Very little is known about the progressive rock band Captain Marryat, named after a popular author of sea adventures. Their short-lived career began in the early 1970s as a trio on the outskirts of Glasgow in Scotland. Singer and drummer Jim Rorrison, bassist and singer Hugh Finnegan, organist and singer Allan Bryce were soon joined by lead and acoustic guitarist Ian McEleny and singer and acoustic guitarist Tommy Hendry. Finally, in 1974, they were given the opportunity to record a single in the small studio of Thor Records. However, the studio manager persuaded them to record a whole album instead. They recorded five tracks they had already composed, the sixth was an improvised jam session.

The liner notes on the back cover read: „They already have a considerable following on the pub'n'club scene, and this, their first L.P., is an example of the music that has brought them success.“ However, their hopes of securing a record deal with EMI or Chrysalis were dashed, and the band split up in 1975. Their eponymous album was released as a private pressing in a tiny edition of just 200 copies and all were sold at the band’s gigs. Which makes it clear that originals are simply impossible to find today and above all unaffordable. This particular copy was bought by Tommy Hendry in 1974 during one of the band’s rehearsals at the Clune Brae Hotel in Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire.