Trinity - Meet the Band II
Last week I introduced Jeff Scheetz, Oliver Wakeman and Pete Coleman, who have all written music for Trinity (and who conveniently were all in the photo I wanted to use for the header!) This week I begin with the legendary Rick Wakeman, followed by not one, not two, but our three bassists and finish with those who make the "band" complete.
RICK WAKEMAN - HARPSICHORD AND CHURCH ORGAN
Richard Christopher Wakeman (born 18 May 1949) is an English keyboardist, songwriter, producer, television and radio presenter, and author. He is best known for being in the progressive rock band Yes across five tenures between 1971 and 2004 and for his solo albums released in the 1970s. He is a current member of Yes Featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Rick Wakeman.
Born and raised in West London, Wakeman intended to be a concert pianist but quit his studies at the Royal College of Music in 1969 to become a full-time session musician. His early sessions included playing on "Space Oddity", among others, for David Bowie, and songs by Junior's Eyes, T. Rex, Elton John, and Cat Stevens. Wakeman became a member of Strawbs in 1970 before joining Yes a year later, playing on some of their most successful albums across two stints until 1980. Wakeman began his solo career in 1973; his most successful albums are his first three: The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1973), Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1974), and The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (1975), all concept albums. He formed his rock band, The English Rock Ensemble, in 1974, with which he continues to perform, and scored his first film, Lisztomania (1975).
Wakeman pursued solo projects in the 1980s that varied in levels of success; his most successful album was 1984, released in 1981, which was followed by his minor pop hit single, "Glory Boys", from Silent Nights (1985). He hosted the television show Gastank, and recorded his first of several New-age, ambient, and Christian music albums with Country Airs (1986) and The Gospels (1987), respectively. From 1988 to 1990 he was a member of Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe which led to his third Yes stint until 1992. He returned twice more between 1995 and 2004, during which he completed several more solo projects and tours, including his most significant of the decade, Return to the Centre of the Earth (1999). Wakeman continues to record albums and perform concerts worldwide in various capacities; his most recent album is Piano Odyssey (2018).
Wakeman's discography includes over 90 solo albums that range from several musical styles. He has made many television and radio appearances; in recent years he became known for his contributions to the BBC comedy series Grumpy Old Men, Watchdog and his radio show on Planet Rock that aired from 2005 to 2010. Wakeman has written three books; an autobiography and two memoirs. In 2017, Wakeman was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Yes.
BIOGRAPHY TAKEN FROM WIKIPEDIA (DESPITE RICK HAVING BEEN QUOTED AS DISLIKING WIKIPEDIA TO THE POINT THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT CLOSED DOWN - SORRY RICK!) FOR A FULLER AND MORE ACCURATE AUTOBIOGRAPHY PLEASE HEAD OVER TO WWW.RWCC.COM
JOHN PAYNE - BASS AND VOCAL
John Payne became the frontman of the supergroup ASIA in 1992 at the invitation of keyboardist Geoff Downes, replacing vocalist/bassist John Wetton. ASIA extensively toured the world for the next 14 years performing new classics and old favorites.
With John Payne fronting the band, ASIA released 8 stunning studio albums and several live recordings. In 2006, Geoff Downes left the band to reform the 1982 line up for their 25th anniversary.
On the 9th of May 2006, John Payne, Geoff Downes, John Wetton, Carl Palmer and Steve Howe contractually agreed that John Payne would continue his 14 year legacy with ASIA as "ASIA Featuring John Payne".
ASIA Featuring John Payne have been touring in North America since 2008.
BIOGRAPHY TAKEN FROM THE ASIA FEATURING JOHN PAYNE WEBSITE - FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.JOHNPAYNEASIA.COM
TONY CLARKIN - BASS
Tony Clarkin (born Anthony Michael Clarkin, 24 November 1946) is an English musician and record producer, best known as the guitarist of the rock band Magnum. He has been the primary songwriter throughout Magnum's history, writing all of the material on their 20 studio albums.
Clarkin was born and grew up in the Shard End area of Birmingham, which spawned a number of bands tagged with the 'Brum Beat' label. Leaving school to train as a Ladies hairdresser he soon quit to join his first band The Boulevards with former school friends.
Formed in 1972, Magnum have undergone several changes in personnel over the years, however the core of vocalist Bob Catley and guitarist/songwriter Tony Clarkin remain today.
Magnum began as the house band at Birmingham’s famous Rum Runner night club (later the home of Duran Duran). They began to develop their own style by playing Clarkin's songs at a residency at The Railway Inn, in Birmingham's Curzon Street, in 1976. Joining Clarkin and Catley were drummer Kex Gorin and bassist Dave Morgan (later a member of ELO) and Mark Stanway keyboard player joined in 1980 and remained till 2016. Their most notable success during these early years was the Jeff Glixman produced Chase The Dragon (1982) which reached #17 in the UK, and included several songs that would be mainstays of the band's live set, notably "Soldier of the Line", "Sacred Hour" and "The Spirit".
It wasn't until the band came into association with manager Keith Baker, their breakthrough album came in 1985 with On a Storyteller's Night which featured the single "Just Like an Arrow". This success continued in the following years when Keith introduced the band to Queen drummer Roger Taylor. Roger Taylor produced Vigilante in 1986, the top 5 album Wings of Heaven in 1988, and the Keith Olsen produced Goodnight L.A. reaching #9 in the UK album charts in 1990.
In the summer of 1995 Clarkin announced the band were to split following a farewell tour of the UK and Europe. After Magnum split, a spin-off group featuring Catley and Clarkin was formed called Hard Rain, and they released the albums Hard Rain and When The Good Times Come. It was around this time that Catley launched a solo career using various songwriters, including Gary Hughes of the band Ten. However, Hard Rain found gigs and booking hard to come by, and there were discussions about renaming the band as Magnum. Also, at this time, Catley was becoming increasingly focused on his solo career, and he quit Hard Rain, marking the end of a working relationship with Clarkin that dated back to 1972. After a quiet period Clarkin announced the end of Hard Rain.
Clarkin comments: "The break since the middle of the Nineties was definitely necessary for me. Since the end of the Seventies, in fact since we embarked on the preparations for our debut recording Kingdom Of Madness, not a single month had gone by in which I didn't work for Magnum, composed for the group, or at least thought of them permanently. For almost twenty years, all my thoughts had revolved around the band. I needed a break to clear my head and to be able to devote myself to the band again with renewed energy."— Tony Clarkin, 2002
Eventually, Clarkin and Catley re-launched Magnum with the album Breath of Life in 2002 on SPV. They were again joined by Stanway, with former Hard Rain bassist Al Barrow and former-Thunder drummer Harry James. This was subsequently followed by Brand New Morning in 2004.
Magnum completed work on a new studio album, Princess Alice and the Broken Arrow with drummer Jimmy Copley released on 26 March 2007, that also marked the return of cover artwork by Rodney Matthews. The album entered the UK Album Charts at #70, the first time Magnum have charted in the UK since 1994. It also reached #4 on the BBC Rock Album Charts and #60 in Germany, the band's biggest market outside of the UK along with Scandinavia.
AGAIN A BIOGRAPHY TAKEN FROM WIKIPEDIA, WHICH IS NOT FULLY UP-TO-DATE - MAGNUM WILL SOON RELEASE THEIR 21ST STUDIO ALBUM AND THE CURRENT LINE UP IS: Tony Clarkin - Guitars; Bob Catley - Vocals; Rick Benton - Keyboards; Lee Morris Drums AND Dennis Ward - Bass). FOR MORE INFORMATION HEAD OVER TO WWW.MAGNUMONLINE.CO.UK
STEVE AMADEO - BASS
Bass guitarist Steve Amadeo has been touring and recording since 1998, playing at music venues and festivals in the UK, Europe and North America for a variety of original artists.
Steve is a member of several studio production teams and regularly works on recording projects for a wide roster of clients. He also offers a remote-recording service from his home studio.
As a bass teacher, Steve maintains a teaching schedule from his home near Liverpool, UK. His concept for teaching is based on the student’s need to learn to play intelligently and with awareness in order to develop strength, confidence, and authority as a musician.
Steve has toured and/or recorded with the following national and international artists: Ian Parker; Aynsley Lister; Ben Poole; The Pipe Brothers Project; Andy Billington; The Toy Hearts; Oliver Wakeman and Gordon Giltrap; The Musgraves; Martin Van Der Starre (NL); Jan Smit (NL); and Paul Riley.
BIOGRAPHY TAKEN FROM STEVE'S WEBSITE - FOR MORE INFORMATION CHECK OUT WWW.STEVEAMADEO.COM
CHARLES MCNEAL - ALTO SAX
Studied extensively in Denver Co. privately and at the college level with teachers that include: WaltFowler, Willie Hill, Rich Charluce, Keith Oxman, Ron Miles, Javon Jackson, Nelson Rangell, Brad Leali, Walter Barr.
Has been a featured performer at many national and international festivals including: Monterey JazzFestival (CA), San Jose Jazz Festival (CA), San Francisco Jazz Festival (CA), Playboy Jazz Festival(CA), Telluride Jazz Festival (CO), Umbria Jazz Festival (Italy), Porretta Soul Festival (Italy).
Performed, recorded and/or toured with:
Jimmy Scott, Charlie Mussellwhite, Keb Mo, John Faddis,Wynton Marsalis, Leslie Drayton, McCoy Tyner, Ray Obiedo, Dave Garabaldi, RAD, Brenda Boykin, Claire Dee, Lavay Smith and the Red Hot Skillet Lickers, Barbara Morrison, Barbara Dennerlein, Jr. Mance, Bruce Forman, Mark Elf, Roberta Flack, The Temptations, Ollie Woodson, Norman Conners, Jean Carne, Curtis Olson, Peter Horvath, Jaz Sawyer, Boz Scaggs, Nicolas Bearde...
In addition to being a world class saxophonist his website "charlesmcneal.com" is the #1 source for jazz saxophone transcriptions and related educational resources on the web.
Read what's being said about this Las Vegas saxophonist:
“...When I walked into Pearl's, the piece "Brujo" was in full swing. It was a swift piece that featured Charles McNeal primarily on soprano sax with Wally kicking and stomping on the drums, pushing Charles to great heights. The group was very tight and seemed to like that tempo. Charles's alto solo had a contemporary edge on "Tony," a piece dedicated to Tony Williams.”
“...Charles was into a very avant-garde mode that took the rest of the group in that fast-clip direction.”
“...before slowing the pace for the first of Nelson’s compositions, “A Penthouse Dawn,” admirably performed by the orchestra and alto soloist Charles McNeal."
“...and long after the party officially closed, she and her group -- Charles McNeal on the horns, Mimi Fox on guitar, and Ruth Davies on bass -- continued to swing and sing."
Biography taken from Charles' website - find out more at www.charlesmcneal.com
SARAH PROTHERO - VOCALS
Since releasing her debut Album "Moving On" some 15 years ago she has found her self performing and ministering in Europe as Christian performer.Sarah is a Christian Musical Artist from England, UK.
She has recently finished recording her latest album titled "Holding On".
Sarah has regularly appeared on Radio and Christian Radio and has been involved in a wealth of Christian Outreach Concerts.
She teaches classic vocal and is also a Worship Leader at Life Spring Church, Ollerton, and Warsop Church both in Nottinghamshire.
BIOGRAPHY TAKEN FROM SARAH'S WEBSITE - FOR MORE INFO HEAD OVER TO WWW.SARAHPROTHERO.COM
MARK A. WILLIAMS - NARRATION
Breathtaking scenes of Swansea Gower Peninsula in Wales is what inspired and fuelled my aspirations in the realm of art not long after relocating from north England in 1988. Quickly being recognised by tutors as an ambitious student in art and taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for three consecutive years in the National Urdd Eisteddfod, I pursued my education at Gower College in General Art and Design. Notable recognitions include a T.J. Owen Award for 'Best in Arts & Crafts' for productions in illustration and calligraphy.
Subsequent years in the UK opened up numerous opportunities in local galleries, and through private commissions and a renowned apparel company where my work was sold internationally. Various mediums were used for expression through fine art portraiture, land and seascapes. That in turn led to an exciting and educational adventure in the United States where I expanded my art portfolio and pursued new interests in writing, narration and public speaking while in residence there for eight years with my adorable bride, Thérèse.
Since reuniting with my beloved Wales in 2016 and successfully completing the National Three Peaks Challenge, mountain hiking, climbing and photography are now passions of mine that have not only impacted my perspective in the sphere of art, but significantly add a fresh dimension to my artistry which I endeavour to push to a higher plateau in the near future.
CHECK OUT MARK'S ART ON HIS WEBSITE: WWW.MAWILLIAMSART.WORDPRESS.COM
BOB CATLEY - VOCAL ON BONUS TRACK
Robert Adrian Catley is an English singer and musician. Best known as Bob Catley, he is the lead singer of the British rock band Magnum. He is also a solo artist. Born in Aldershot on 11 September 1947 Catley's family moved to the Tile Cross area of Birmingham when he was young. He went on to attend the nearby Central Grammar School for Boys (Birmingham) and left to start an apprenticeship at the GPO before deciding on a musical career shortly after meeting similarly minded individuals at college. During this time he joined several bands, such as The Smokestacks (who also included drummer Kex Gorin, Life and Clearwater). His first professional band was when he joined local outfit The Capitol Systems. The initial line-up was Bob Catley (vocals) Paul Sargent (guitar) Paul Whitehouse (bass), Dave Bailey (keyboards) and Bob Moore (drums). Shortly afterward they changed their name to Paradox, inspired by a science-fiction novel. A one-off deal was arranged with Mercury after Paradox had come to the attention of Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt. The tracks were "Ever Since I Can Remember", backed with "Goodbye Mary". In addition they recorded "Mary Colinto" and "Somebody Save Me". All of these songs were written by Dave Morgan.
Paradox went on to play festivals in the Netherlands and Italy before splitting up upon their return to the UK in 1970. Catley remained determined to pursue a career in music.
[BOB'S MAGNUM CAREER IS DISCUSSED ABOVE ALONG WITH TONY CLARKIN, SO I WILL SWIFTLY MOVE ON TO HIS SOLO CAREER ...]
Despite a busy touring and recording schedule with Magnum at this time, Bob Catley has found time to embark on a solo career. He was first approached by Gary Hughes (frontman of Rock band Ten) in 1998 to write a solo album. He teamed up with Hughes who wrote all the songs on The Tower (as well as producing and playing bass and keyboards). The Tower was written with Magnum in mind and harks back to On A Storyteller's Night style pomp meeting Wings Of Heaven style AOR with a 1990s melodic rock production. The Tower was released in 1998.
Catley made his debut solo appearance at The Gods '98, performing a show stopping set featuring tracks from The Tower as well as classic Magnum songs. Such was the response to the show that Now & Then decided to release an "official bootleg" of the set. Live At The Gods which was released in January 1999 and features the full set list performed on the day. Bob's backing band for the concert was made up of Canadian label mates Emerald Rain with Vinny Burns (Ten) on lead guitar and Paul Hodson (Hard Rain) on keyboards. Catley Emerald Rain also undertook a UK tour.
During the summer of 1999 recording commenced on Catley's second solo album Legends. Gary Hughes once again wrote and produced the album (as well as playing keyboards) with Ten's Vinny Burns and Steve McKenna and Dante Fox's John Cooksey providing the musical backing. The songs are based on various Legends, factual, fictional, historical and mythological.
Legends was launched at The Gods 99 where Catley headlined the Saturday night with Emerald Rain and Paul Hodson once again providing backing. Catley toured the UK extensively during 2000 with Paul Hodson and Native Cain providing his backing band. In the run up to Christmas 2000 he toured the UK again, and for one Spanish date, with special guest Kip Winger.
2001 saw the release of Catley's third album Middle Earth, which was based on J. R. R. Tolkien's epic The Lord of the Rings. The songs, once again penned by Gary Hughes, are based on various parts/incidents/characters from the book. Musicians on Middle Earth include Hughes band mates Ten plus a guest appearance by Landmarq vocalist Tracy Hitchings. Catley toured extensively in 2001 with Kip Winger opening acoustically early in the year, and then spent a month co-headlining UK and European dates with Ten later in the year.
2003 saw a change in writing partners for Catley – When Empires Burn was written and produced by Catley's long time keyboard player Paul Hodson and features a much heavier sound, bordering on heavy metal. The backing band included Vince O’Regan (Guitars), Al Barrow (Bass) and Jamie Little (Drums). When Empires Burn was again backed by a full European tour, this time touring with the Yorkshire-based band Lost Weekend.
Catley's 2006 solo album Spirit Of Man was written by Dave Thompson and Paul Uttley of Lost Weekend and Vince O’Regan of Pulse, and was recorded at KRT Studio’s in Wolverhampton. Catley and Vince have co-produced the album. This is the first time that Catley has had a role in the production of one of his albums, and continues the somewhat heavier approach seen in the previous album. The album was supported by a full UK and European tour, including an intimate date at London's famous Underworld club. This band featured Oliver Wakeman (ex-Yes) on keyboards.
Catley was also one of the many singers involved with the Power Metal project Avantasia, created by Edguy's frontman Tobias Sammet. Catley was featured in almost all Avantasia albums, from The Metal Operas through the Wicked Trilogy and The Mystery of Time to the most recent album, Moonglow. He also took part in all Avantasia world tours in 2008, 2010, 2013 and 2016. He is seen on the DVD from the first tour.