It is important to remember that Island was about to be launched with “Traffic” and the as yet un-named “other band”, both of whom were recording their debut albums.
There was a feeling of frustration that Winwood and Co. had found the perfect name as well as having a much clearer vision of who they were.
Possibly known as the “why didn’t WE think of that?” syndrome…. and in that light Wright and Blackwell convinced the other four that “Spooky Tooth” was the one, at which point Blackwell put the corporate wheels in motion to plan the launch of his other band.
Rehearsals were at the Pied Bull public house in Islington, run by Mr & Mrs Collins who, over the next few weeks would come to look upon the band as extended family. A stage show, including songs to be recorded for the album, was gradually put together, and any confirmation the members needed that they were heading in the right direction was to come from Muff Winwood sent along as office representative to see how things were progressing.
Muff, a really hard man to impress, seemed overjoyed with what he saw and heard, which definitely boosted the bands confidence.
