Third Ear Band

The Profile

English experimental group led by percussionist Glen Sweeney, noted for oboe, violin/viola, cello and tablas. Debuted with Alchemy (1969, Harvest), followed by the self‑titled “Elements” (1970) and the Macbeth soundtrack for Roman Polanski. Their instrumental music fuses psychedelia, folk, raga, minimalism and free improvisation; they were active in the late 60s–early 70s and again in the late 80s–early 90s, and played London’s UFO Club.

Founder: Glen Sweeney; key member: Paul Minns (oboe). Distinctive instrumentation (obo e, violin/viola, cello, tablas). Albums: Alchemy (1969), Third Ear Band/Elements (1970), Music From Macbeth (soundtrack). Played the UFO Club; released on EMI Harvest; pieces often built around improvisation and the four elements.

English experimental group blending psychedelic atmospheres, free improvisation, raga, and folk timbres led by percussionist Glen Sweeney. Debut Alchemy (1969, Harvest) and the self‑titled “Elements” (1970) emphasize oboe, violin/viola, cello, and tablas. Reviews highlight their hypnotic grooves, minimalism, and nature‑evoking suites (Air/Earth/Fire/Water). They played the UFO Club and later scored Roman Polanski’s Macbeth.