Curved Air
| Curved Air | |
|---|---|
| Background information | |
| Origin: | United Kingdom |
| Years active: | 1969 - 2008 |
| Label(s): | RECORD LABELS |
| Associated acts: | MASK, The Police |
| Website: | The Official Curved Air Web Site |
| Members | |
| Francis Monkman Darryl Way Sonja Kristina Florian Pilkington-Miksa Rob Martin | |
| Former members | |
| Ian Eyre Mike Wedgwood Eddie Jobson Kirby Gregory Jim Russell Phil Kohn Mick Jacques Stewart Copeland Tony Reeves Alex Richman | |
Contents
Band history
The genesis for Curved Air came in 1968, when original drummer Florian Pilkington-Miksa and his friend, bassist Rob Martin, were introduced to guitarist/keybardist Francis Monkman. They began playing cover tunes together at parties, with the idea of forming a "classic-rock" band (as in classical music), until Francis met fellow Royal College of Music student Darryl Way. Darryl introduced Francis to pianist Nick Simon, and together they formed the group Sisyphus. Simon soon left, Francis took up playing keyboards and guitar, and decided it was time to rename the band. Francis suggested a shortened version of Terry Riley's composition "A Rainbow in Curved Air," hence the band's final name was decided upon.
At the same time, folksinger Sonja Kristina was featured in the London production of "Hair." The producer, Galt McDermott, had a second play, "Who the Murderer Was," running concurrently in Notting Hill Gate, where the pit band was none other than Curved Air. Curved Air's original manager, Mark Hanau, suggested that they try adding a female singer to the band, and Sonja seemed to fit their needs perfectly. Their sound evolved rapidly and the group became the first British act signed by Warner Brothers. Their first tour was in support of Black Sabbath.
Mark Hanau wound be involved in other decisions related to the band which would have a large impact on their early years' success. The band's first album, "Airconditioning," was notable as the first rock picture disc, which had been Hanau's idea. Their sound was a unique blend of progressive rock, accoustic folk, electronica and jazz fusion and the album reached number 8 in the British charts. They also were one of the first rock bands to feature a violin as a regular part of their sound and line-up. Curved Air was also credited with the first ever music video (distinct from a promotional film) by Record Retailer magazine and Cosmopolitan Magazine.
In April of 1970, Rob Martin left and was replaced by Ian Eyre. "Second Album" was recorded with this lineup and it featured the Top 5 hit, "Back Street Luv," the band's biggest single release. Ian Eyre left and was replaced by Mike Wedgwood. "Phantasmagoria," the band's third Top 20 album, came out in 1972. The album was toured through the United States and United Kingdom, and afterwards Florian, Darryl and Francis departed the band, leaving only Sonja and Mike behind.
Kirby Gregory, Eddie Jobson and Jim Russell were recruited for the "Air Cut" album in 1973. They toured the UK and Italy successfully, but then Eddie left to replace Brian Eno in Roxy Music.
Original band members Darryl, Francics and Florian, along with new American bassist Phil Kohn, reunited for a UK tour in December of 1974. The reasons for this reunion were largely those of contractual obligation and raising of necessary funds: the band was being sued by Chrysalis, their record company of the time, for defaulting on their contract. The critically acclaimed Curved Air "Live" album was recorded during this tour. Sonja and Darryl decided afterwards to renew working together and brought in guitarist Mick Jacques, drummer Stewart Copeland and bassist Tony Reeves. The new line-up toured extensively throughout 1975 and 1976 and recorded two more studio albums, Midnight Wire and Airborne during this time.
Curved Air regrouped in 1990 and released a live recording, "Alive, 1990." In 2008 the band once again made plans to reunite for a number of summer UK gigs and festivals.
Band members
- Stewart Copeland - drums (1975 - 1976)
- Ian Eyre - bass
- Eddie Jobson - keyboards, violin
- Sonja Kristina - vocals (1969 - 2008)
- Rob Martin - bass
- Francis Monkman - keyboards, guitar
- John G. Perry - bass
- Florian Pilkington-Miksa - drums
- Tony Reeves - bass
- Darryl Way - electric violin, vocals
- Mike Wedgwood - bass
Discography
- Main article: Discography (Curved Air)
Studio albums
- Air Conditioning (1970)
- Second Album (1971)
- Phantasmagoria (1972)
- Air Cut (1973)
- Live (1975)
- Midnight Wire (1975)
- Airborne (1976)
- On Air: Live At The BBC (1997)
Awards & Honors
Summarize major awards here in list format, as well as awards received not specific to a particular album, song, film or other release.
Quotations and Trivia
This section needs more information.
See also
External links
- The Official Curved Air Web Site
- Curved Air at the Fan History
- Curved Air @ MySpace
- Curved Air @ ReverbNation
References
This section needs more information.
