Driftwood (The Moody Blues song)
Encyclopedia
"Driftwood" is a 1978 single by the English progressive rock
band The Moody Blues
. It was the second single released from the album Octave
, after "Steppin' in a Slide Zone
". Written by Justin Hayward
, "Driftwood" is a slow love ballad, in a similar manner to "Nights in White Satin
" and "Never Comes the Day
."
"Driftwood" was also the final single to feature keyboardist Mike Pinder
, who left the band shortly before the completion of Octave for personal reasons. He would later be replaced by former Yes
keyboardist Patrick Moraz
.
Shortly after release, a promotional video was recorded for "Driftwood." The video features Patrick Moraz on the keyboards, although Mike Pinder is playing the keyboards in the actual recording. The song also includes an alto saxophone
which is played by session musician R.A. Martin, although Ray Thomas
is depicted playing the alto saxophone in the video.
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
band The Moody Blues
The Moody Blues
The Moody Blues are an English rock band. Among their innovations was a fusion with classical music, most notably in their 1967 album Days of Future Passed....
. It was the second single released from the album Octave
Octave (album)
Octave is the ninth album by The Moody Blues, and their first release after a substantial hiatus following the success of the best-selling Seventh Sojourn in 1972. The album proved to be the last for the group with keyboardist Mike Pinder, who departed during the album's sessions, and declined an...
, after "Steppin' in a Slide Zone
Steppin' In a Slide Zone
"Steppin' in a Slide Zone" is a 1978 single by the English progressive rock band The Moody Blues. It was the first single The Moody Blues had released in five years, after the band's temporary hiatus...
". Written by Justin Hayward
Justin Hayward
Justin Hayward is an English musician, best known as singer, songwriter and guitarist in the rock band The Moody Blues.Hayward was born in Dean Street, Swindon, Wiltshire, England...
, "Driftwood" is a slow love ballad, in a similar manner to "Nights in White Satin
Nights in White Satin
"Nights in White Satin" is a 1967 single by The Moody Blues, written by Justin Hayward and first featured on the album Days of Future Passed.It is in the key of E minor Aeolian.-Single releases:...
" and "Never Comes the Day
Never Comes the Day
"Never Comes the Day" is a 1969 single by the progressive rock band The Moody Blues. It was written by band member Justin Hayward, and was the only single released from their 1969 album On the Threshold of a Dream. Despite the fact that the album was a number-one hit in the UK, "Never Comes the...
."
"Driftwood" was also the final single to feature keyboardist Mike Pinder
Mike Pinder
Michael Thomas "Mike" Pinder is an English rock musician, and is a founding member or the British rock group, the Moody Blues. He left the group following the recording of the band's album, Octave, in 1978...
, who left the band shortly before the completion of Octave for personal reasons. He would later be replaced by former Yes
Yes (band)
Yes are an English rock band who achieved worldwide success with their progressive, art, and symphonic style of rock music. Regarded as one of the pioneers of the progressive genre, Yes are known for their lengthy songs, mystical lyrics, elaborate album art, and live stage sets...
keyboardist Patrick Moraz
Patrick Moraz
Patrick Philippe Moraz is a progressive rock keyboard player. He is best known as the keyboardist for the progressive rock band Yes, from 1974 to 1976, and the Moody Blues from 1978 to 1991...
.
Shortly after release, a promotional video was recorded for "Driftwood." The video features Patrick Moraz on the keyboards, although Mike Pinder is playing the keyboards in the actual recording. The song also includes an alto saxophone
Alto saxophone
The alto saxophone is a member of the saxophone family of woodwind instruments invented by Belgian instrument designer Adolphe Sax in 1841. It is smaller than the tenor but larger than the soprano, and is the type most used in classical compositions...
which is played by session musician R.A. Martin, although Ray Thomas
Ray Thomas
Ray Thomas is an English musician, best known as the flautist and as a singer and composer in the rock band, The Moody Blues.-Career:...
is depicted playing the alto saxophone in the video.
Personnel
- Justin HaywardJustin HaywardJustin Hayward is an English musician, best known as singer, songwriter and guitarist in the rock band The Moody Blues.Hayward was born in Dean Street, Swindon, Wiltshire, England...
: vocals, acoustic guitar - John Lodge: bass guitar
- Mike PinderMike PinderMichael Thomas "Mike" Pinder is an English rock musician, and is a founding member or the British rock group, the Moody Blues. He left the group following the recording of the band's album, Octave, in 1978...
: keyboards - Ray ThomasRay ThomasRay Thomas is an English musician, best known as the flautist and as a singer and composer in the rock band, The Moody Blues.-Career:...
: tambourine - Graeme EdgeGraeme EdgeGraeme Charles Edge is best known as the drummer and a songwriter for the Moody Blues, but has also led his own outfit, the Graeme Edge Band.-Biography:...
: drums, percussion