Meaning:
The quote refers to the band Fat Mattress, which was formed by Noel Redding, a musician best known as the bassist for the Jimi Hendrix Experience. After his time with the Experience, Redding sought to create a new musical project, and thus, Fat Mattress was born. The band was significant because it brought together musicians with whom Redding had previously played, and it was formed with the specific intention of focusing on songwriting.
Fat Mattress was a British psychedelic rock band that was active in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The band's lineup included Noel Redding on bass and vocals, Neil Landon on vocals and guitar, Jim Leverton on vocals and bass, and Eric Dillon on drums. The group's music was characterized by its psychedelic and bluesy sound, which was typical of the era.
The quote sheds light on the band's formation and purpose. It reveals that the members of Fat Mattress had a history of playing music together before the band's inception. This prior musical connection likely contributed to the band's cohesive sound and collaborative songwriting process. Additionally, the quote emphasizes the band's focus on songwriting, indicating that creating original music was a central goal of the project.
Noel Redding's role in forming Fat Mattress was a significant departure from his previous work with the Jimi Hendrix Experience. While the Experience was known for its groundbreaking and influential music, Fat Mattress allowed Redding to explore a different musical direction and showcase his skills as a songwriter. The band provided a platform for Redding to express himself creatively outside of the constraints of his previous musical endeavors.
Fat Mattress released two albums, "Fat Mattress" in 1969 and "Fat Mattress II" in 1970. These albums featured a blend of psychedelic rock, blues, and folk influences, showcasing the band's diverse musical abilities. While Fat Mattress did not achieve the same level of commercial success as the Jimi Hendrix Experience, the band made a valuable contribution to the psychedelic rock scene of the late 1960s.
In conclusion, the quote from Noel Redding provides insight into the formation and purpose of Fat Mattress as a band focused on songwriting and comprised of musicians with prior musical connections. The band's music, characterized by its psychedelic and bluesy sound, allowed Noel Redding to explore new creative avenues following his tenure with the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Fat Mattress may not have achieved the same level of fame as Redding's previous band, but its impact on the psychedelic rock genre remains notable.