Their self-titled debut album featured backing by an orchestra organized by Robert John Godfrey. It was released in mid-1970 and was heavily touted by the musicians and the record label as the next big thing in orchestral rock, but met with overwhelmingly negative reviews and weak sales. Their second album, Once Again, was followed by a tour with a full orchestra under Godfrey's guidance. Godfrey departed over writing issues behind "Mocking Bird" – one of the group's most consistently popular tracks - so Martyn Ford was brought in to supervise the orchestral work for their third album, Barclay James Harvest and Other Short Stories. Years later Godfrey filed a lawsuit alleging he was owed composing credits and corresponding royalties on several of Barclay James Harvest's songs. By the release of their fourth album, Baby James Harvest, in 1972, the pressures of touring were beginning to affect the band.
After this album, they departed from EMI, moved management to Harvey Lisberg, and signed to Polydor; the move immediately resulting in greater sales. The next album, Everyone Is Everybody Else (1974) was voted 13th by listeners in Radio Caroline's 1977 Top 100 All Time Albums Chart. The band did a BBC Radio 1 session in 1974 for John Peel; Alan Freeman, however, would be the band's main champion on the station in the 1970s and again when he returned from 1989 to 1993. The double live album, Barclay James Harvest Live, which followed in late 1974, was the first to chart in the UK, reaching No. 40. Time Honoured Ghosts (1975), which has "Titles", recorded in the US, followed, and this too charted in the UK, reaching No. 32. Octoberon followed in 1976 and reached number 19 in the UK. They broke into the mainstream mainland European market with their 1977 set Gone to Earth, which contained the song "Poor Man's Moody Blues", a homage to the Moody Blues' song, "Nights in White Satin."
Wolstenholme – whose mellotron playing was a trademark of the band's sound in the 1970s – left in 1979 after the album XII (1978), as he began to suffer from clinical depression. He pursued a short solo career fronting the band Maestoso, before retiring from the music industry to farm. He remained inactive throughout the 80s before rejoining John Lees when BJH essentially split in two.
The remaining three members continued. In August 1980, they played a free concert in front of the Reichstag in West Berlin, with an estimated attendance of 250,000 people. They were the first Western rock band to perform in an open-air concert in East Germany (over two years before the Berlin Wall fell), playing in Treptower Park, East Berlin on 14 July 1987 to a 170,000-plus audience.
The band continued as a trio with regular guest-musicians until 1998. One album, Welcome to the Show, produced in 1990, was released under the abbreviated name BJH. However, because of criticism from fans, the full name was restored, albeit with the inclusion of the BJH moniker.
In 1998, musical differences amongst members of BJH saw the band essentially split into two different groups, each of which retained "Barclay James Harvest" as part of its name. John Lees released an album mixing new songs and classics of the band, entitled Nexus, under the name "Barclay James Harvest Through the Eyes of John Lees". Woolly Wolstenholme played in (and composed for) this band, subsequently resurrecting Maestoso to record and tour with new material, as well as back-catalogue favourites. Les Holroyd and Mel Pritchard teamed up to record under the name "Barclay James Harvest featuring Les Holroyd". In 2006/7, Lees and Wolstenholme toured under the slightly modified band title "John Lees' Barclay James Harvest".
Mel Pritchard died suddenly of a heart attack in early 2004. Woolly Wolstenholme took his own life in December 2010, having apparently struggled with depression for many years. The two derivatives of Barclay James Harvest continue to record and tour to this day, and enjoy ongoing popularity, particularly in Germany, France, and Switzerland.
John Lees' Barclay James Harvest (since 1998)
This derivative of Barclay James Harvest features John Lees, bassist Craig Fletcher, drummer Kevin Whitehead and keyboard player Jez Smith. The band originally featured "Woolly" Stuart Wolstenholme on keyboards before his death in December 2010. The group formed in 1999 to record the album "Nexus". Craig Fletcher and Kevin Whitehead were from Wolstenholme's band "Maestoso", and John and Woolly were members of the original Barclay James Harvest. The band toured in the UK and Europe in 2006, and recorded the live album "Legacy" at the Shepherd's Bush Empire in London. Since then, the band has played at venues in the UK, but more so in the rest of Europe, where they achieve good success. The band toured again around the UK in 2009. They played at the Berlin Wall anniversary festival at the Brandenburg Gate, Bad Homburg in Germany with JLBJH's best attendance of 17,500 people, and more recently in Porto, Portugal with an attendance of 5,000. The band recently visited America, and played in Philadelphia. John Lees' Barclay James Harvest is currently signed and managed by Esoteric Recordings. Mark Powell, founder of the label, works as the band manager. In October 2013 JLBJH released "North", a studio album of all-new material, recorded at John's own Friamere Studios, on limited edition vinyl, CD and deluxe CD with a bonus disc recorded live at the Buxton Opera House. "North" was very well received, going on to become Cherry Red's biggest selling album of the fourth quarter of 2013. The band played nine gigs on a UK tour to promote the album, followed by a live radio concert for Christmas on German station SWR1. The band also formerly featured Jeff Leach and Mike Bramwell as guest musicians.
Barclay James Harvest featuring Les Holroyd (since 2002)
In 2001, Les Holroyd and Mel Pritchard returned to the studio to record the album 'Revolution Days' along with former Sad Cafe members Ian Wilson and Michael Byron-Hehir, as well as Steve Butler, Steve Pigott (Cher, Mike and the Mechanics), and Rabbit Bundrick (The Who). 'Revolution Days' was released in 2002, and a touring band was put together with Holroyd and Pritchard; Michael Byron-Hehir on lead guitar and vocals; Ian Wilson on guitar and vocals; Steve Butler on keyboards, percussion, and vocals; Chris Jago on drums; and former BJH sideman Colin Browne on keyboards and vocals. The first show was at the Colmar Wine Festival in August 2002. In October and November of that year, they undertook their first European Tour. More tours and festivals followed in 2003.
In January 2004, the band performed at the 'Art on Ice' spectacular at the Zurich Hallenstadion with Roger Hodgson, John Helliwell and Bob Siebenberg of Supertramp, Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues and Jeremy Spencer of Fleetwood Mac. Upon returning to the UK, Mel Pritchard died from a suspected heart attack.
In January 2005, BJHFLH toured with Asia featuring John Payne as support, returning the favour on four UK shows in March of the same year. In 2006, they undertook the Classic Meets Rock Symphonic Barclay Tour with the 25-piece Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. In July 2007, they toured the UK. Les Holroyd and Michael Byron-Hehir also worked on Alan Simon's Excalibur II album, Les joining the stage show in 2010. Les also performed in the live show of Simon's Anne de Bretagne. In 2011, Les joined the Rock Meets Classic Tour along with Ian Gillan, Lou Gramm, Dan McCafferty with The Bohemian Symphony Orchestra, performing four BJH songs: "Hymn", "Mockingbird", "Ring Of Changes", and "Life Is For Living".
Still touring Europe, the band introduced an acoustic spot into the set, showcasing their vocal harmonies with old favourites like "Poor Boy Blues", "Friend of Mine", and "Crazy City". They recorded their 2012 winter tour.
External works
The band released a single "Breathless"/"When the City Sleeps" under the pseudonym of "Bombadil" in 1972. "Breathless", an instrumental, was credited to "Terry Bull" (actually John Lees). The B side "When the City Sleeps" was credited to "Lester Forest" (actually Woolly Wolstenholme), who also played every instrument and sang. This obscure track made an appearance on the soundtrack of the 2007 series Life on Mars, although it was not featured on the CD release.
Members
Barclay James Harvest (1966–1998)
Les Holroyd – vocals, bass, guitars, keyboards (1966–1998)
John Lees – vocals, guitars (1966–1998)
Mel Pritchard – drums, percussion (1966–1998; died 2004)
Stuart "Woolly" Wolstenholme – vocals, mellotron, keyboards, guitars (1966–1979; died 2010)
John Lees' Barclay James Harvest
Current members
John Lees – vocals, guitars (1998–present)
Craig Fletcher – bass (1998–present)
Kevin Whitehead – drums, percussion (1998–present)
Jez Smith – keyboards (2009–present)
Former members
Stuart "Woolly" Wolstenholme – vocals, mellotron, keyboards, guitars (1998–2010)
Guest musicians
Jeff Leach – keyboards (1998–2006)
Mike Bramwell – keyboards (2006–2009)
John Joseph Lees – cornet (2006, 2009)
Liz Fitzpatrick – trumpet (2009)
Barclay James Harvest featuring Les Holroyd
Current members
Les Holroyd – vocals, bass, guitars, keyboards (2002–present)
Colin Browne – keyboards, guitars (2002–present)
Steve Butler – guitars, keyboards (2002–present)
Michael Byron-Hehir – lead guitars (2002–present)
Louie Palmer – drums, percussion (2011–present)
Former members
Mel Pritchard – drums, percussion (2002–2004)
Ian Wilson – guitars (2002–2009)
Chris Jago – drums, percussion (2002–2003, 2004–2005)
Roy Martin – drums, percussion (2003–2004, 2006–2007)
Paul Walsham – drums, percussion (2005–2006, 2007–2011)
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barclay_James_Harvest
Studio albums
Barclay James Harvest (1970)
Once Again (1971)
Barclay James Harvest and Other Short Stories (1971)
Baby James Harvest (1972)
Everyone Is Everybody Else (1974)
Time Honoured Ghosts (1975)
Octoberon (1976)
Gone to Earth (1977)
XII (1978)
Eyes of the Universe (1979)
Turn of the Tide (1981)
Ring of Changes (1983)
Victims of Circumstance (1984)
Face to Face (1987)
Welcome to the Show (1990)
Caught in the Light (1993)
River of Dreams (1997)
Sip Of Wine
Barclay James Harvest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Got a ticket for my way back home
I start to feel like a rolling stone
Without company
Down in the bar talking to the trees
I found a lady hanging on my sleeve
I said, "I thank you but I have to leave"
She said, "Stay with me, I need company
It's gonna make you feel fine
Come tomorrow, leave it all behind."
I didn't see a warning sign
I held her breath and she was holding mine
I think I'll be here for a long, long time
If you stay with me, got to be
"Take a sip of my wine
It's gonna make you feel fine
Come tomorrow, leave it all behind."
"Take a sip of my wine
It's gonna make you feel fine
Come tomorrow, leave it all behind."
The lyrics to Barclay James Harvest's song "Sip of Wine" tell the story of a lonely traveler on the road who unexpectedly meets a woman in a bar. Despite his initial resistance, she convinces him to stay with her and take a sip of her wine. The singer describes feeling a deep connection to her, and holding onto each other's breath. The repetition of the line, "Take a sip of my wine, it's gonna make you feel fine" suggests that the wine could be used as a metaphor for the woman's companionship, which helps the singer forget his troubles and find comfort in her company.
The song's themes of loneliness, connection, and escaping from troubles are common in Barclay James Harvest's lyrics. They often explore the idea of finding hope and solace in intimate relationships, and the bittersweet paradox of trying to hold onto something fleeting. The melancholic tone of the song is reflected in the somber melody and acoustic guitar arrangement. Despite its apparent simplicity, "Sip of Wine" manages to convey a complex emotional landscape and invite the listener to reflect on their own experiences of love and heartbreak.
Line by Line Meaning
On the road and I'm feeling low
I am traveling and feeling down
Got a ticket for my way back home
I have a return ticket for my journey back home
I start to feel like a rolling stone
Without company
I feel aimless and restless without anyone to share my experiences with
Down in the bar talking to the trees
I am in a silent and lonely place with no one but the surroundings
I found a lady hanging on my sleeve
I said, "I thank you but I have to leave"
She said, "Stay with me, I need company"
I met a woman who wanted my company, but I declined and she pleaded with me to stay
Take a sip of my wine
It's gonna make you feel fine
Come tomorrow, leave it all behind.
She offered me her wine and promised that it will make me feel better and forget my troubles
I didn't see a warning sign
I held her breath and she was holding mine
I think I'll be here for a long, long time
If you stay with me, got to be
I didn't realize that she was dangerous, and now we are trapped together. If you join us, it will also be hard to leave
"Take a sip of my wine
It's gonna make you feel fine
Come tomorrow, leave it all behind."
"Take a sip of my wine
It's gonna make you feel fine
Come tomorrow, leave it all behind."
She repeats her offer of wine and promise of relief, urging me to forget my troubles and join them indefinitely
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RICHARD LESLIE HOLROYD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@PapaNoes1959
En la carretera y
me siento deprimido
Tengo un ticket para
mi regreso a casa
Empiezo a sentirme
como una piedra rodante
Sin compañía
Abajo en el bar
hablando con los árboles
Encontré a una dama
colgando de mi manga
Dije: «Te lo agradezco pero tengo que irme»
Ella dijo: «Quédate conmigo, necesito compañía»
...
Toma un sorbo de mi vino
Te va a hacer sentir bien
Ven mañana, déjalo todo atrás
...
No vi una señal de advertencia
Contuve la respiración y ella estaba sosteniendo la mía
Creo que estaré aquí por mucho, mucho tiempo
Si te quedas conmigo,
tienes que ser
con sorbo de vino
...
Toma un sorbo de mi vino
Te va a hacer sentir bien
Ven mañana, déjalo todo atrás
solo guitarra
Toma un sorbo de mi vino
Te va a hacer sentir bien
Ven mañana, déjalo todo atrás
@HawkeyeBerlin
Great Song, great Band, great Time!!!
@nazaholicable
I particularly love that rolling drum sound that Mel had. In my opinion, Xii was their best and most cohesive LP. The fact, fiction and fantasy themes on the cover add a touch of a literary event , and this a great way to lose 30 - 40 minutes whilst eating hearty soup on an English winter night.
@danidummkopf2048
Love it!
@salvatorerizza4261
Great album and band. I love BJH band
@user-rl8qo7pm6r
I Love The Song.....Thank u For Posting (mirna de-paz,musician)
@sidmorrison6245
Les Holroyd гениальный композитор , спасибо тебе .
@MrJagxjsc12
nope,..this is bang on speed wise,..you might have just be 'going faster' in your youths,..lol
@PapaNoes1959
En la carretera y
me siento deprimido
Tengo un ticket para
mi regreso a casa
Empiezo a sentirme
como una piedra rodante
Sin compañía
Abajo en el bar
hablando con los árboles
Encontré a una dama
colgando de mi manga
Dije: «Te lo agradezco pero tengo que irme»
Ella dijo: «Quédate conmigo, necesito compañía»
...
Toma un sorbo de mi vino
Te va a hacer sentir bien
Ven mañana, déjalo todo atrás
...
No vi una señal de advertencia
Contuve la respiración y ella estaba sosteniendo la mía
Creo que estaré aquí por mucho, mucho tiempo
Si te quedas conmigo,
tienes que ser
con sorbo de vino
...
Toma un sorbo de mi vino
Te va a hacer sentir bien
Ven mañana, déjalo todo atrás
solo guitarra
Toma un sorbo de mi vino
Te va a hacer sentir bien
Ven mañana, déjalo todo atrás
@leonakita
this is too slow!..check the speed on that turntable!
@MIB_63
This is the studio version which is much slower than the live version from "Berlin - Concert for the People".