Showing posts with label Flash. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Flash. Show all posts

7/07/2022

Prog Legends FLASH Featuring Peter Banks “In The USA Live 1972-73” 3-CD Set Available Sept, 9, 2022

Available on Sept. 9th, restored live recordings from 1970ʼs classic prog rock group FLASH featuring ex-YES guitarist Peter Banks. Twenty-two tracks from seven shows across 3 discs; a majority of them previously unavailable. Best known thanks to their YES connections, the band nevertheless held their own across three Billboard charting albums, and the top 30 single hit “Small Beginnings.” Includes 32-page booklet with exclusive band interviews, unpublished photos and tour itinerary. A true time capsule back to the golden age of US rock concerts.

• Carefully restored and previously unreleased recordings
• For fans of progressive rock, guitar heroes & YES
• Previously unpublished photos & essay including detailed US tour history with exclusive band interviews and memorabilia

Capturing the collective during seven of their American shows of 1972-1973, one of those preserved for posterity in its entirety, the digipack will allow the listener to savor most of the three LPs in rather different performances than those laid down in the studio and the uninitiated will have the opportunity to see how brilliant these musicians were. Colin and Ray worked for a while under the old name relatively recently, but it’s the old recordings their followers are after, so there’s something to look forward to.” – Dmitry Epstein https://dmme.net

Says Ray Bennett: “What ‘Think Like A Key Music’ set out to do here, on this multi-disc set, is to gather together whatever was left out there of live FLASH stuff regardless of quality and present it in the best possible way. Whatever improvements could be made to the audio were done. Quite a bit of it is rough sounding, but I found that even with the poor sound issues there was something coming across from the live experience. Some surprisingly good moments. A fair bit of this material was fan-recorded, probably on cassettes, some possibly from rough mixing board recordings; some is much better studio type quality, and some has been online for years on obscure websites, but in the worst possible form – awful sound, complete with extraneous noise and talking in the recordings. So all that has been cleaned up and the sound mastered as well as possible. Overall, I think this is a worthy project for the historical record at the very least. Other than the ‘In Public’ CD which is already available, this new set is it as far as we know. Pretty much all that there is of live FLASH performance.”

Watch the promotional video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqi8AVksm7c

FLASH “In The USA” Tracklist:

CD 1:
Roslyn, NY, August 1st, 1972:
1. Black And White
2. There No More
3. Monday Morning Eyes
4. Small Beginnings
5. Children Of The Universe
6. Lifetime

CD 2:
Hempstead, NY, July 18th, 1972:
7. Small Beginnings
8. There No More
9. Children Of The Universe
10. Dreams Of Heaven
Passaic, NJ, December 16th, 1972:
11. Small Beginnings
12. Black And White
13. Children Of The Universe

CD 3:
Indianapolis, IN, December 27th, 1972:
14. Small Beginnings
15. Black And White
16. Children Of The Universe
Burbank, CA, October 9, 1973:
17. Dead Ahead
18. Psychosync
Miami, FL, October 26th, 1973:
19. Children Of The Universe
20. Black And White
Cape Cod, MA, August 24th, 1973:
21. The Bishop
22. Manhattan Morning (Christmas ’72)

To purchase: https://flash.biglink.to/intheusa

For more information: https://www.thinklikeakey.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

3/27/2018

Flash Vocal Legend Colin Carter To Release Debut Solo Album "ONE"


Best known as the lead vocalist for Prog icons Flash featuring guitar legend Peter Banks, Colin Carter is releasing his debut solo album titled “ONE”; A diverse collection of light and dark electric rock, with a little funk, some nightclub swing, an angular Dylanesque shuffle, a 30's Berlin cabaret song, a grand dramatic rock ballad, a Lennon-like lullaby and some flat out driving rock and more.

Says Colin, “After years of living in some of the major cities of the world, I decided to head north to escape city life for a while. Now I'm in the coastal range of Oregon, 15 miles from the Pacific where the maritime climate, the cliffs and coastlines, remind me of the Cornish coast in the UK.”

WRITING AND RECORDING.

 “Without the noise and distractions of the city, I've been able to focus on the songwriting and recording process here. I do a lot of my writing on multitrack recorders, building layers of overdubs, trying to sculpt the sounds and ideas I have in my head. I never planned to make this CD, I just kept writing and recording my song demos. Eventually, however, I decided it was time to share them with the world.

“I usually begin with a simple guitar and vocal phrase, and throw it down quickly on the recorder while it still has the idea and concept that I am imagining. Then I walk away and come back in a day or so to see if it still holds up. If it does, I then begin to add parts to build and strengthen the idea. Later, I take the guitar/drum machine demo track and add live drums and bass, a that really moves the song into a whole new realm. It breathes life into it. That then gives me fresh ideas and inspiration to do more with the song and track.

“I've worked on this CD project with musicians from the UK, New York and Oregon, old friends and new. Their names are on the package. Many of influences that I've picked up along the way, like blues, rock, soul, folk and more, including some later somewhat atypical ideas, can be found sneaking their way into my songs and lyrics and arrangements. I am the sum of my experiences. I am to blame!

“Working with some good musician friends, and skilled support in the studio at Inner Sanctum in Coos Bay, I’ve taken this collection of song ideas from basic sketches to fully fledged recordings, trying to keep the essence of the original concept alive as I go. Here they are, in a ten song CD, Colin Carter 'ONE'.”

Two of Colin's long time friends play most of the bass and drums on these tracks. Drummer Mike Hough, who's played  in Flash and various lineups since, that featured musicians from Yes, Foreigner, Savoy Brown Blues Band, Johnny Winter etc., and bass guitarist Clint Bahr, who's played and recorded with musicians from The Rolling Stones, King Crimson, Jethro Tull and many more. Joining Colin on several tracks are new musician friends from the Oregon Coast. Doro Reeves on keyboards, Tom Beckstrom on drums, and Michael Cardell on hand drums.

Colin Carter and former Yes guitarist Peter Banks formed the British progressive rock band Flash, with bassist Ray Bennett, and drummer Mike Hough. The band released three albums, “Flash”,  “ Flash In the Can” and “Out of Our Hands”.

Flash was signed to Sovereign/EMI  in the UK and Capitol Records in the USA. Their self-titled debut album “Flash”, sold in excess of 100,000 copies. Flash toured multiple times across North America, Continental Europe, Australia, and their native UK, before disbanding.

Colin Carter and Ray Bennett reformed Flash in 2010, with Bennett on guitar, Wayne Carver (bass, vocals), Mark Pardy (drums), and Rick Daugherty (keyboards). They made their official reunion debut headlining the International ProgDay Festival in Chapel Hill, North Carolina in 2010.

Peter Banks' passing in March 2013 occurred just as he was finishing up production of a live Flash album featuring Colin Carter and the original line up - “Flash In Public”, released on AdequateSounds.

Also in 2013, Colin Carter and Ray Bennett were completing the album “Flash Featuring Ray Bennett & Colin Carter”,  released on Cleopatra Records.

Now, much to the excitement of mainstream rock fans and prog aficionados worldwide, Colin Carter is releasing his debut solo album “ONE”!

To purchase Colin Carter “ONE”: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/colincarter1
Also directly available from Colin Carter Music: colincartermusic@mail.com

For more information: Colin Carter Music. colincartermusic@mail.com
https://www.facebook.com/ColinCarterONE
https://www.facebook.com/colincarterflash

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR. PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Flash Vocal Legend Colin Carter To Release Debut Solo Album "ONE"


Best known as the lead vocalist for Prog icons Flash featuring guitar legend Peter Banks, Colin Carter is releasing his debut solo album titled “ONE”; A diverse collection of light and dark electric rock, with a little funk, some nightclub swing, an angular Dylanesque shuffle, a 30's Berlin cabaret song, a grand dramatic rock ballad, a Lennon-like lullaby and some flat out driving rock and more.

Says Colin, “After years of living in some of the major cities of the world, I decided to head north to escape city life for a while. Now I'm in the coastal range of Oregon, 15 miles from the Pacific where the maritime climate, the cliffs and coastlines, remind me of the Cornish coast in the UK.”

WRITING AND RECORDING.

 “Without the noise and distractions of the city, I've been able to focus on the songwriting and recording process here. I do a lot of my writing on multitrack recorders, building layers of overdubs, trying to sculpt the sounds and ideas I have in my head. I never planned to make this CD, I just kept writing and recording my song demos. Eventually, however, I decided it was time to share them with the world.

“I usually begin with a simple guitar and vocal phrase, and throw it down quickly on the recorder while it still has the idea and concept that I am imagining. Then I walk away and come back in a day or so to see if it still holds up. If it does, I then begin to add parts to build and strengthen the idea. Later, I take the guitar/drum machine demo track and add live drums and bass, a that really moves the song into a whole new realm. It breathes life into it. That then gives me fresh ideas and inspiration to do more with the song and track.

“I've worked on this CD project with musicians from the UK, New York and Oregon, old friends and new. Their names are on the package. Many of influences that I've picked up along the way, like blues, rock, soul, folk and more, including some later somewhat atypical ideas, can be found sneaking their way into my songs and lyrics and arrangements. I am the sum of my experiences. I am to blame!

“Working with some good musician friends, and skilled support in the studio at Inner Sanctum in Coos Bay, I’ve taken this collection of song ideas from basic sketches to fully fledged recordings, trying to keep the essence of the original concept alive as I go. Here they are, in a ten song CD, Colin Carter 'ONE'.”

Two of Colin's long time friends play most of the bass and drums on these tracks. Drummer Mike Hough, who's played  in Flash and various lineups since, that featured musicians from Yes, Foreigner, Savoy Brown Blues Band, Johnny Winter etc., and bass guitarist Clint Bahr, who's played and recorded with musicians from The Rolling Stones, King Crimson, Jethro Tull and many more. Joining Colin on several tracks are new musician friends from the Oregon Coast. Doro Reeves on keyboards, Tom Beckstrom on drums, and Michael Cardell on hand drums.

Colin Carter and former Yes guitarist Peter Banks formed the British progressive rock band Flash, with bassist Ray Bennett, and drummer Mike Hough. The band released three albums, “Flash”,  “ Flash In the Can” and “Out of Our Hands”.

Flash was signed to Sovereign/EMI  in the UK and Capitol Records in the USA. Their self-titled debut album “Flash”, sold in excess of 100,000 copies. Flash toured multiple times across North America, Continental Europe, Australia, and their native UK, before disbanding.

Colin Carter and Ray Bennett reformed Flash in 2010, with Bennett on guitar, Wayne Carver (bass, vocals), Mark Pardy (drums), and Rick Daugherty (keyboards). They made their official reunion debut headlining the International ProgDay Festival in Chapel Hill, North Carolina in 2010.

Peter Banks' passing in March 2013 occurred just as he was finishing up production of a live Flash album featuring Colin Carter and the original line up - “Flash In Public”, released on AdequateSounds.

Also in 2013, Colin Carter and Ray Bennett were completing the album “Flash Featuring Ray Bennett & Colin Carter”,  released on Cleopatra Records.

Now, much to the excitement of mainstream rock fans and prog aficionados worldwide, Colin Carter is releasing his debut solo album “ONE”!

To purchase Colin Carter “ONE”: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/colincarter1
Also directly available from Colin Carter Music: colincartermusic@mail.com

For more information: Colin Carter Music. colincartermusic@mail.com
https://www.facebook.com/ColinCarterONE
https://www.facebook.com/colincarterflash

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR. PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

6/07/2016

Flash Legend Ray Bennett Reissues 2001 Solo Album “Whatever Falls”


Las Vegas - British progressive rock pioneer, Ray Bennett of Flash, is reissuing his 2001 solo epic “Whatever Falls” for the first time as a digital release, available now on iTunes, and in most digital stores worldwide for purchase and streaming!

With it's original release just days after the Twin Towers fell on 9/11, the hauntingly beautiful title track, “Whatever Falls” was, by eerie coincidence, appropriate and especially moving. But every track of this extraordinary work is an adventure into the innovative mind of an artist who helped define the progressive genre of rock.

Hailing from Sevenoaks, Kent, in S.E. England, Bennett formed his first band, THE BREED, at fourteen with future YES drummer, Bill Bruford. At 21, he and original YES guitarist Peter Banks formed FLASH (EMI/Capitol). This fast and furious, flashy 70's band was much acclaimed, but short-lived. They toured worldwide and recorded three albums with a hit single “Small Beginnings” reaching #28 in the USA. (FLASH is currently available on the UK Esoteric label.) After numerous reissues of their music over the years, FLASH reformed with Bennett, now on lead guitar, and original vocalist Colin Carter. In 2013, forty years since the last FLASH album, “Flash-Featuring Ray Bennett & Colin Carter” was released on Cleopatra Records.

Describing his solo effort, “Whatever Falls” today, Ray says: “As it was my first solo record I wanted it to be something special. I had taken so long to get around to it I felt sure it would get some serious scrutiny, so, coming from me, with my background, it had to be something worthy of my previous output. A flop wouldn't do. An 'Ok' album wouldn't do either…

“An album is for all time and intended for repeated listening. Each new listen should be the same pleasurable discovery. Some of my favourite albums are like that and I wanted mine to be too. I feel I succeeded.”

What rock journalists said in 2001:

“Ray Bennett has released what is very close to a masterpiece with this album.  The disc seems to take common elements of progressive rock both old (Genesis, Yes, Pink Floyd) and new (Spock's Beard, modern King Crimson) and blend them with other elements to create a sound that is both modern and unique.” - Gary Hill, Music Street Journal 

“Going solo at this point in his career an artist can be either boring or outrageous. Luckily, with Ray Bennett, it's the latter - today only a few play progressive music as frighteningly intense and haunting.” - Dmitry Epstein, LET IT ROCK 

“A mix of atmospheric guitar-based rock instrumentals and songs that feature Bennett's vocals, the skilfully recorded 'Whatever Falls' clearly falls into the progressive rock genre and is essential listening for those who enjoyed those fabulous Flash albums from the early '70s.” - Robert Silverstein, 20th Century Guitar Magazine

Featuring:
Bennett : lead vocals, guitar, bass and keyboards
Mark Pardy drums (also plays on “Flash-Featuring Ray Bennett & Colin Carter”)
David Kannenstine contributed bass on two tracks
Bennett, mixing, producer
Ed Fritz, engineer basic tracks
Gerry Collins, Protools editing and mastering

Release date June 6, 2016

To purchase Ray Bennett's “Whatever Falls”: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1112701089?ls=1&app=itunes (CD also available via Amazon On Demand).

For more information: 
http://www.flash.net.co
https://www.facebook.com/ray.bennett.12?fref=ts

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Flash Legend Ray Bennett Reissues 2001 Solo Album “Whatever Falls”


Las Vegas - British progressive rock pioneer, Ray Bennett of Flash, is reissuing his 2001 solo epic “Whatever Falls” for the first time as a digital release, available now on iTunes, and in most digital stores worldwide for purchase and streaming!

With it's original release just days after the Twin Towers fell on 9/11, the hauntingly beautiful title track, “Whatever Falls” was, by eerie coincidence, appropriate and especially moving. But every track of this extraordinary work is an adventure into the innovative mind of an artist who helped define the progressive genre of rock.

Hailing from Sevenoaks, Kent, in S.E. England, Bennett formed his first band, THE BREED, at fourteen with future YES drummer, Bill Bruford. At 21, he and original YES guitarist Peter Banks formed FLASH (EMI/Capitol). This fast and furious, flashy 70's band was much acclaimed, but short-lived. They toured worldwide and recorded three albums with a hit single “Small Beginnings” reaching #28 in the USA. (FLASH is currently available on the UK Esoteric label.) After numerous reissues of their music over the years, FLASH reformed with Bennett, now on lead guitar, and original vocalist Colin Carter. In 2013, forty years since the last FLASH album, “Flash-Featuring Ray Bennett & Colin Carter” was released on Cleopatra Records.

Describing his solo effort, “Whatever Falls” today, Ray says: “As it was my first solo record I wanted it to be something special. I had taken so long to get around to it I felt sure it would get some serious scrutiny, so, coming from me, with my background, it had to be something worthy of my previous output. A flop wouldn't do. An 'Ok' album wouldn't do either…

“An album is for all time and intended for repeated listening. Each new listen should be the same pleasurable discovery. Some of my favourite albums are like that and I wanted mine to be too. I feel I succeeded.”

What rock journalists said in 2001:

“Ray Bennett has released what is very close to a masterpiece with this album.  The disc seems to take common elements of progressive rock both old (Genesis, Yes, Pink Floyd) and new (Spock's Beard, modern King Crimson) and blend them with other elements to create a sound that is both modern and unique.” - Gary Hill, Music Street Journal 

“Going solo at this point in his career an artist can be either boring or outrageous. Luckily, with Ray Bennett, it's the latter - today only a few play progressive music as frighteningly intense and haunting.” - Dmitry Epstein, LET IT ROCK 

“A mix of atmospheric guitar-based rock instrumentals and songs that feature Bennett's vocals, the skilfully recorded 'Whatever Falls' clearly falls into the progressive rock genre and is essential listening for those who enjoyed those fabulous Flash albums from the early '70s.” - Robert Silverstein, 20th Century Guitar Magazine

Featuring:
Bennett : lead vocals, guitar, bass and keyboards
Mark Pardy drums (also plays on “Flash-Featuring Ray Bennett & Colin Carter”)
David Kannenstine contributed bass on two tracks
Bennett, mixing, producer
Ed Fritz, engineer basic tracks
Gerry Collins, Protools editing and mastering

Release date June 6, 2016

To purchase Ray Bennett's “Whatever Falls”: http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1112701089?ls=1&app=itunes (CD also available via Amazon On Demand).

For more information: 
http://www.flash.net.co
https://www.facebook.com/ray.bennett.12?fref=ts

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

11/11/2014

Rare Recordings By Guitar Legend Peter Banks 'The Mars Tapes' Now Available!


London, UK – Much to the excitement of prog fans worldwide, rare recordings of guitar legend Peter Banks, best known for his work with YES and FLASH, is now available on GONZO Multimedia! Peter Banks Empire 'The Mars Tapes' (2-CD set) represents Empire lll in rehearsal at Mars Studios in Los Angeles in 1979. The band had set up camp at Mars Studios for six months rehearsing and showcasing their music, much of which has been unheard until this release. The band basically recorded every thing they did off the board, tape hiss and all.

Peter Banks (RIP 2013) and Sidonie Jordan, who not only co-wrote, but fronted the band with her powerful vocals, founded Empire in the early to mid-seventies after Peter’s FLASH endeavors and attracted artists such as Phil Collins. Peter and Phil had joined forces in a band called 'Zok And The Radar Boys' which was pre-Empire for Peter, and pre-Brand X for Phil. “Sky At Night” (bonus track) features Phil Collins on drums and backing vocals and Jon Giblin on bass and is testimony of their collaboration.

Sidonie Jordan, who has an extensive list of music credentials to her name, including a diversified solo career as a staff writer/recording artist for A&M Records, and has recorded for other labels such as Capital Records, Electra Records and Trojan Records. (Her song and recording of ‘All God’s Mornings’ was produced by Peter Townshend and featured on his ‘With Love’ album. Sidonie is currently producing and writing with Lez Larder owner of Skyline Studios in Sunbury- On-Thames UK, and Empire lll drummer, Mark Murdock, more recently known for his 'Cymbalic Encounters’ release featuring members from Brand X, agreed to release these recordings as a dedication to the memory of Peter Banks and his great contribution to progressive rock music.

Says Sidonie, “ 'The Mars Tapes' were recorded live at Mars Studios in Los Angles during the summer of 1979! And include a few tracks that never appeared on any Empire albums. As with all the Empire incarnations this album features the amazing talent and skill of Peter Banks, who has been called the Architect of Progressive Rock.”

Drummer Mark Murdock explains, “The Peter Banks Empire ship set sail against the ever-changing music world, and was uncompromising in producing a range of material with Peter Banks' 'Signature Guitar Sound and Style,' while incorporating themes of the time period in which the band existed and also reliving the past by playing songs from the early Empire catalog and even a YES version of  ‘Something’s Coming.’ There are various tracks on ‘The Mars Tapes’ that also represented a ‘Work In Progress,’ which were both instrumental and vocal orientated. Empire was anticipating to make some big waves in the music scene, but the waves never reached the shore- until now!”

For more information:
http://www.gonzomultimedia.com/product_details/15718

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Rare Recordings By Guitar Legend Peter Banks 'The Mars Tapes' Now Available!


London, UK – Much to the excitement of prog fans worldwide, rare recordings of guitar legend Peter Banks, best known for his work with YES and FLASH, is now available on GONZO Multimedia! Peter Banks Empire 'The Mars Tapes' (2-CD set) represents Empire lll in rehearsal at Mars Studios in Los Angeles in 1979. The band had set up camp at Mars Studios for six months rehearsing and showcasing their music, much of which has been unheard until this release. The band basically recorded every thing they did off the board, tape hiss and all.

Peter Banks (RIP 2013) and Sidonie Jordan, who not only co-wrote, but fronted the band with her powerful vocals, founded Empire in the early to mid-seventies after Peter’s FLASH endeavors and attracted artists such as Phil Collins. Peter and Phil had joined forces in a band called 'Zok And The Radar Boys' which was pre-Empire for Peter, and pre-Brand X for Phil. “Sky At Night” (bonus track) features Phil Collins on drums and backing vocals and Jon Giblin on bass and is testimony of their collaboration.

Sidonie Jordan, who has an extensive list of music credentials to her name, including a diversified solo career as a staff writer/recording artist for A&M Records, and has recorded for other labels such as Capital Records, Electra Records and Trojan Records. (Her song and recording of ‘All God’s Mornings’ was produced by Peter Townshend and featured on his ‘With Love’ album. Sidonie is currently producing and writing with Lez Larder owner of Skyline Studios in Sunbury- On-Thames UK, and Empire lll drummer, Mark Murdock, more recently known for his 'Cymbalic Encounters’ release featuring members from Brand X, agreed to release these recordings as a dedication to the memory of Peter Banks and his great contribution to progressive rock music.

Says Sidonie, “ 'The Mars Tapes' were recorded live at Mars Studios in Los Angles during the summer of 1979! And include a few tracks that never appeared on any Empire albums. As with all the Empire incarnations this album features the amazing talent and skill of Peter Banks, who has been called the Architect of Progressive Rock.”

Drummer Mark Murdock explains, “The Peter Banks Empire ship set sail against the ever-changing music world, and was uncompromising in producing a range of material with Peter Banks' 'Signature Guitar Sound and Style,' while incorporating themes of the time period in which the band existed and also reliving the past by playing songs from the early Empire catalog and even a YES version of  ‘Something’s Coming.’ There are various tracks on ‘The Mars Tapes’ that also represented a ‘Work In Progress,’ which were both instrumental and vocal orientated. Empire was anticipating to make some big waves in the music scene, but the waves never reached the shore- until now!”

For more information:
http://www.gonzomultimedia.com/product_details/15718

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

12/10/2013

Review: Flash-In Public (feat. Pete Banks)

This is a very interesting album to have arrived for review, as earlier this year, I reviewed Flash Featuring Ray Bennett and Colin Carter, an album released 40 years after the last album by Flash. This album, In Public, is a live recording by Flash, from 21st January 1973, and is the first complete live concert by the band to be released thus far. The venue is Kansas City’s Cowtown Ballroom, and The Byrds were also on the bill that evening. The set from that evening features tracks from the first two Flash albums, Flash and In the Can, both released the previous year, and although the third Flash album, Out of Our Hands, would be issued in 1973, none of the tracks from that soon to be issued album, featured that night.

The album has an interesting cover, which does bring to mind the cover of Pink Floyd’s album, Atom Heart Mother, from 1970, in that the main feature is a cow, but this is a link to where the concert took place and there is a reference on the rear cover about “Udder Chaos Live at the Cowtown Ballroom,” which continues the playful theme. The sound on the album, apparently, is directly through the soundboard with no overdubs, as the band was late in arriving due to the weather (snowstorm) and didn’t manage a sound check, resulting in a fairly “raw” sound from the band.

The band at the time of the recording comprised Pete Banks (guitar, synth, backing vocals), Colin Carter (lead vocals), Ray Bennett (bass, backing vocals) and Mike Hough (drums, percussion), although sadly, Pete Banks who had been involved in the release of this live album, passed away prior to it being completed for issue.

In Public is a 7 track album with a total playing time of around 67 minutes although track 1, “Cold Cowtown Night” lasting a mere 20 seconds is really a bit of a tune up introduction. The shortest “proper” track is track 4, “Stop That Banging” which lasts 4:10 minutes, and the final track, “Dreams of Heaven,” is the longest at just under 25 minutes (24:54).

The “proper” opener of the album, “Small Beginnings,” (8:36), coincidentally also the opener from the debut album, starts with a little nod to a Yes style sound, with a guitar riff very reminiscent of Yes, which is not really surprising as Pete had not long left that band. The drummer, Mike, then lets rip with the drums and Pete gives a little flourish on guitar of what is to come. Colin’s vocals have to fight to get on an equal footing with the music, but considering the age of the recording, the sound is very good. The rhythm component of the band, Mike and Ray, are excellent, continuing to drive the track along, and the subtle, and sometimes, not so subtle, time changes certainly grab your attention. The quieter, sedate passages sit well alongside the rawer, rougher workouts and all in all, this is an excellent opening track.

“Black and White” (12:23) is a bit on the heavier side, with a smattering of jazzy workouts, which still shows the great skills of Pete on guitar. “Stop That Banging” (4:10) is a drum solo, which of course was de rigeur around that time, but even at only 4+ minutes, isn’t the most interesting thing on the album. Back into the guitar driven tracks with “There No More” (8:44), a boisterous rendition of “Children Of The Universe” (8:43) which moves along like a speeding truck and onto the concert finale with “Dreams of Heaven” (24:54). This is an extended track from the debut album, dripping feedback at the start and into an almost jam like session involving the whole band. This track is certainly a showcase for Pete, but never to the detriment of the other band members, who contribute their own bits and pieces through the track. Jazzy at times, long bass led passages, swirling guitar and a real tour de force for this relatively short lived superb band, Flash.

I am always very wary about live albums, especially 40 year old recordings, but this was a pleasant surprise. In Public is an excellent album, showing the band in full stride and at the top of their game, and also, for the fans of the band, a magnificent historic sound document of a complete concert. In Public deserves a “One to Buy” sticker on the front and my advice would be to have a listen (or several) to this album, and be prepared to be astonished that such a superb band had such a short life. 

A small footnote to remind people that Ray Bennett and Colin Carter are carrying on the Flash name with the album I reviewed earlier this year.

5/5 STARS

Key Tracks: Small Beginnings, Children Of The Universe, Black and White

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-MuzikReviews.com Staff

December 10, 2013

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