The Sun That Makes The Wind Blow Warm” is another Bove song, featuring the singing of Eaton and Alexander. It has an almost spiritual tone.
This is followed by a classic rock song, “I’ve Tried Before It Seems”, highlighted by the vocal interplay of Alexander and Eaton. Next is a medley of “Longtime” and “Tried To Stay Away”. The only cover, “I Got A Mind To Give Up Living”, appeared on the seminal album by the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, “East-West”. The song features the singing of Julie Alexander and exemplifies her exceptional feel for the blues. The CD closes with “Cross The Sky”, again featuring the lead guitar work of Blake Ring and Jeff Bove, and the signature instrumental work of Martha Lidd.
To some, Martha Lidd was a brief, but key piece of Wilmington culture that will live on in the hearts and spirits of the 60’s generation. It reminds us of our younger years when we were free of cares and responsibilities, and when we needed to make and follow our own way, breaking from the generations that preceded us. But for the musicians and performers, Martha Lidd advanced the creative arts, and set a standard of excellence.
And it gave pleasure and meaning to all who touched it. “For those of you who were there, I am happy that I can finally give this music back to you. For those who were either not born yet or too young to understand, here is a snapshot of Saturday night from 1969. Godspeed.”