Jazz Rock/Fusion
United Kingdom
BRAND X is, no doubt about it, one the most original and well-known British groups of the seventies jazz/rock fusion scene. Made of musicians that are technicians at their respective instruments and that are as inspired as talented. There are really 2 BRAND X formations... the one from the mid 70s and the 1992 BRAND X. The original line-up of the band was formed by drummer Phil COLLINS of GENESIS with John GOODSALL (former ATOMIC ROOSTER) on guitar, Robin LUMLEY (a David BOWIE collaborator) on keyboards and Percy JONES (ex-LIVERPOOL SCENE) on bass. For them, the joy of playing and writing together was the main motivation. With various personnel permutations, they made typical progressive rock albums... all worth hearing! The 1992 BRAND X is GOODSALL, JONES and drummer Frank KATZ.
The band's discography starts in 1976 with "Unorthodox Behaviour" and goes on a year later with "Morrocan Poll", probably one of their best. "Is There Anything About" is the last release from this legendary jazz-rock band. After almost ten years of absence during the Eighties, "Xcommunication" is the return of BRAND X under the economical format of a trio (GOODSALL, JONES, and KATZ). They released a CD that is almost as good than on previous releases. "The X-Files" is a disc of live recordings and a disc of unreleased material. What else can be said, apart from the fact that it is another masterpiece in the Legend's discography.
Issued in June 2003, this three-CD (hence the "Trilogy" title) set includes "Live in New York" (1979) and the last two studio albums by the band: "Xcommunication" (1992) and "Manifest Destiny" (1996). A memorable collection - fans will know the last three working lineups of the band (17 years), but this is quite simply essential listening for prog listeners whose ears are as open as their memories are long.
ALBUMS:
1979 - PRODUCT
Musicians
- John Goodsall / guitar, (all tracks except 7), backing vocals (1, 3)
- John Giblin / bass (1, 3, 5 ,6, 7, 8, 9)
- Percy Jones / bass (2, 4, 7)
- Robin Lumley / keyboards on (1, 3, 5 ,6, 8, 9)
- Peter Robinson / keyboards (2, 4)
- Phil Collins / drums, percussion (1, 3, 5 ,6, 7, 8, 9); vocals (1, 3)
- Morris Pert / percussion (2, 4)
- Michael Clarke / drums on (2, 4)
1. Don't Make Waves (5:08)
2. Dance of the Illegal Aliens (6:52)
3. Soho (3:47)
4. Not Good Enough- See Me! (7:27)
5. Algon (where an ordinary cup of drinking chocolate costs .£8.000.000.000) (6:07)
6. Rhesus Perplexus (4:06)
7. Wal to Wal (3:09)
8. ...And So To F... (6:34)
9. April (2:40)
Total Time: 48:50
Look!!
