An Island Anthology 1967-1972: The Alan Bown

Publié le par olivier

An Island Anthology 1967-1972: The Alan Bown

Originally called The Alan Bown Set (and led by the charismatic trumpet player who lent his name to the band), the group initially appeared on the London club scene in 1965, where they were a regular attraction alongside the likes of Steampacket and Jimmy James and the Vagabonds, gaining a justifiable reputation as one of Britain's finest Soul bands.

Recording five singles for Pye Records between 1965 and 1967, the band switched labels to MGM/Verve and dropped the 'Set' from their name.

By 1968 the group had become more rock and jazz orientated and comprised Alan Bown (trumpet), Jess Roden (vocals), John Helliwell (saxophone), Jeff Bannister (keyboards), Tony Catchpole (guitar), Stan Haldane (bass), John Hemmings (trombone) and Vic Sweeny (drums).

This line-up signed to Decca's Deram label the same year and recorded an eponymous album for the label before Roden departed the fold to be replaced by Robert Palmer. Prior to the album's release Palmer re-recorded the vocal tracks erasing Roden's contribution.

Members of the group portayed on the inner sleeve of the rare Island sampler LP 'El Pea'

Members of the group portayed on the inner sleeve of the rare Island sampler LP 'El Pea'

Lack of commercial success led to the band moving to Island Records in 1970. Robert Palmer contributed to sessions for the album Listen the same year, before departing to join the jazz-rock outfit Dada.

He was replaced by vocalist Gordon Neville, leaving behind a solitary track Thru The Night which was destined only to appear on the 1971 double album sampler El Pea, becoming a notable rarity.

1971's Stretching Out proved to be the band's final album. Upon disbanding the group Alan Bown went to work as an A&R manager for CBS Records, whilst John Helliwell was a founder member of Supertramp, with whom he continues to enjoy world wide success.

Robert Palmer with The Alan Bown

Robert Palmer with The Alan Bown

Robert Palmer became a founder member of Vinegar Joe before embarking on a hugely succesful solo career. He sadly died of a heart attack in September 2003 at the age of 54.

Mark Powell (extrait du livret de la compilation Strangely Strange But Oddly Normal: An Island Anthology - 2009)

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