Although they were once ranked on an even par with Fairport Convention, Pentangle and Steeleye Span, the group disbanded in July 1974, citing commercial pressures, musical differences, family obligations and exhaustion as factors. Restricted to being a cherished memory for more than two decades, the JSD Band reformed in 1997 with renewed hope and optimism. Two subsequent albums -- For The Record in 1997 and Pastures Of Plenty in 1998 -- have reflected considerable musical maturity from the band's earliest days. Formed in Glasgow in 1969, The JSD Band became regular performers on Scotland's folk club circuit. The band's electrified mixture of traditional Irish, Scottish, American and English tunes and original songs attracted an enthusiastic following. Touring throughout Europe and North America, The JSD Band shared bills with such top-rated rock acts as Status Quo, Sly And The Family Band, Johnny Winter, Lou Reed, Joan Armatrading and the Average White Band. Releasing their debut album, Country On The Blind, in 1970, The JSD Band soon caught the ear of influential BBC Radio 1 disc jockey John Peel. In addition to featuring their songs on his show, Peel wrote the liner notes for the band's second and third albums. The peak of the JSD Band's popularity came with their second album, JSD Band. Released shortly after the group relocated to London, in 1971, the album sold more than 20,000 copies. Their third album, Travelling Days, released in 1973, failed to match the sales of its predecessor. Although they released three more singles -- "Sarah Jane," "Sunshine Of Life" and "Hayes And Harlington Blues" -- the group elected to go their seperate ways in 1974. The two albums since their reforming have shown two sides of the band's musical approach. While For The Record was a mostly-acoustic project, Pastures Of Plenty marked a return to their original electric sound. ~ Craig Harris