John Greaves

The Profile

British bassist, composer and songwriter known for collaborations with Peter Blegvad and projects linked to Henry Cow and Slapp Happy; notable for the 1977 album Kew. Rhone.

Collaborated with Peter Blegvad on Kew. Rhone.; recorded in Woodstock with Michael Mantler and Carla Bley; the title track uses anagrams and palindromes; a version sung by Robert Wyatt appears on Greaves's album Songs (referenced in the review).

The review praises Kew. Rhone. as a delicate, refined 1977 collaboration between John Greaves and Peter Blegvad that resists simple prog labelling. It highlights intricate composition, distinctive lyrics built from anagrams and palindromes, and the involvement of the Mantler/Bley circle. Overall the tone is admiring and analytical.