Academy

This UK rock quartet comprised Richard Cobby (guitar), Damon J. Hardy (vocals), Polly Perkins (b. England; vocals) and Dick Walter (flute). Formed in the late 60s, the band’s sound was dominated by the dual male/female vocals of Hardy and Perkins, with Walter’s woodwind contribution helping to establish a distinctive sound that clearly incorporated elements of progressive, folk and jazz rock. In 1969 the band released its sole album, Pop-Lore According To The Academy, and the single ‘Rachel’s Dream’/‘Munching The Candy’. Neither secured any mainstream interest, however, and by the early 70s the quartet had disbanded. (NB: Not to be confused with the 00s indie rock band of the same name.)