temples with prophets+ 7" single (record store day aug 2020 exclusive, limited)

• Format: Vinyl LP with bonus 7-inch single, limited numbered stereo reissue
• Edition: Record Store Day 2020 exclusive
• Limitation: 600 hand-numbered copies
• Packaging: Flipback LP sleeve, bonus 7-inch in picture sleeve and 12-page full-colour booklet with detailed notes and rare photographs
• Bonus single originally released: 1966, credited to Don Shinn & The Soul Agents

Temples With Prophets is the remarkable debut solo album by British organist and pianist Don Shinn. Recorded at London's Lansdowne Studios in late 1967 but not released until 1969, it occupies a fascinating position between rhythm and blues, jazz, psychedelia and the emerging progressive-rock movement.

Shinn had previously played with The Soul Agents, a Southampton rhythm-and-blues group that briefly backed Rod Stewart. By the time of these recordings, his musical approach had become considerably more adventurous, combining forceful Hammond-organ improvisation with classical ideas, jazz phrasing and the physical excitement of contemporary British rock.

The album features Don Shinn on organ and piano, Paul Hodgson on electric guitar, Eric Ford on bass and Peter Woolf on drums. Despite having very little rehearsal time before the sessions, the quartet delivers a tightly focused performance in which Shinn's keyboards remain at the centre without overwhelming the contributions of the other musicians.

“Pits of Darkness” opens with heavy organ, driving rhythms and a dark melodic theme, while the extended title composition incorporates a solo pianoforte interlude and more openly classical influences. “A Minor Explosion” balances compact riffing with energetic organ improvisation, and “Jolly Dance” introduces a lighter but still rhythmically intricate character.

The closing “Hearts of Gladness” moves through contrasting ensemble and keyboard passages before introducing the second monophonic pianoforte interlude. Throughout the album, Shinn treats the Hammond organ as a lead instrument capable of aggression, delicacy and complex harmonic development.

Don Shinn's playing was admired by Keith Emerson, who acknowledged him as an important influence on his own development. The combination of classical keyboard technique, jazz improvisation and amplified rock power heard here anticipated several elements that would become central to British progressive rock during the following years.

This first official vinyl reissue also includes a reproduction 7-inch containing the original 1966 versions of “A Minor Explosion” and “Pits of Darkness,” recorded with The Soul Agents. Presented in elaborate numbered packaging with a full-colour booklet, it offers a valuable overview of Shinn's pioneering mid-to-late-sixties work.

Track listing:

LP – Side A

1. Pits of Darkness
2. Temples With Prophets, Introducing Monophonic Interlude for Pianoforte No. 1

LP – Side B

1. A Minor Explosion
2. Jolly Dance
3. Hearts of Gladness, Introducing Monophonic Interlude for Pianoforte No. 2

Bonus 7-inch – Side A

1. A Minor Explosion

Bonus 7-inch – Side B

1. Pits of Darkness