Delivery was formed during the British blues boom of the late '60s. However, its sound is jazzier and more progressive than most of the music that emanated from that era. Rhythm & blues serves as a springboard for forward-looking tracks like "Blind to Your Light" and "Harry Lucky." Singer
Carol Grimes is frequently compared to
Janis Joplin. While
Grimes has a powerful voice, she does not reach the level of histrionics that were a showcase of
Joplin's. It should come as no surprise that
Delivery members joined Canterbury related bands upon
Delivery's demise. The reissue CD of
Fools Meeting features several live bonus tracks, as well as a post-breakup demo recording featuring
Caravan bassist
Richard Sinclair. That demo session, one of the highlights of the collection, spurred the musicians to form
Hatfield and the North.
Fools Meeting is an essential part of any Canterbury collection, and should also appeal to progressive jazz fans. ~ Jim Powers