BANDS:
- The Blue Monks & Their Dirty Habits
- John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers [May 67-Jul 68]
- Wynder K Frog
- The Misunderstood [1969]
- Juicy Lucy [1969-Jul 71]
- Herbie Goins & The Night Timers [1970]
- Keef Hartley Band [1971]
- Dr John Band [1972]
- Bryan Ferry Band [1974]
- Gonzalez
- Kokomo
- Linda Lewis Band
- Olympic Runners
- Chris Farlowe Band [Nov 75-Dec 75]
- The Goodies [1976]
- Bryan Ferry Band [Jan 77-Jul 77]
- Frankie Miller Band [Aug 77-Sep 78]
- The Famous Bluesblasters
- Paul De Lay Band
- Pin & The Horn-Its
- Lily Wilde And Her Jumpin´ Jubilee Orchestra
- D K Stewart Band
BIOGRAPHY:
Very prolific saxophone player, he also plays keyboards. He was born and raised in Blackburn. Chris Mercer has played in dozens of albums. It's very common to find him in many albums from the British blues-rock scene. I think that Chris Mercer and Mel Collins must be the most prolific British sax players I've ever found.
THE BLUE MONKS & THEIR DIRTY HABITS
This is the first band I´ve been able to trace with Chris. He was a member of this sextet when he was a student at Oxford University. I don´t know the name of the other players, apart from Murray Head and Mike Crowther. Can someone give me more info, please? Was Steve Usher their bassist?
JOHN MAYALL'S BLUESBREAKERS
First step to fame happens when Chris joins John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers in May 1967.
In June 1967, Mayall adds a rhyhtm guitar, Terry Edmunds:
But Edmunds leaves the band that same month.
In June 1967, we find the same sextet playing with Mayall:
They release a studio album, the superb Crusade, with covers of great blues songs, as well as several original songs.
Following that, John McVie leaves the band in August 1967 to rejoin old Mayall bandmates Peter Green and Mick Fleetwood in order to form the fantastic blues-rock band Fleetwood Mac. Rip Kant also leaves, and the new lineup in August 1967 is:
They recorded a track in September 1967, 'Suspicions (part one)' included in the fantastic collection of outtakes, Thru the years, and 'Suspicions (part 2)' appears in another collection of outtakes, Looking back.
Paul Williams only stayed two months, until October 1967. The bassist role was filled in a very short period with three different musicians.
Keith Tillman joined in October 1967 until February 1968:
With this lineup, John Mayall performed his first American tour, playing with the Steve Miller Band in January 1968 at the Cafe Au Go Go in New York.
They released two consecutive live albums, recorded in 1968, Diary of a band, vol. 1 and Diary of a band, vol. 2. These live albums are a unusual experience. They can´t be considered the typical live album. They include interviews, funny parts, and long jamming around dense blues numbers. I like them, although the second volume contains more musical content. Some parts are really, really very good, although the albums never got great acclaim.
Next bassist to join, in March 1968, is a very young Andy Fraser:
But Andy Fraser only stayed till April 1968. But this time, more changes happen. Keef Hartley leaves to lead his own Keef Hartley Band (although he would rejoin Mayall several times later).
They released Bare wires, recorded on April 1968. Another unreleased track, 'Knockers step forward' appear in the fantastic compilation of unreleased material Thru the years.
It's interesting to note that this lineup was the seed for a great band, Colosseum. Reeves, Heckstall-Smith and Hiseman went to form this band when Mayall changed the lineup. Only Mick Taylor remained with Mayall. This was July 1968.
Looking back comprises 11 tracks, none of them ever available on an album. There are songs from 1964 to 1967. Other musicians from my Olympus: Hughie Flint (2 tracks), Keef Hartley (2 tracks), Aynsley Dunbar (3 tracks). And with fantastic guitar players: Eric Clapton (1 song), Peter Green (7 songs!!!), Mick Taylor (1 song).
Thru the years (originally a 2LP, including the complete Looking back LP inside), now has been released as a 1CD, with just the tracks not yet included in Looking back. It comprises 14 tracks, none of them ever available on an album. Other musicians from my Olympus: Hughie Flint (2 tracks), Keef Hartley (1 track), Aynsley Dunbar (7 tracks). Noted appearances: Peter Green (8 songs, some of them just superb!), Mick Taylor (3 tracks), and several of the musicians who later formed Colosseum: Jon Hiseman, Tony Reeves and Dick Heckstall Smith.
My opinion about those two rarities album is that they have a very good quality. I love them!!
Further albums with unreleased material include Primal solos, with live tracks dating from 1966 till 1968, thus including several tracks from the lineups where Chris Mercer was.
Down the line is a double compilation album comprising the very first album Mayall released (called John Mayall plays John Mayall) plus another LP full of tracks from other albums. I think it must include several unreleased tracks, but I'm not sure, as I don't have this album.
In 1997, it has been released the compilation The best of John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers - As it all began 64-69. It has been digitally remastered, and includes Mayall's comments on every track, from an interview. In my own opinion, the selection is quite good, and includes some songs not available on albums. Chris Mercer plays in 4 tracks: ´The death of J.B. Lenoir´ (from Crusade), ´Me and my woman´ (also from Crusade), ´Suspicions (part one)´ (from Thru the years) and the live song ´Start walkin´´ (from Primal Solos, recorded at Falmer College, Brighton England, 25th May 1968).
In May 1967, John Mayall had lost his great partner Peter Green, and searched for new musicians, including the great ones Mick Taylor, Keef Hartley and Chris Mercer:
|
JOHN MAYALL BAND #? |
May 67-Jun 67 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
John Mayall vocals, harmonica | Mick Taylor guitar | John McVie bass | Chris Mercer sax | Rip Kant sax | Keef Hartley † drums |
In June 1967, Mayall adds a rhyhtm guitar, Terry Edmunds:
|
JOHN MAYALL BAND #? |
Jun 67 |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
John Mayall vocals, harmonica | Mick Taylor guitar | Terry Edmunds guitar | John McVie bass | Chris Mercer sax | Rip Kant sax | Keef Hartley † drums |
But Edmunds leaves the band that same month.
In June 1967, we find the same sextet playing with Mayall:
|
JOHN MAYALL BAND #? |
Jun 67-Aug 67 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
John Mayall vocals, harmonica | Mick Taylor guitar | John McVie bass | Chris Mercer sax | Rip Kant sax | Keef Hartley † drums |
They release a studio album, the superb Crusade, with covers of great blues songs, as well as several original songs.
Following that, John McVie leaves the band in August 1967 to rejoin old Mayall bandmates Peter Green and Mick Fleetwood in order to form the fantastic blues-rock band Fleetwood Mac. Rip Kant also leaves, and the new lineup in August 1967 is:
|
JOHN MAYALL BAND #? |
Aug 67-Oct 67 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
John Mayall vocals, harmonica | Mick Taylor guitar | Paul Williams bass | Chris Mercer sax | Dick Heckstall-Smith † sax | Keef Hartley † drums |
They recorded a track in September 1967, 'Suspicions (part one)' included in the fantastic collection of outtakes, Thru the years, and 'Suspicions (part 2)' appears in another collection of outtakes, Looking back.
Paul Williams only stayed two months, until October 1967. The bassist role was filled in a very short period with three different musicians.
Keith Tillman joined in October 1967 until February 1968:
|
JOHN MAYALL BAND #? |
Oct 67-Feb 68 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
John Mayall vocals, harmonica | Mick Taylor guitar | Keith Tillman bass | Chris Mercer sax | Dick Heckstall-Smith † sax | Keef Hartley † drums |
With this lineup, John Mayall performed his first American tour, playing with the Steve Miller Band in January 1968 at the Cafe Au Go Go in New York.
They released two consecutive live albums, recorded in 1968, Diary of a band, vol. 1 and Diary of a band, vol. 2. These live albums are a unusual experience. They can´t be considered the typical live album. They include interviews, funny parts, and long jamming around dense blues numbers. I like them, although the second volume contains more musical content. Some parts are really, really very good, although the albums never got great acclaim.
Next bassist to join, in March 1968, is a very young Andy Fraser:
|
JOHN MAYALL BAND #? |
Mar 68-Apr 68 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
John Mayall vocals, harmonica | Mick Taylor guitar | Andy Fraser bass | Chris Mercer sax | Dick Heckstall-Smith † sax | Keef Hartley † drums |
Keef Hartley Bandê | |||||
But Andy Fraser only stayed till April 1968. But this time, more changes happen. Keef Hartley leaves to lead his own Keef Hartley Band (although he would rejoin Mayall several times later).
New bassist, drummer and a new addition, so welcome to three great players:
|
JOHN MAYALL BAND #? |
Apr 68-Jul 68 |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
John Mayall vocals, harmonica | Mick Taylor guitar | Tony Reeves bass | Henry Lowther trumpet, violin | Chris Mercer sax | Dick Heckstall-Smith † sax | Jon Hiseman drums |
Colosseumê | Wynder K Frogê | Colosseumê | Colosseumê | |||
They released Bare wires, recorded on April 1968. Another unreleased track, 'Knockers step forward' appear in the fantastic compilation of unreleased material Thru the years.
It's interesting to note that this lineup was the seed for a great band, Colosseum. Reeves, Heckstall-Smith and Hiseman went to form this band when Mayall changed the lineup. Only Mick Taylor remained with Mayall. This was July 1968.
Looking back comprises 11 tracks, none of them ever available on an album. There are songs from 1964 to 1967. Other musicians from my Olympus: Hughie Flint (2 tracks), Keef Hartley (2 tracks), Aynsley Dunbar (3 tracks). And with fantastic guitar players: Eric Clapton (1 song), Peter Green (7 songs!!!), Mick Taylor (1 song).
Thru the years (originally a 2LP, including the complete Looking back LP inside), now has been released as a 1CD, with just the tracks not yet included in Looking back. It comprises 14 tracks, none of them ever available on an album. Other musicians from my Olympus: Hughie Flint (2 tracks), Keef Hartley (1 track), Aynsley Dunbar (7 tracks). Noted appearances: Peter Green (8 songs, some of them just superb!), Mick Taylor (3 tracks), and several of the musicians who later formed Colosseum: Jon Hiseman, Tony Reeves and Dick Heckstall Smith.
My opinion about those two rarities album is that they have a very good quality. I love them!!
Further albums with unreleased material include Primal solos, with live tracks dating from 1966 till 1968, thus including several tracks from the lineups where Chris Mercer was.
Down the line is a double compilation album comprising the very first album Mayall released (called John Mayall plays John Mayall) plus another LP full of tracks from other albums. I think it must include several unreleased tracks, but I'm not sure, as I don't have this album.
In 1997, it has been released the compilation The best of John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers - As it all began 64-69. It has been digitally remastered, and includes Mayall's comments on every track, from an interview. In my own opinion, the selection is quite good, and includes some songs not available on albums. Chris Mercer plays in 4 tracks: ´The death of J.B. Lenoir´ (from Crusade), ´Me and my woman´ (also from Crusade), ´Suspicions (part one)´ (from Thru the years) and the live song ´Start walkin´´ (from Primal Solos, recorded at Falmer College, Brighton England, 25th May 1968).
| Other info on members of John Mayall Band (I know up to 88 members) | |
|---|---|
| Already covered (4): | Davy Graham, Ric Grech, Keef Hartley, Dick Heckstall-Smith |
| Old pages (6): | Rick Brown, Aynsley Dunbar, Peter Green, Jimmy McCulloch, Tony Reeves, Micky Waller |
| To be covered (77): | Colin Allen, Johnny Almond, Rocky Athas, Ronnie Barron, Jack Bruce, Warren Bryant, Tom Canning, Eric Clapton, Fred Clark, Rick Cortes, Jay Davenport, Roger Dean, Alex Dmochowski, Tim Drummond, Terry Edmunds, Mick Fleetwood, Hughie Flint, Andy Fraser, Mike Gardner, Victor Gaskin, John Gilbey, Don ´Sugarcane´ Harris, High Tide Harris, Martin Hart, Bobby Haynes,... up to 77 musicians. |
WYNDER K FROG
Wynder K. Frog was the pseudonym for great keyboardist Mick Weaver. He assembled a band under his own pseudonym, with a great lineup:
Out of the frying pan is their second album, with a funny cover. Guesting here, some Chris Mercer old companions: the horn section from John Mayall: Dick Heckstall Smith and Henry Lowther. I love this album. It includes covers from Rolling Stones (´Jumpin´ Jack Flash´) and several known songs, plus some others written by Mick.
Into the fire is their third solo album, and here we find the great Shawn Phillips guesting on guitar and vocals.
When they split, the main core went to Grease Band (Mick, Neil, Alan and Bruce), while Rebop later reappeared in Traffic.
|
WYNDER K FROG #1 |
? |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
êJohn Mayall Band |
|||||
Neil Hubbard guitar | Alan Spenner † bass | Mick Weaver keyboards | Chris Mercer sax | Rebop Kwaku Baah † percussion | Bruce Rowland drums |
Joe Cocker Bandê | Joe Cocker Bandê | Joe Cocker Bandê | The Misunderstoodê | Joe Cocker Bandê | |
Out of the frying pan is their second album, with a funny cover. Guesting here, some Chris Mercer old companions: the horn section from John Mayall: Dick Heckstall Smith and Henry Lowther. I love this album. It includes covers from Rolling Stones (´Jumpin´ Jack Flash´) and several known songs, plus some others written by Mick.
Into the fire is their third solo album, and here we find the great Shawn Phillips guesting on guitar and vocals.
When they split, the main core went to Grease Band (Mick, Neil, Alan and Bruce), while Rebop later reappeared in Traffic.
| Other info on members of Wynder K Frog (I know up to 7 members) | |
|---|---|
| Old pages (1): | Mick Weaver |
| To be covered (5): | Rebop Kwaku Baah, Neil Hubbard, Bruce Rowland, Alan Spenner, Drachen Theaker |
THE MISUNDERSTOOD
And then, in 1969, Chris Mercer joins for a very short stint in this revamped band (they had split in 1966), whose leader was steel guitarist Glen 'Ross' Campbell:
They only recorded a single that same year, with the help of Chris´ friend Neil Hubbard on guitar. These tracks appear in the compilation Golden glass.
|
THE MISUNDERSTOOD #? |
1969 |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
êWynder K Frog |
||||||
Steve Hoard † vocals | Ray Owen vocals, guitar | Glenn ´Ross´ Campbell steel guitar | Davy O´List bass, guitar | Chris Mercer sax | Eddie drums | + others unknown to me. Help! |
Juicy Lucyê | Juicy Lucyê | Juicy Lucyê | ||||
They only recorded a single that same year, with the help of Chris´ friend Neil Hubbard on guitar. These tracks appear in the compilation Golden glass.
| Other info on members of The Misunderstood (I know up to 13 members) | |
|---|---|
| To be covered (6): | Rick Brown, Glenn ´Ross´ Campbell, Guy Evans, Davy O´List, Ray Owen, Nic Potter |
JUICY LUCY
Owen, Campbell and Chris Mercer form Juicy Lucy in 1969, rejoining Chris' former companion, Neil Hubbard.
They released a self titled first album, Juicy Lucy, containing a great version of Bo Diddley's song 'Who do you love' (covered by many groups. Now I remember a great rendition from the magnificent Quicksilver Messenger Service). With help from some other musicians, like Loughty Amao (percussion, from Osibisa), Remi Kabaka (percussion).
The band also appears in the rock movie Supersession. I´ll include some snapshots of the movie someday soon.
After a few months, Ray Owen leaves the band, being substituted by Paul Williams.
Changes would continue in the band. Pete Dobson and the great Neil Hubbard also left them, and for a short period, he's replaced by Tommy Eyre (playing guitar, not keyboards!) and a fantastic drummer, Rod Coombes.
In June 1970, this lineup recorded their second album, Lie back and enjoy it.
The band was chosen by Record Mirror magazine in their polls as ´most promising singer/band´ as #4 (ahead of, for example, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie and Black Sabbath!).
New changes again for their third album, Get a whiff of this:
And around July 1971, Chris Mercer left the band (he soon joined Gonzalez), and most of the players left too.
The compilation Who do you love - the best of Juicy Lucy includes some unreleased tracks.
|
JUICY LUCY #1 |
1969-? |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
êThe Misunderstood |
êThe Misunderstood |
êThe Misunderstood |
|||
Ray Owen vocals | Glenn ´Ross´ Campbell steel guitar | Neil Hubbard guitar | Keith Ellis † bass | Chris Mercer sax, piano | Pete Dobson drums |
They released a self titled first album, Juicy Lucy, containing a great version of Bo Diddley's song 'Who do you love' (covered by many groups. Now I remember a great rendition from the magnificent Quicksilver Messenger Service). With help from some other musicians, like Loughty Amao (percussion, from Osibisa), Remi Kabaka (percussion).
The band also appears in the rock movie Supersession. I´ll include some snapshots of the movie someday soon.
After a few months, Ray Owen leaves the band, being substituted by Paul Williams.
|
JUICY LUCY #2 |
1969-? |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paul Williams vocals | Glenn ´Ross´ Campbell steel guitar | Neil Hubbard guitar | Keith Ellis † bass | Chris Mercer sax, piano | Pete Dobson drums |
Changes would continue in the band. Pete Dobson and the great Neil Hubbard also left them, and for a short period, he's replaced by Tommy Eyre (playing guitar, not keyboards!) and a fantastic drummer, Rod Coombes.
|
JUICY LUCY #3 |
? (probably around 1970) |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paul Williams vocals | Glenn ´Ross´ Campbell steel guitar | Tommy Eyre † guitar | Keith Ellis † bass | Chris Mercer sax, piano | Rod Coombes drums |
But Eyre leaves soon, being replaced by another great musician, Micky Moody.
|
JUICY LUCY #4 |
? |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paul Williams vocals | Glenn ´Ross´ Campbell steel guitar | Micky Moody guitar | Keith Ellis † bass | Chris Mercer sax, piano | Rod Coombes drums |
In June 1970, this lineup recorded their second album, Lie back and enjoy it.
The band was chosen by Record Mirror magazine in their polls as ´most promising singer/band´ as #4 (ahead of, for example, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie and Black Sabbath!).
New changes again for their third album, Get a whiff of this:
|
JUICY LUCY #5 |
? - Jul 71 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paul Williams vocals | Glenn ´Ross´ Campbell steel guitar | Micky Moody guitar | Jim Leverton bass | Chris Mercer sax, piano | Rod Coombes drums |
Keef Hartley Bandê | Ro-Roê | ||||
And around July 1971, Chris Mercer left the band (he soon joined Gonzalez), and most of the players left too.
The compilation Who do you love - the best of Juicy Lucy includes some unreleased tracks.
| Other info on members of Juicy Lucy (I know up to 29 members) | |
|---|---|
| Already covered (2): | Rod Coombes, Tommy Eyre |
| Old pages (4): | Ron Berg, Bernie Marsden, Andy Pyle, Henry Spinetti |
| To be covered (22): | Spencer Blackledge, Glenn ´Ross´ Campbell, Mike Deacon, Pete Dobson, Andy Doughty, Keith Ellis, Fletch, Fudge, Bobby Harrison, Neil Hubbard, Mike Jarvis, Jim Leverton, Frankie Miller, Micky Moody, Mr Fish, Ray Owen, Jean Roussel, Bodo Schopf, Terry Stannard, Chrissie Stewart, Dave Tedstone, Paul Williams |
HERBIE GOINS & THE NIGHT TIMERS
Herbie Goins is a veteran from the r&b scene. In 1970, Chris Mercer played some gigs with the band, that was commanded by Mick Eve. Part of the band went to form Gonzalez, as we´re going to read.
I don´t know about the other members at that time (maybe Roy Davies, DeLisle Harper?). Does anybody know, please?
|
HERBIE GOINS & THE NIGHT TIMERS #? |
? |
||
|---|---|---|---|
Herbie Goins vocals | Mick Eve sax | Chris Mercer sax | + others unknown to me. Help! |
I don´t know about the other members at that time (maybe Roy Davies, DeLisle Harper?). Does anybody know, please?
| Other info on members of Herbie Goins & The Night Timers (I know up to 22 members) | |
|---|---|
| Already covered (3): | Speedy Acquaye, Harry Beckett, Hugh Bullen |
| Old pages (1): | Junior Marvin |
| To be covered (13): | Mike Carr, Ron Carthy, Roy Davies, Mick Eve, Herbie Goins, Ian Hague, DeLisle Harper, John Paul Jones, Linda Lewis, Dave Mason, John McLaughlin, Roy O´Temro, Eddie Thornton |
KEEF HARTLEY BAND
The Keef Hartley Band converts into a big band, in order to record a live album in the legendary Marquee in London, called Little big band. This was the personnel list:
|
KEEF HARTLEY BAND #? |
1971 |
|||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
êJuicy Lucy |
||||||||||||||||
Miller Anderson guitar, vocals | Gary Thain † bass | Derek Austin keyboards | Harry Beckett † trumpet | Martin Drover trumpet | Mike Davis trumpet | Terry Noonan trumpet | Michael Rosen trumpet | Chris Mercer sax | Roger Wade sax | Lyn Dobson wind | Barbara Thompson wind | Derek Wadsworth † trombone | Danny Allmark trombone | Pete York percussion | Keef Hartley † drums | Ingrid Thomas backing vocals |
After the live recording, the band turned into their usual aspect (a quintet).
This was one of the latest editions of the Keef Hartley Band:
|
KEEF HARTLEY BAND #? |
? |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Junior Marvin guitar, vocals | Gary Thain † bass | Pete Wingfield keyboards | Chris Mercer sax | Nick Newell sax | Keef Hartley † drums |
They recorded their last album, Seventy second brave, with help from Mick Weaver.
| Other info on members of Keef Hartley Band (I know up to 29 members) | |
|---|---|
| Already covered (7): | Harry Beckett, Dave Caswell, Ian Cruickshank, Dino Dines, Keef Hartley, Lyle Jenkins, Nick Newell |
| Old pages (5): | Miller Anderson, Derek Austin, Jimmy Jewell, Junior Marvin, Mick Weaver |
| To be covered (16): | Danny Allmark, Mike Davis, Lyn Dobson, Martin Drover, Owen Finnegan, Sam Holland, Henry Lowther, Terry Noonan, Michael Rosen, Gary Thain, Ingrid Thomas, Barbara Thompson, Roger Wade, Derek Wadsworth, Pete Wingfield, Pete York |
DR JOHN BAND
This was the Dr John Band around May 1972:
I think there were maybe other players, as a concert review in the New Musical Express spoke about a band of 12. Who were the additional players? It seems that Graham Bond was one of them, but maybe only as a guest?
|
DR JOHN BAND #? |
1972 |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dr John vocals, guitar, keyboards | Ken Klimak guitar | James Calhoun bass | Ronnie Barron † keyboards | Chris Mercer sax | Sydney George sax | Fred Staehle drums | Robbie Montgomery backing vocals | Jessie Smith backing vocals |
I think there were maybe other players, as a concert review in the New Musical Express spoke about a band of 12. Who were the additional players? It seems that Graham Bond was one of them, but maybe only as a guest?
| Other info on members of Dr John Band (I know up to 40 members) | |
|---|---|
| Already covered (1): | Steve York |
| Old pages (1): | Richard Brunton |
| To be covered (37): | David Barard, Eleanor Barooshian, Ronnie Barron, Graham Bond, Alonzo Bowens, Bobby Broom, James Calhoun, Richard Crooks, Ronnie Cuber, Dr John, Herman Ernest, Buzzy Feiten, John Fohl, Richie Fontana, Steve Gadd, Sydney George, Doug Hastings, Karl Himmel, Kim Hutchcroft, Jeanette Jacobs, Joyce Kaye, Ken Klimak, Tammy Lann, Neil Larsen, Don MacAllister,... up to 37 musicians. |
BRYAN FERRY BAND
In 1974, Bryan Ferry plays his first solo concerts backed by a band and a whole orchestra:
|
BRYAN FERRY BAND #1 |
1974 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
êGonzalez |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bryan Ferry vocals | Phil Manzanera guitar | John Wetton bass | John Porter bass | Mike Moran keyboards | Peter Robinson keyboards | Martin Drover trumpet | Paul Cosh trumpet | Chris Mercer sax | Jeff Daly sax | Ronnie Ross † sax | Malcolm Griffiths trombone | Geoff Perkins trombone | Morris Pert † drums, percussion | Doreen Chanter backing vocals | Vicki Brown † backing vocals | Helen Chappelle backing vocals | + | Martyn Ford director | Paul Buckmaster arranger, cello | Neil Tarlton bass | Alan Whalley bass | Helen Liebmann cello | Martin Robinson cello | Kathy Thulborn cello | Gavyn Wright violin | Irvine Arditti violin | Robert Clark violin | Rita Eddowes violin | Liz Edwards violin | Monica Huggett violin | Ian Mackinnon violin | Dee Partridge violin | Richard Studt violin | Robin Williams violin | Brian Mack viola | Donald McVay viola | Cathy Stevens viola | Stephen Tees viola |
Gonzalezê | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
GONZALEZ
Oh, this is hard to track! Gonzalez was a British band, formed around 1971, whose members weren't a stable lineup. The lineup could include from 10 up to 30 musicians. As Chris has told me, Mick Eve was the leader, and Chris himself was co-leader. Carl Douglas was one of the first singers in the band, prior to enter the studio.
When they were ready to record their first album, the main core of the band consisted of:
- George Chandler (vocals)
- Gordon Hunte (guitar)
- DeLisle Harper (bass)
- Roy Davies (keyboards)
- Chris Mercer (sax)
- Geoffrey 'Bud' Beadle (sax)
- Mick Eve (sax)
- Steve Gregory (sax)
- Ron Carthy (trumpet)
- Allan Sharpe (percussion)
- Bobby Stignac (percussion) (as Bobby Johns)
- Richard Bailey (drums)
- Glen LeFleur (drums)
They released their first, self-titled Gonzalez album in 1974, with this lineup.
This is the lineup for Gonzalez in August 1974:
This is the lineup for Gonzalez in November 1974:
Their second album, Our only weapon is our music, was recorded by:
- Viola Wills (vocals)
- Gordon Hunte (guitar)
- Lenny Zakatek (guitar)
- Robert Ahwai (guitar)
- Larry Steele (bass)
- Roy Davies (keyboards)
- Lance Dixon (keyboards)
- Ken Freeman (keyboards)
- Chris Mercer (sax)
- Bud Beadle (sax)
- Mick Eve (sax)
- Steve Gregory (sax)
- Ron Carthy (trumpet)
- Malcolm Griffiths (trombone)
- Godfrey McLean (percussion)
- Allan Sharpe (percussion)
- Preston Heyman (drums)
- Glen LeFleur (drums)
- Bobby Stignac (drums)
Finally there's some Gonzalez album released on CD. There's a 2in1 CD containing the 1st and the 2nd albums (that is, Gonzalez (1974) and Our only weapon is our music (1975)). It's a release from June 1998 in the label See For Miles.
This is the lineup for some BBC sessions for Gonzalez in October 1975, with Viola Wills as guest lead vocals:
The third album, Shipwrecked, features this lineup:
- Linda Taylor (vocals)
- Gordon Hunte (guitar)
- Lenny Zakatek (guitar)
- Steve Waller (guitar, vocals)
- John Giblin (bass)
- Roy Davies (keyboards)
- Chris Mercer (sax)
- Bud Beadle (sax)
- Mick Eve (sax)
- Steve Gregory (sax)
- Ron Carthy (trumpet)
- Colin Jacas (trombone)
- Martin Drover (horns)
- Bobby Stignac (drums)
- Richard Bailey (drums)
For some reason, it seems that Haven't stopped dancin', released in 1979, is a reissue of Shipwrecked (released in 1977).
In their fifth album, Move it to the music, there are new changes:
- Linda Taylor (vocals)
- Alan Marshall (vocals)
- Tim Cansfield (guitar, vocals)
- Hugh Bullen (bass)
- Roy Davies (keyboards)
- Chris Mercer (sax)
- Bud Beadle (sax)
- Ron Carthy (trumpet)
- Colin Jacas (trombone)
- Martin Drover (horns)
- Bobby Stignac (drums)
- Sergio Castillo (drums)
By the way, I saw drummer Sergio Castillo live around 1982, backing a Spanish singer, Miguel Rios (with Thjis Van Leer, from Focus, in the same lineup!). He later became a famed producer in Spain.
Their last album was Watch your step, but I don't know the lineup, as I don't have it. Help, please!
Without any human form to include here all their members, they continued playing together, in their own albums as Gonzalez, as well as in many other albums by different artists, until 1986, when founder member Roy Davies died. Many of the members kept on playing together in a new band, Cayenne.
Some others members who played in Gonzalez are:
- Rosko Gee (bass, later in Can and Traffic)
- Max Middleton also used to play live with them from time to time in the 70s. They were a happy family, weren't they?
And there are some other players that I still have to confirm if they were members of Gonzalez. Please, if someone can help me with this info, it would be very appreciated. These are:
- Janice Hoyte (vocals)
- Winston Delandro (guitar)
- Phil Chen (bass)
- Kuma Harada (bass)
- Jerome Rimson (bass)
- Mark Smith (bass)
- Randy Hope-Taylor (bass)
- Kevin Robinson (trumpet)
- Gerry Conway (drums)
- Trevor Murrell (drums)
When they were ready to record their first album, the main core of the band consisted of:
- George Chandler (vocals)
- Gordon Hunte (guitar)
- DeLisle Harper (bass)
- Roy Davies (keyboards)
- Chris Mercer (sax)
- Geoffrey 'Bud' Beadle (sax)
- Mick Eve (sax)
- Steve Gregory (sax)
- Ron Carthy (trumpet)
- Allan Sharpe (percussion)
- Bobby Stignac (percussion) (as Bobby Johns)
- Richard Bailey (drums)
- Glen LeFleur (drums)
They released their first, self-titled Gonzalez album in 1974, with this lineup.
This is the lineup for Gonzalez in August 1974:
|
GONZALEZ #? |
1974 |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Viola Wills † vocals | Gordon Hunte guitar | DeLisle Harper bass | Roy Davies † keyboards | Ron Carthy † trumpet | Chris Mercer sax | Steve Gregory sax, flute | Mick Eve sax | Bud Beadle horn | Allan Sharpe percussion | Steve Ferrone drums |
This is the lineup for Gonzalez in November 1974:
|
GONZALEZ #? |
1974 |
||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
George Chandler vocals | Gordon Hunte guitar | Robert Ahwai guitar | DeLisle Harper bass | Roy Davies † keyboards | Ron Carthy † trumpet | Chris Mercer sax | Mick Eve sax | Steve Gregory sax, flute | Bud Beadle horn | Bobby Stignac percussion | Glen LeFleur drums |
Their second album, Our only weapon is our music, was recorded by:
- Viola Wills (vocals)
- Gordon Hunte (guitar)
- Lenny Zakatek (guitar)
- Robert Ahwai (guitar)
- Larry Steele (bass)
- Roy Davies (keyboards)
- Lance Dixon (keyboards)
- Ken Freeman (keyboards)
- Chris Mercer (sax)
- Bud Beadle (sax)
- Mick Eve (sax)
- Steve Gregory (sax)
- Ron Carthy (trumpet)
- Malcolm Griffiths (trombone)
- Godfrey McLean (percussion)
- Allan Sharpe (percussion)
- Preston Heyman (drums)
- Glen LeFleur (drums)
- Bobby Stignac (drums)
Finally there's some Gonzalez album released on CD. There's a 2in1 CD containing the 1st and the 2nd albums (that is, Gonzalez (1974) and Our only weapon is our music (1975)). It's a release from June 1998 in the label See For Miles.
This is the lineup for some BBC sessions for Gonzalez in October 1975, with Viola Wills as guest lead vocals:
|
GONZALEZ #? |
1975 |
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
George Chandler vocals | Gordon Hunte guitar | Robert Ahwai guitar | Larry Steele bass | Roy Davies † keyboards | Ron Carthy † trumpet | Chris Mercer sax | Mick Eve sax | Malcolm Griffiths trombone | Bobby Stignac percussion | Glen LeFleur drums | Richard Bailey drums | + | Viola Wills † vocals |
The third album, Shipwrecked, features this lineup:
- Linda Taylor (vocals)
- Gordon Hunte (guitar)
- Lenny Zakatek (guitar)
- Steve Waller (guitar, vocals)
- John Giblin (bass)
- Roy Davies (keyboards)
- Chris Mercer (sax)
- Bud Beadle (sax)
- Mick Eve (sax)
- Steve Gregory (sax)
- Ron Carthy (trumpet)
- Colin Jacas (trombone)
- Martin Drover (horns)
- Bobby Stignac (drums)
- Richard Bailey (drums)
For some reason, it seems that Haven't stopped dancin', released in 1979, is a reissue of Shipwrecked (released in 1977).
In their fifth album, Move it to the music, there are new changes:
- Linda Taylor (vocals)
- Alan Marshall (vocals)
- Tim Cansfield (guitar, vocals)
- Hugh Bullen (bass)
- Roy Davies (keyboards)
- Chris Mercer (sax)
- Bud Beadle (sax)
- Ron Carthy (trumpet)
- Colin Jacas (trombone)
- Martin Drover (horns)
- Bobby Stignac (drums)
- Sergio Castillo (drums)
By the way, I saw drummer Sergio Castillo live around 1982, backing a Spanish singer, Miguel Rios (with Thjis Van Leer, from Focus, in the same lineup!). He later became a famed producer in Spain.
Their last album was Watch your step, but I don't know the lineup, as I don't have it. Help, please!
Without any human form to include here all their members, they continued playing together, in their own albums as Gonzalez, as well as in many other albums by different artists, until 1986, when founder member Roy Davies died. Many of the members kept on playing together in a new band, Cayenne.
Some others members who played in Gonzalez are:
- Rosko Gee (bass, later in Can and Traffic)
- Max Middleton also used to play live with them from time to time in the 70s. They were a happy family, weren't they?
And there are some other players that I still have to confirm if they were members of Gonzalez. Please, if someone can help me with this info, it would be very appreciated. These are:
- Janice Hoyte (vocals)
- Winston Delandro (guitar)
- Phil Chen (bass)
- Kuma Harada (bass)
- Jerome Rimson (bass)
- Mark Smith (bass)
- Randy Hope-Taylor (bass)
- Kevin Robinson (trumpet)
- Gerry Conway (drums)
- Trevor Murrell (drums)
| Other info on members of Gonzalez (I know up to 48 members) | |
|---|---|
| Already covered (5): | Hugh Bullen, Sergio Castillo, Gordon Hunte, Nick Newell, Bobby Stignac |
| Old pages (1): | Bobby Tench |
| To be covered (41): | Robert Ahwai, Louise Arthurworrey, Richard Bailey, Bud Beadle, Tim Cansfield, Ron Carthy, George Chandler, Phil Chen, Gerry Conway, Roy Davies, Winston Delandro, Carl Douglas, Martin Drover, Mick Eve, Steve Ferrone, Rosko Gee, John Giblin, Steve Gregory, Malcolm Griffiths, Kuma Harada, DeLisle Harper, Preston Heyman, Randy Hope-Taylor, Janice Hoyte, Colin Jacas,... up to 41 musicians. |
KOKOMO
Mel Collins was the sax player in Kokomo. But, when some of his work commitments (sessions or other tours) didn´t allow to play with the band, Chris Mercer used to dep for him, as he was an old mate of most of the members. For example, this was Kokomo in February 1975:
|
KOKOMO #? |
1975 |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dyan Birch vocals | Frank Collins vocals | Paddy McHugh vocals | Neil Hubbard guitar | Jim Mullen guitar | Alan Spenner † bass | Tony O´Malley keyboards | Chris Mercer sax | Jody Linscott percussion | Terry Stannard drums |
| Other info on members of Kokomo (I know up to 20 members) | |
|---|---|
| To be covered (19): | Dyan Birch, Frank Collins, Mel Collins, Neil Conti, Andy Hamilton, Bernie Holland, Neil Hubbard, Glen LeFleur, Jody Linscott, Paddy McHugh, Trevor Morais, Jim Mullen, Tony O´Malley, Pino Palladino, Adam Phillips, Mark Smith, Alan Spenner, Terry Stannard, John Sussewell |
LINDA LEWIS BAND
Chris Mercer played with Linda Lewis for a while, but don´t have more info about the period or other musicians involved (maybe Mick Eve?). Help with info, please.
|
LINDA LEWIS BAND #? |
? |
|
|---|---|---|
Linda Lewis vocals | Chris Mercer sax | + others unknown to me. Help! |
| Other info on members of Linda Lewis Band (I know up to 21 members) | |
|---|---|
| Already covered (2): | Bob Jenkins, Jeff Seopardie |
| Old pages (3): | Derek Austin, Jim Cregan, Pat Donaldson |
| To be covered (15): | Arran Ahmun, Robert Ahwai, Lincoln Anderson, Matt Backer, Phil Chen, Roger Dean, Domino, Kwaku Dzidzornu, Brent Forbes, Paul Fredericks, Steve Gregory, Linda Lewis, Max Middleton, Darryl Lee Que, Reg Webb |
OLYMPIC RUNNERS
Great keyboardist, he had his own band, called Olympic Runners, with some musicians who were part of Gonzalez band. Around 1975, his band comprised these members:
|
OLYMPIC RUNNERS #? |
1975 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pete Wingfield keyboards, vocals | Neil Hubbard guitar | Joe Jammer guitar | DeLisle Harper bass | Chris Mercer sax | Glen LeFleur drums |
| Other info on members of Olympic Runners (I know up to 8 members) | |
|---|---|
| To be covered (7): | DeLisle Harper, Neil Hubbard, Joe Jammer, Glen LeFleur, Jerome Rimson, Peter Van Hooke, Pete Wingfield |
CHRIS FARLOWE BAND
Chris Mercer joined Chris Farlowe's band for a short tour in November and December 1975:
They released in 1976 the live album The Chris Farlowe Band live.
|
CHRIS FARLOWE BAND # |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chris Farlowe vocals | Albert Lee guitar | Pat Donaldson bass | Jean Roussel keyboards | Ron Carthy † trumpet | Chris Mercer sax | Gerry Conway drums | Madeline Bell backing vocals | Joanne Williams † backing vocals |
They released in 1976 the live album The Chris Farlowe Band live.
| Other info on members of Chris Farlowe Band (I know up to 46 members) | |
|---|---|
| Already covered (6): | Dave Bronze, Doreen Chanter, Irene Chanter, Terry ´Tex´ Comer, Chris Parren, Joanne Williams |
| Old pages (5): | Miller Anderson, Pat Donaldson, Tim Hinkley, Colin Hodgkinson, Steve Simpson |
| To be covered (34): | Dave Baldwin, Norman Beaker, Madeline Bell, The Big Figure, Paul Burgess, Ron Carthy, Ricky Charman, Gerry Conway, Pat Crumly, Albie Donnelly, Chris Farlowe, Dave Greenslade, Steve Gregory, Ian Hague, Damian Hand, Kuma Harada, Ray King, Albert Lee, Micky Moody, Charlie Morgan, Carl Palmer, Phil Palmer, Simon Phillips, John Price, Peter Robinson,... up to 34 musicians. |
THE GOODIES
The Goodies was a trio of comedians starring a TV series in the mid 70s. In 1976, they made a special episode as a live concert, with this fantastic backing band:
|
THE GOODIES #? |
1976 |
||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bill Oddie vocals | Tim Brooke-Taylor vocals | Graeme Garden vocals | + | Paul Keogh guitar | Ricky Hitchcock guitar | Alan Parker guitar | Chris Rae guitar | Brian Odgers bass | Graham Preskett keyboards | Chris Mercer sax | Ron Aspery † sax | Simon Burns | Barry Morgan † drums | Joy Yates backing vocals | Jacqui Sullivan backing vocals |
| Other info on members of The Goodies (I know up to 19 members) | |
|---|---|
| Already covered (1): | Steve York |
| To be covered (13): | Ron Aspery, Isaac Guillory, Tony Hicks, Ricky Hitchcock, Paul Keogh, Dave MacRae, Barry Morgan, Brian Odgers, Alan Parker, Graham Preskett, Chris Rae, Jacqui Sullivan, Joy Yates |
BRYAN FERRY BAND (again)
During a hiatus in Roxy Music, Bryan assembled a big live band for promoting his latest album. Chris Mercer was recruited there again (he had been playing regularly in Bryan studio albums, as we can check in the discography below):
The tour lasted from January 1977 to July 1977, although some concerts were made without the backing vocal section (or with different singers, as we´re going to read).
This is the impressive lineup that appeared in New York in June 1977, with the vocal section slightly changed (instead of the Kokomo singers):
|
BRYAN FERRY BAND #? |
Jan 77-Jul 77 |
||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bryan Ferry vocals | Chris Spedding guitar | Phil Manzanera guitar | John Wetton bass | Ann Odell keyboards | Martin Drover trumpet | Mel Collins sax | Chris Mercer sax | Paul Thompson drums | Dyan Birch backing vocals | Paddy McHugh backing vocals | Frank Collins backing vocals |
The tour lasted from January 1977 to July 1977, although some concerts were made without the backing vocal section (or with different singers, as we´re going to read).
This is the impressive lineup that appeared in New York in June 1977, with the vocal section slightly changed (instead of the Kokomo singers):
|
BRYAN FERRY BAND #? |
Jun 77 |
||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bryan Ferry vocals | Chris Spedding guitar | Phil Manzanera guitar | John Wetton bass | Ann Odell keyboards | Mel Collins sax | Chris Mercer sax | Martin Drover trumpet | Paul Thompson drums | Doreen Chanter backing vocals | Helen Chappelle backing vocals | Jacqui Sullivan backing vocals |
| Other info on members of Bryan Ferry Band (I know up to 76 members) | |
|---|---|
| Already covered (2): | Doreen Chanter, Morris Pert |
| Old pages (2): | Jon Carin, David Gilmour |
| To be covered (71): | Sewuese Abwa, Irvine Arditti, Dyan Birch, Sarah Brown, Vicki Brown, Paul Buckmaster, Jorja Chalmers, Helen Chappelle, Robert Clark, Michelle Cobbs, Frank Collins, Mel Collins, Paul Cosh, Jeff Daly, Iain Dixon, Martin Drover, Rita Eddowes, Liz Edwards, Bryan Ferry, Tara Ferry, Martyn Ford, Colin Good, Aleysha Gordon, Mick Green, Malcolm Griffiths,... up to 71 musicians. |
FRANKIE MILLER BAND
When two of the members of Frankie Miller Band left, he assembles this new lineup to appear at Reading Festival in August 1977:
This was the band that toured in November 1977.
In December 1977, Moody starts rehearsals with new band Whitesnake. Chrissie Stewart is asked to join them, but declines. Moody still plays with Miller in February 78, but immediately leaves to start first gigs with Whitesnake.
This was the new Frankie Miller Band in March 1978 with great additions (Ray Russell on guitar plus two backing vocalists):
I´m not sure who are the backing vocalists. Can someone confirm their names, please?
They released an album, Double trouble, as well as toured in March 1978.
A slightly different lineup in May 1978, with Tony O´Malley instead of Paul Carrack:
In May 1978, another great guitarist joins, Hughie Burns:
But, by September 1978, Frankie Miller carried on with a completely different lineup.
Can someone confirm me if Carrack and Drover were part of the band at this time, please?
|
FRANKIE MILLER BAND #? |
Aug 77 |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Frankie Miller vocals | Neil Hubbard guitar | Chrissie Stewart bass | Paul Carrack keyboards, vocals | Chris Mercer sax | Martin Drover trumpet | B J Wilson † drums |
This was the band that toured in November 1977.
|
FRANKIE MILLER BAND #? |
Oct 77-Feb 78 |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Frankie Miller vocals | Micky Moody guitar | Chrissie Stewart bass | Paul Carrack keyboards, vocals | Chris Mercer sax | Martin Drover trumpet | B J Wilson † drums |
In December 1977, Moody starts rehearsals with new band Whitesnake. Chrissie Stewart is asked to join them, but declines. Moody still plays with Miller in February 78, but immediately leaves to start first gigs with Whitesnake.
This was the new Frankie Miller Band in March 1978 with great additions (Ray Russell on guitar plus two backing vocalists):
|
FRANKIE MILLER BAND #? |
Mar 78 |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Frankie Miller vocals | Ray Russell guitar | Chrissie Stewart bass | Paul Carrack keyboards, vocals | Chris Mercer sax | Martin Drover trumpet | B J Wilson † drums | Dyan Birch backing vocals | Bonnie Wilkinson backing vocals |
I´m not sure who are the backing vocalists. Can someone confirm their names, please?
They released an album, Double trouble, as well as toured in March 1978.
A slightly different lineup in May 1978, with Tony O´Malley instead of Paul Carrack:
|
FRANKIE MILLER BAND #? |
May 78 |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Frankie Miller vocals | Ray Russell guitar | Chrissie Stewart bass | Tony O´Malley keyboards, vocals | Chris Mercer sax | Martin Drover trumpet | B J Wilson † drums | Dyan Birch backing vocals | Bonnie Wilkinson backing vocals |
In May 1978, another great guitarist joins, Hughie Burns:
|
FRANKIE MILLER BAND #? |
May 78-Sep 78 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Frankie Miller vocals | Hugh Burns guitar | Chrissie Stewart bass | Chris Mercer sax | B J Wilson † drums |
But, by September 1978, Frankie Miller carried on with a completely different lineup.
Can someone confirm me if Carrack and Drover were part of the band at this time, please?
| Other info on members of Frankie Miller Band (I know up to 41 members) | |
|---|---|
| Already covered (3): | Dave Bronze, Terry ´Tex´ Comer, Chris Parren |
| Old pages (5): | Paul Carrack, Ray Minhinnet, Ray Russell, Steve Simpson, Mick Weaver |
| To be covered (32): | Dyan Birch, Hugh Burns, Fran Byrne, Chris Copping, Roger Cotton, Paul Cox, Graham Deacon, Ed Deane, Martin Drover, Andy Fraser, John Gilbert, John Gordon, Jimmy Hall, Charlie Harrison, Neil Hubbard, Nick Judd, Simon Kirke, Paul Kossoff, Jim Leverton, Ray Majors, John Marter, Henry McCullough, Frankie Miller, Micky Moody, Malcolm Mortimore,... up to 32 musicians. |
THE FAMOUS BLUESBLASTERS
This was a semi-pro band commanded by harmonicist John O´Leary, probably around the end of the seventies.
I don´t know about exact lineups, but great musicians played here, such as Chris Mercer (sax), Dick Heckstall-Smith (sax), Peter Bardens (keyboards), Keith Tillman (bass), Victor Brox (vocals, piano), Kenny Shaw (guitar), Tim Jones (guitar), Roger Jones (drums), etc.
One of the probable lineups was: O´Leary, Eric Bell, Keith Tillman, Victor Brox, etc.
Their success was high, so they went professional under the new name of Mainsqueeze, although Chris didn´t join.
I don´t know about exact lineups, but great musicians played here, such as Chris Mercer (sax), Dick Heckstall-Smith (sax), Peter Bardens (keyboards), Keith Tillman (bass), Victor Brox (vocals, piano), Kenny Shaw (guitar), Tim Jones (guitar), Roger Jones (drums), etc.
One of the probable lineups was: O´Leary, Eric Bell, Keith Tillman, Victor Brox, etc.
Their success was high, so they went professional under the new name of Mainsqueeze, although Chris didn´t join.
AND THEN...
And then, Chris emigrated to the States, and started playing in bands in Portland, Oregon. I still have to make this part of his biography more complete, but meanwhile I just mention a few bands.
PAUL DE LAY BAND
In 1982, Chris Mercer met the Paul De Lay Band, and after jamming with them, he joins the group:
Don´t know how much time Chris spent here, and if he was present in other different lineups. Help, please...
|
PAUL DE LAY BAND # |
1982-? |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paul De Lay † harmonica, vocals | Jim Mesi guitar | Don Campbell bass | D K Stewart keyboards | Chris Mercer sax | Paul Jones drums |
Don´t know how much time Chris spent here, and if he was present in other different lineups. Help, please...
PIN & THE HORN-ITS
Chris' current band for the last ten years in Oregon has been Pin and the Horn-Its, a ten piece R&B band based in Portland, led by guitarist Larry ´Pin´ Pindar. They usually play in some of the big blues festivals out here. They have released a CD, as well as appearing in the collective live album 1993 Portland Waterfront Blues Festival.
Their album, Stinging the blues, contains mostly covers (by Willie Dixon, Earl King, B.B. King, etc.), plus one original song, ´Old friends´.
|
PIN & THE HORN-ITS #? |
? |
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Larry Pindar guitar, vocals | Mike Cross vocals, guitar | Chris Giunta bass | Larry Dean keyboards, vocals | Rick Rier trumpet, trombone | Steve Cannon trumpet | Dave Mills trumpet | Chris Mercer sax | John Granger sax | Brad Ulrich sax | Mike Klobas drums |
Their album, Stinging the blues, contains mostly covers (by Willie Dixon, Earl King, B.B. King, etc.), plus one original song, ´Old friends´.
LILY WILDE AND HER JUMPIN´ JUBILEE ORCHESTRA
Still a member of Pin & The Horn-Its, Chris Mercer also makes some substitutions in this band. Chris and Lily had already worked together in the early 80s. Lily is a very talented singer, and her orchestra is fantastic:
They released a superb album, Insect ball. This is not blues or rock, but swing at its best! An absolute delight! I've always loved those old jazz records by big bands and orchestras (Duke Ellington, Chick Webb, Count Basie, Woody Herman, Tommy Dorsey). In the album, Chris acts as co-producer, arranger and also plays in some songs (´Insect ball´, ´Till my baby comes back´,´Go ahead and rock´, ´Work baby work´, and a fantastic rendition of ´Stormy weather´).
This was a different lineup for Lily Wilde Orchestra around 2001:
|
LILY WILDE AND HER JUMPIN´ JUBILEE ORCHESTRA #? |
? |
||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lily Wilde vocals | Michael Gargano guitar | Joey Seifers bass | OR | Willy Barber bass | Bill Beach keyboards | Gavin Bondy trumpet | Chris Schell trumpet | Brett White trumpet | Bryan Dickerson sax | Danny Schauffler sax | Pete Petersen sax | Mike Kelly sax | Chris Mercer sax | Stan Bock trombone | Lew Chapman trombone | Monte Skillings trombone | Tom Royer drums |
They released a superb album, Insect ball. This is not blues or rock, but swing at its best! An absolute delight! I've always loved those old jazz records by big bands and orchestras (Duke Ellington, Chick Webb, Count Basie, Woody Herman, Tommy Dorsey). In the album, Chris acts as co-producer, arranger and also plays in some songs (´Insect ball´, ´Till my baby comes back´,´Go ahead and rock´, ´Work baby work´, and a fantastic rendition of ´Stormy weather´).
This was a different lineup for Lily Wilde Orchestra around 2001:
|
LILY WILDE AND HER JUMPIN´ JUBILEE ORCHESTRA #? |
? |
|||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lily Wilde vocals | Michael Gargano guitar | Albert Reda bass | Brian Ward keyboards | Greg Garrett trumpet | Brett White trumpet | Bryan Dickerson sax | Pete Petersen sax | Mike Kelly sax | Chris Mercer sax | Lars Campbell trombone | Lew Chapman trombone | Tom Royer drums |
D K STEWART BAND
The D K Stewart Band usually augments their quartet with a horn section called the Soul Survivor Horns, with Chris Mercer and Joe McCarthy:
|
D K STEWART BAND # |
? |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
D K Stewart vocals, keyboards | Peter Dammann guitar | Don Campbell bass | Cory Burden drums | + | Chris Mercer sax | Joe McCarthy trumpet |
SOLO ALBUMS
Although it's not a known fact, Chris has a solo album. It's called Anglo-sax man. Some of the players that appear with Chris are:
- Neil Hubbard (guitar)
- Gordon Hunte (guitar)
- Joe 'Jammer' Wright (guitar)
- Roy Davies (keyboards)
- Phil Chen (bass)
- Glenn LeFleur (drums)
- Richard Bailey (drums)
- Miguel Baradas (steel drums)
- The Gonzalez horn guys
The album was recorded in London in 1974, and mixed in L.A, but apparently it remained unreleased until 1977.
- Neil Hubbard (guitar)
- Gordon Hunte (guitar)
- Joe 'Jammer' Wright (guitar)
- Roy Davies (keyboards)
- Phil Chen (bass)
- Glenn LeFleur (drums)
- Richard Bailey (drums)
- Miguel Baradas (steel drums)
- The Gonzalez horn guys
The album was recorded in London in 1974, and mixed in L.A, but apparently it remained unreleased until 1977.
AND MORE...
I still have to include the info about these bands where Chris played:
- Herbie Goins & The Night Timers
- and more lineups of Keef Hartley Band with Chris.
Chris Mercer himself has told me he has played in albums by The Maytals, Bob Marley, Doris Troy, Jess Roden, Mick Taylor, Alan Parsons, Chris Rea, Moody Blues, Billy Ocean, Squeeze and Paul Nicholas, but I still need to find out which albums are. If anyone can help, the info would be very appreciated.
- Herbie Goins & The Night Timers
- and more lineups of Keef Hartley Band with Chris.
Chris Mercer himself has told me he has played in albums by The Maytals, Bob Marley, Doris Troy, Jess Roden, Mick Taylor, Alan Parsons, Chris Rea, Moody Blues, Billy Ocean, Squeeze and Paul Nicholas, but I still need to find out which albums are. If anyone can help, the info would be very appreciated.
CONTACT
If some of his old companions read this page, you can contact him directly at anglosaxman@comcast.net.
DISCOGRAPHY: (146 albums known to me - Status: Quite advanced)
OWN ALBUMS (1 credit)
- Anglo-sax man - Chris Mercer (1977)
- Members: Chris Mercer
- Guests: Robert Ahwai, Richard Bailey, Paul Buckmaster, Phil Chen, Nick Evans, Mick Eve, Ken Freeman, Steve Gregory, Neil Hubbard, Gordon Hunte, Joe Jammer, Remi Kabaka, Glen LeFleur, Norman Leppard, Junior Marvin, Jean Roussel, Allan Sharpe, Mick Weaver (RIP: Ron Carthy, Roy Davies, Alan Spenner)
- Comments: The album was recorded in London in 1974, and mixed in L.A, but apparently it remained unreleased until 1977.
- Crusade - John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers (09/1967)
- Members: Rip Kant, John Mayall, John McVie, Chris Mercer, Mick Taylor (RIP: Keef Hartley)
- Producer: Mike Vernon
- Technical: (RIP: Gus Dudgeon)
- Out of the frying pan - Wynder K Frog (1968)
- Members: Neil Hubbard, Chris Mercer, Bruce Rowland, Mick Weaver (RIP: Rebop Kwaku Baah, Alan Spenner)
- Guests: Henry Lowther (RIP: Dick Heckstall-Smith)
- Producer: (RIP: Gus Dudgeon, Jimmy Miller)
- Diary of a band, vol 1 - John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers (01/1968)
- Members: John Mayall, Chris Mercer, Mick Taylor, Keith Tillman, Paul Williams (RIP: Keef Hartley, Dick Heckstall-Smith)
- Producer: Mike Vernon
- Technical: (RIP: Gus Dudgeon)
- Diary of a band, vol 2 - John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers (01/1968)
- Members: John Mayall, Chris Mercer, Mick Taylor, Keith Tillman (RIP: Keef Hartley, Dick Heckstall-Smith)
- Producer: Mike Vernon
- Technical: (RIP: Gus Dudgeon)
- Bare wires - John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers (06/1968)
- Members: Jon Hiseman, Henry Lowther, John Mayall, Chris Mercer, Tony Reeves, Mick Taylor (RIP: Dick Heckstall-Smith)
- Producer: Mike Vernon
- Technical: Derek Varnals
- Juicy Lucy - Juicy Lucy (1969)
- Members: Glenn ´Ross´ Campbell, Pete Dobson, Neil Hubbard, Chris Mercer, Ray Owen (RIP: Keith Ellis)
- Guests: Remi Kabaka (RIP: Loughty Amao)
- Halfbreed - Keef Hartley Band (03/1969)
- Members: Miller Anderson, Ian Cruickshank, Lyn Dobson, Henry Lowther, Chris Mercer (RIP: Harry Beckett, Dino Dines, Keef Hartley, Gary Thain)
- Guests: John Mayall
- Producer: Neil Slaven
- Technical: Derek Varnals
- Comments: In Halfbreed, there's a horn section to enrich their sound (mainly Hartley former bandmates in John Mayall band): Henry Lowther (trumpet, violin), Harry Beckett (trumpet), Lyn Dobson (tenor sax, flute), Chris Mercer (tenor sax). CD reissue by Deram contains 1 bonus track.
- Looking back - John Mayall (08/1969)
- Members: Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton, Aynsley Dunbar, Mick Fleetwood, Hughie Flint, Peter Green, Martin Hart, Henry Lowther, John Mayall, John McVie, Chris Mercer, Mick Taylor, Bernie Watson, Paul Williams (RIP: Johnny Almond, Roger Dean, Keef Hartley, Dick Heckstall-Smith)
- Guests: Nick Newell
- Producer: Mike Vernon
- Comments: Looking back comprises 11 tracks, none of them ever available on an album. There are songs from 1964 to 1967. Other musicians: Hughie Flint (2 tracks), Chris Mercer (x tracks), Keef Hartley (2 tracks), Aynsley Dunbar (3 tracks). And with fantastic guitar players: the late Roger Dean, Eric Clapton (1 song), Peter Green (7 songs!!!) and Mick Taylor (1 song).
- The Battle of North West Six - Keef Hartley Band (11/1969)
- Members: Miller Anderson, Ian Cruickshank, Mike Davis, Lyn Dobson, Jimmy Jewell, Henry Lowther, Chris Mercer, Barbara Thompson, Mick Weaver (RIP: Harry Beckett, Keef Hartley, Gary Thain)
- Guests: Mick Taylor, Ray Warleigh
- Producer: Neil Slaven
- Technical: John Punter, Derek Varnals
- Comments: The battle of North West Six is their second album. It was still recorded with Spit James in the band, with contributions from Mick Taylor (The Rolling Stones) guesting on guitar on one track. Plus Mike Davis (trumpet), Harry Beckett (trumpet, flugelhorn), Lynn Dobson (tenor saxophone, flute), Chris Mercer (tenor saxophone), Barbara Thompson (baritone saxophone, flute) and Ray Warleigh (flute).
- My opinion: Another superb album.
- Into the fire - Wynder K Frog (1970)
- Members: Neil Hubbard, Chris Mercer, Bruce Rowland, Mick Weaver (RIP: Alan Spenner)
- Guests: Rocky Dzidzornu, Shawn Phillips
- Lie back and enjoy it - Juicy Lucy (1970)
- Members: Glenn ´Ross´ Campbell, Rod Coombes, Chris Mercer, Micky Moody, Paul Williams (RIP: Keith Ellis)
- Get a whiff a this - Juicy Lucy (1971)
- Members: Glenn ´Ross´ Campbell, Rod Coombes, Jim Leverton, Chris Mercer, Micky Moody, Paul Williams
- Thru the years - John Mayall (1971)
- Members: Aynsley Dunbar, Hughie Flint, Peter Green, Martin Hart, Jon Hiseman, Henry Lowther, John Mayall, John McVie, Chris Mercer, Tony Reeves, Mick Taylor, Bernie Watson, Paul Williams (RIP: Roger Dean, Keef Hartley, Dick Heckstall-Smith)
- Producer: Mike Vernon
- Technical: Bill Price, Derek Varnals (RIP: Gus Dudgeon)
- Comments: Thru the years (originally a 2LP, including the complete Looking back LP inside), now it has been released as a 1CD, with just the tracks not yet included in Looking back. It comprises 14 tracks, none of them ever available on an album. Some musicians featured: Hughie Flint (2 tracks), Keef Hartley (1 track), Aynsley Dunbar (7 tracks), Chris Mercer (x tracks), Roger Dean. Noted appearances: Peter Green (8 songs, some of them just superb!), Mick Taylor (3 tracks), and several of the musicians who later formed Colosseum: Jon Hiseman, Tony Reeves and Dick Heckstall Smith.
- My opinion: My opinion about those two rarities album is that they have a very good quality. I love them!!
- Sun, moon & herbs - Dr. John (09/1971)
- Members: Dr John, Tammy Lann, Chris Mercer, Fred Staehle, Steve York (RIP: Ronnie Barron, Graham Bond)
- Guests: P P Arnold, Jesse Boyce, Victor Brox, Eric Clapton, Walter Davis, Jim Gordon, Jack Hale, Wayne Jackson, Mick Jagger, Jerome Jumonville, Bobby Keys, John Pearson, Jim Price, Calvin ´Fuzzy´ Samuels, Bobby Whitlock (RIP: Ray Draper, Ed Logan, Andrew Love, James Mitchell, Carl Radle, Doris Troy)
- Comments: A great artist and performer. Born Mac Rebennack, he has always had the respect of the musicians. This album includes guest collaborations from the complete Eric Clapton band these days, Derek & The Dominos: Eric Clapton (guitar), the late Carl Radle (bass), Bobby Whitlock (keyboards) and Jim Gordon (drums). Plus Mick Jagger (vocals), Graham Bond (sax), Ronnie Barron (keyboards), Steve York (bass), Jesse Boyce (bass), Victor Brox (keyboards), Calvin 'Fuzzy' Samuels (bass), Wayne Jackson & Andrew Love (Memphis Horns), Chris Mercer (sax), Jerome Jumonville (sax), Bobby Keys (sax), etc. Backing vocals by Doris Troy, P.P. Arnold and Shirley Goodman.
- Little big band - Keef Hartley Band (10/1971)
- Members: Danny Allmark, Miller Anderson, Derek Austin, Mike Davis, Lyn Dobson, Martin Drover, Henry Lowther, Chris Mercer, Terry Noonan, Michael Rosen, Ingrid Thomas, Barbara Thompson, Roger Wade, Pete York (RIP: Harry Beckett, Keef Hartley, Gary Thain, Derek Wadsworth)
- Producer: Neil Slaven
- Technical: Roy Thomas Baker
- Seventy second brave - Keef Hartley Band (1972)
- Members: Junior Marvin, Chris Mercer, Nick Newell, Mick Weaver, Pete Wingfield (RIP: Keef Hartley, Gary Thain)
- Comments: This was their last album. Recorded by the lineup featuring Junior Kerr, Gary Thain, Pete Wingfield, Chris Mercer, Nick Newell and Keef Hartley, with contributions by mate Mick Weaver.
- Down the line - John Mayall (1972)
- Members: Colin Allen, Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton, Aynsley Dunbar, Hughie Flint, Peter Green, Jon Hiseman, Rip Kant, John Mayall, John McVie, Chris Mercer, Nigel Stanger, Mick Taylor, Steven Thompson (RIP: Johnny Almond, Roger Dean, Keef Hartley)
- Guests: Alan Skidmore, Ray Warleigh
- Fathoms deep - Linda Lewis (1973)
- Members: Robert Ahwai, Phil Chen, Jim Cregan, Domino, Steve Gregory, Linda Lewis, Chris Mercer, Max Middleton
- Guests: Richard Bailey, Clive Chaman, Mick Eve, Conrad Isidore, Poli Palmer, Allan Sharpe, Larry Steele, Bobby Tench, Danny Thompson (RIP: Ron Carthy, Lowell George)
- Comments: A very talented singer who collaborated with artists such as Cat Stevens, Pete Bardens (from Camel), Elton John, David Bowie, Chris Spedding, and many other artists, such as Streetwalkers and Hummingbird. On this album, we can find the late Lowell George (guitar, from Little Feat), her then-husband Jim Cregan (guitar, from Family), Danny Thompson (bass, from Pentangle), Phil Chen (bass, then in Keef Hartley Band) and Poli Palmer (flute, from Family). From Hummingbird: Bobby Tench (guitar), Robert Ahwai (guitar), Clive Chaman (bass), Max Middleton (keyboards) and Conrad Isadore (drums). From Gonzalez: Chris Mercer (sax), Richard Bailey (drums), Ron Carthy (trumpet), Mick Eve (sax), Steve Gregory (sax, keyboards).
- Gonzalez - Gonzalez (1974)
- Members: Richard Bailey, Bud Beadle, George Chandler, Mick Eve, Steve Gregory, Delisle Harper, Gordon Hunte, Glen LeFleur, Chris Mercer, Allan Sharpe, Bobby Stignac (RIP: Ron Carthy, Roy Davies)
- Technical: John Burns (RIP: Tony Clarke)
- Comments: There was a vinyl reissue in year 2000 from the label Soul Brother that deleted some tracks from the original album and added 3 tracks taken from Our only weapon is our music.
- Another time, another place - Bryan Ferry (07/1974)
- Members: Helen Chappelle, Paul Cosh, Jeff Daly, Martin Drover, Bryan Ferry, Martyn Ford, Malcolm Griffiths, Chris Mercer, Ann Odell, John Porter, Peter Robinson, Paul Thompson, John Wetton (RIP: Vicki Brown, Morris Pert, Ronnie Ross)
- Guests: Tony Carr, Bob Efford, Jimmy Hastings, Henry Lowther, Davy O´List, Chris Pyne, Alfie Reece, Bruce Rowland, Steve Saunders, Alan Skidmore, Barry St John, Liza Strike, Mark Warner (RIP: Tony Charles, Ruan O´Lochlainn)
- Producer: John Punter
- Comments: Another time, another place is Bryan Ferry´s second solo album. With people like: the great Mark Warner (guitar), Davy O'List (guitar, from The Nice and briefly in Roxy Music), John Wetton (bass, violin), John Porter (bass), Peter Robinson (keyboards), Chris Mercer (sax), Henry Lowther (trumpet), Alan Skidmore (sax), Jimmy Hastings (wind), Morris Pert (percussion), Bruce Rowlands (drums), Paul Thompson (drums).
- Our only weapon is our music - Gonzalez (1975)
- Members: Robert Ahwai, Bud Beadle, Mick Eve, Steve Gregory, Malcolm Griffiths, Preston Heyman, Gordon Hunte, Glen LeFleur, Godfrey McLean, Chris Mercer, Allan Sharpe, Larry Steele, Bobby Stignac, Lenny Zakatek (RIP: Ron Carthy, Roy Davies)
- Guests: Lance Dixon, Ken Freeman (RIP: Viola Wills)
- Breakfast special - Pete Wingfield (1975)
- Members: Delisle Harper, Neil Hubbard, Joe Jammer, Glen LeFleur, Chris Mercer, Pete Wingfield
- Comments: With: Joseph Edward Wright (aka Joe Jammer) (guitar), Neil Hubbard (guitar), DeLisle Harper (bass), Pete Wingfield (keyboards, vocals), Chris Mercer (sax), and Glen LeFleur (drums).
- Live! - The Chris Farlowe Band (1976)
- Members: Madeline Bell, Gerry Conway, Pat Donaldson, Chris Farlowe, Albert Lee, Chris Mercer, Jean Roussel (RIP: Ron Carthy, Joanne Williams)
- Comments: Recorded live during 2 different concerts in July and August 1975.
- Let´s stick together - Bryan Ferry (September 1976)
- Members: Doreen Chanter, Helen Chappelle, Mel Collins, Martin Drover, Bryan Ferry, Neil Hubbard, Phil Manzanera, Paddy McHugh, Chris Mercer, Ann Odell, John Porter, Chris Spedding, Jacqui Sullivan, Paul Thompson, John Wetton (RIP: Vicki Brown, Morris Pert)
- Guests: John Gustafson, Eddie Jobson, Davy O´List, Rick Wills
- Producer: Chris Thomas
- Technical: Bob Ludwig, Steve Nye, John Punter, Nigel Walker
- Comments: Let's stick together is Ferry´s fourth album, although it comprises of outtakes, from both Bryan Ferry solo career and Roxy Music tracks. The basic band for the album is: Bryan Ferry (vocals, keyboards, harmonica) Chris Spedding (guitar) John Wetton (bass) Chris Mercer (sax) Paul Thompson (drums) But we can also find Phil Manzanera (guitar on 1 track), Davy O'List (guitar on 1 track), Neil Hubbard (guitar on the track 'Casanova'), John Gustafson (bass on the song 'Re-make/Re-model'), John Porter (bass on 1 track), Rick Wills (bass on the track 'Sea breezes'), Eddie Jobson (keyboards, violin), Mel Collins (sax), Martin Drover (trumpet), Morris Pert (percussion), Ann Odell (string arrangements), and backing vocals by Jacqui Sullivan, Helen Chappelle, Paddie McHugh, Doreen Chanter, Vicki Brown, Martha Walker.
- Shipwrecked - Gonzalez (1977)
- Members: Richard Bailey, Bud Beadle, Martin Drover, Mick Eve, John Giblin, Steve Gregory, Gordon Hunte, Colin Jacas, Chris Mercer, Bobby Stignac, Linda Taylor, Lenny Zakatek (RIP: Ron Carthy, Roy Davies, Steve Waller)
- Primal solos - John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers (1977)
- Members: Colin Allen, Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton, Hughie Flint, Jon Hiseman, Henry Lowther, John Mayall, Chris Mercer, Tony Reeves, Mick Taylor, Steven Thompson (RIP: Dick Heckstall-Smith)
- Comments: Primal solos contains live tracks dating from April 1966 (5 tracks with Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Hughie Flint), May 1968 (2 tracks with Mick Taylor, Tony Reeves, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Chris Mercer, Henry Lowther, Jon Hiseman) and December 1968 (1 track with Mick Taylor, Steven Thompson, Colin Allen).
- In your mind - Bryan Ferry (February 1977)
- Members: Dyan Birch, Doreen Chanter, Helen Chappelle, Frank Collins, Mel Collins, Martin Drover, Bryan Ferry, Neil Hubbard, Phil Manzanera, Paddy McHugh, Chris Mercer, Ann Odell, John Porter, Chris Spedding, Jacqui Sullivan, Paul Thompson, John Wetton (RIP: Morris Pert)
- Guests: Ray Cooper, Preston Heyman, Dave Skinner
- Producer: Steve Nye
- Technical: Bob Ludwig, Nigel Walker
- Comments: In your mind is Ferry´s fifth album. With: Phil Manzanera (guitar), Chris Spedding (guitar), Neil Hubbard (guitar), John Wetton (bass), John Porter (bass), Ann Odell (keyboards), Chris Mercer (sax), Mel Collins (sax), Martin Drover (trumpet), Ray Cooper (percussion), Morris Pert (percussion), Paul Thompson (drums), with David Skinner and Preston Hayward, plus backing vocals by Frankie Collins, Paddie McHugh, Dyan Birch (all three from Kokomo, along with Neil Hubbard), Jacquie Sullivan, Helen Chappelle and Doreen Chanter. The horn arrangements were done by Chris Mercer and Mel Collins, and strings were arranged by Ann Odell. It was recorded in London during 1976-77.
- Double trouble - Frankie Miller (1978)
- Members: Paul Carrack, Martin Drover, Chris Mercer, Frankie Miller, Ray Russell, Chrissie Stewart (RIP: B J Wilson)
- Guests: Lani Groves, Eric Troyer
- Technical: Nigel Walker
- Move it to the music - Gonzalez (1979)
- Members: Bud Beadle, Hugh Bullen, Tim Cansfield, Martin Drover, Colin Jacas, Alan Marshall, Chris Mercer, Bobby Stignac, Linda Taylor (RIP: Ron Carthy, Sergio Castillo, Roy Davies)
- Haven´t stopped dancin´ - Gonzalez (1979)
- Members: Richard Bailey, Bud Beadle, Martin Drover, Mick Eve, John Giblin, Steve Gregory, Gordon Hunte, Colin Jacas, Chris Mercer, Bobby Stignac, Linda Taylor, Lenny Zakatek (RIP: Ron Carthy, Roy Davies, Steve Waller)
- Guests: Paul Riser
- Producer: Gloria Jones
- Technical: Wally Traugott
- Watch your step - Gonzalez (1980)
- Members: Chris Mercer
- The Blue one - The Paul De Lay Band (1985)
- Members: Chris Mercer (RIP: Paul De Lay)
- Comments: Paul DeLay was a blues singer and harmonicist. Chris Mercer plays in two of his albums, as far as I know.
- Burnin´ - The Paul De Lay Band (1988)
- Members: Chris Mercer (RIP: Paul De Lay)
- The Sun Valley sessions - Dave Stewart (1988)
- Members: Chris Mercer
- Comments: Dave Stewart later changed his stage name to D K Stewart.
- Haven´t stopped - Gonzalez (1996)
- Members: Robert Ahwai, Richard Bailey, Bud Beadle, Tim Cansfield, Martin Drover, Mick Eve, John Giblin, Steve Gregory, Preston Heyman, Randy Hope-Taylor, Janice Hoyte, Gordon Hunte, Colin Jacas, Glen LeFleur, Alan Marshall, Godfrey McLean, Chris Mercer, Trevor Murrell, Errol Reid, Kevin Robinson, Larry Steele, Bobby Stignac, Lenny Zakatek (RIP: Ron Carthy, Roy Davies)
- Guests: Roberto Pla
- Comments: This was a new album by Gonzalez that appeared around 2001 (I´m not sure of the date, as I haven´t the album). 10 new tracks, plus 3 old tracks.
- Not foolish, not wise - Keef Hartley Band (1999)
- Members: Danny Allmark, Miller Anderson, Derek Austin, Dave Caswell, Ian Cruickshank, Mike Davis, Lyn Dobson, Martin Drover, Henry Lowther, Junior Marvin, Chris Mercer, Nick Newell, Terry Noonan, Michael Rosen, Ingrid Thomas, Barbara Thompson, Roger Wade, Pete Wingfield, Pete York (RIP: Harry Beckett, Dino Dines, Keef Hartley, Gary Thain, Derek Wadsworth)
- Producer: Neil Slaven
- Comments: In 1999 it has been released a new live album by the band. Not foolish, not wise comprises old live recordings, plus some studio tracks, recorded from 1968 to 1972. Sadly, it doesn't include any info about the musicians involved, so we just can´t but guess who appears there.
- Insect ball - Lily Wilde And Her Jumpin´ Jubilee Orchestra (1999)
- Members: Chris Mercer, Lily Wilde
- To be cool - Kokomo (10/2004)
- Members: Dyan Birch, Frank Collins, Mel Collins, Neil Conti, Andy Hamilton, Neil Hubbard, Glen LeFleur, Jody Linscott, Paddy McHugh, Chris Mercer, Trevor Morais, Jim Mullen, Tony O´Malley, Pino Palladino, Terry Stannard, John Sussewell (RIP: Alan Spenner)
- Guests: Tony Beard, Laurence Cottle, Alan Darby, Snake Davis, Steve Gregory, John McKenzie, Frank Mead, Jeff Seopardie, Richard Simmons, Ian Thomas
- Technical: Dave Coleman
- Stinging the blues - Pin & The Horn-Its ( - )
- Members: Chris Mercer
- The Best of Juicy Lucy - Juicy Lucy (1972)
- Members: Rod Coombes, Chris Mercer
- The Best of Keef Hartley - Keef Hartley Band (1975)
- Members: Miller Anderson, Dave Caswell, Ian Cruickshank, Lyle Jenkins, Jimmy Jewell, Henry Lowther, Junior Marvin, Chris Mercer, Mick Weaver, Pete Wingfield (RIP: Dino Dines, Keef Hartley, Gary Thain)
- Guests: Jess Roden
- Golden glass - The Misunderstood (1984)
- Members: Glenn ´Ross´ Campbell, Chris Mercer, Davy O´List, Ray Owen (RIP: Steve Hoard)
- Guests: Eddie, Neil Hubbard
- Who do you love - the best of Juicy Lucy - Juicy Lucy (1990)
- Members: Rod Coombes, Chris Mercer
- London blues 1964-1969 - John Mayall (10/1992)
- Members: Colin Allen, Eric Clapton, Aynsley Dunbar, Mick Fleetwood, Hughie Flint, Peter Green, Martin Hart, Jon Hiseman, Rip Kant, Henry Lowther, John Mayall, John McVie, Chris Mercer, Tony Reeves, Mick Taylor, Bernie Watson, Paul Williams (RIP: Johnny Almond, Roger Dean, Keef Hartley, Dick Heckstall-Smith)
- Guests: Nick Newell, Alan Skidmore, Ray Warleigh (RIP: Paul Butterfield)
- Producer: Bill Levenson, Jimmy Page, Mike Vernon
- The Best of John Mayall and The Bluesbreakers - As it all began 64-69 - John Mayall (1997)
- Members: Colin Allen, Eric Clapton, Aynsley Dunbar, Mick Fleetwood, Hughie Flint, Peter Green, Martin Hart, Jon Hiseman, Rip Kant, Henry Lowther, John Mayall, John McVie, Chris Mercer, Tony Reeves, Mick Taylor, Steven Thompson, Bernie Watson, Paul Williams (RIP: Johnny Almond, Roger Dean, Keef Hartley, Dick Heckstall-Smith)
- Guests: Nick Newell (RIP: Paul Butterfield)
- Producer: Mike Vernon
- Technical: Jon Astley
- Comments: In 1997, it has been released the compilation The best of John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers - As it all began 64-69. It has been digitally remastered, and includes Mayall's comments on every track, from an interview. In my own opinion, the selection is quite good, and includes some songs not available on albums. Keef Hartley plays in 5 tracks: ´Broken wings´ (from The blues alone), ´The death of J.B. Lenoir´ (from Crusade), ´Me and my woman´ (also from Crusade), ´Suspicions (part one)´ (from Thru the years), and ´Picture on the wall´ (from Looking back).
- You´re fired! - the best of Paul De Lay Band - Paul De Lay Band (08/1998)
- Members: Chris Mercer (RIP: Paul De Lay)
- Comments: Not exactly a ´Best of´. It really contains tracks from 2 albums: American Voodoo and The Paul deLay Band, plus 2 new tracks.
- Who do you love: the anthology - Juicy Lucy (10/2002)
- Members: Glenn ´Ross´ Campbell, Pete Dobson, Neil Hubbard, Chris Mercer, Ray Owen, Paul Williams (RIP: Keith Ellis)
- So many roads - an anthology 1964-1974 - John Mayall (2010)
- Members: Colin Allen, Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton, Aynsley Dunbar, Mick Fleetwood, Hughie Flint, Victor Gaskin, Peter Green, High Tide Harris, Martin Hart, Jon Hiseman, Fred Jackson, Rip Kant, Henry Lowther, Harvey Mandel, Jon Mark, John Mayall, Jerry McGee, John McVie, Chris Mercer, Charles Owens, Tony Reeves, Randy Resnick, Soko Richardson, Ron Selico, Nigel Stanger, Larry Taylor, Mick Taylor, Steven Thompson, Bernie Watson, Ernie Watts, Paul Williams (RIP: Johnny Almond, Roger Dean, Don ´Sugarcane´ Harris, Keef Hartley, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Red Holloway, Paul Lagos, Blue Mitchell, Freddy Robinson, Clifford Solomon)
- Guests: Nick Newell, Alan Skidmore, Steve Winwood (RIP: Paul Butterfield)
- Producer: Jimmy Page, Mike Vernon
- Comments: 4CD boxset with many of the classic songs by the golden periods of John Mayall.
- Rebop - Rebop Kwaku Baah (1972)
- Members: (RIP: Rebop Kwaku Baah)
- Guests: John ´Rabbit´ Bundrick, Rosko Gee, Delisle Harper, Gordon Hunte, Conrad Isidore, Junior Marvin, Chris Mercer, Eddie Quansah, Jean Roussel, Kenny Wheeler, Steve Winwood (RIP: Chris Wood)
- Comments: This late Nigerian percussionist belonged to the groups Traffic and Can, played together with Chris in Wynder K. Frog, and he also played in many sessions during the seventies. This was his first solo album, and he received back help from several artists who had Rebop in their albums. From Traffic: Stevie Winwood, Rosko Gee (bass) and Chris Wood (sax). From Keef Hartley Band: Junior Kerr (guitar) and Jean Roussel (keyboards). And from Gonzalez band: DeLisle Harper (bass), Gordon Hunte (guitar) and Chris Mercer (sax). Plus: Eddie Quansah (trumpet), John 'Rabbit' Bundrick (keyboards), Conrad Isidore (drums).
- Hemlock - Hemlock (1973)
- Members: Miller Anderson, Eric Dillon, Jim Leverton, Mick Weaver, Pete Willsher (RIP: Dino Dines)
- Guests: Chris Mercer, Chrissie Stewart
- Producer: Neil Slaven
- Technical: John Burns
- Bad news - Joe Jammer (1973)
- Members: Joe Jammer, Tony Stevens (RIP: Reg Isidore)
- Guests: Chris Mercer, Jean Roussel (RIP: Sappho Korner)
- Comments: Joe Jammer once was the guitarist in Olympic Runners band, with George Chandler (vocals), DeLisle Harper (bass), Pete Wingfield (keyboards, vocals), and Glenn LeFleur (drums). Jammer and Mercer has played together in several different albums,and Joe even plays in Chris' solo abum too. This was Joe's solo album. With help from Tony Stevens (bass), Jean Roussel (keyboards), Chris Mercer (sax) and Reg Isidore (drums).
- Back on my feet again - Sandy Davis (1975)
- Guests: Roger Ball, Martin Briley, Steve Ferrone, George Ford, Alan Gorrie, Steve Gregory, Delisle Harper, Gordon Hunte, Onnie McIntyre, Chris Mercer, Rob Townsend (RIP: Roy Davies, Robbie McIntosh)
- Comments: Sandy Davis was also known as Paul Davis (from the band Gracious, also appearing with Chris Mercer in Jesus Christ Superstar). This was his second solo album, where he was backed by The Average White Band in 1 track, plus Martin Briley (guitar), and from Gonzalez: Gordon Hunte (guitar), DeLisle Harper (bass), Roy Davies (keyboards), Chris Mercer (sax) and Steve Gregory (flute).
- Smoovin - Martyn Ford Orchestra (1976)
- Members: Martyn Ford
- Guests: Robert Ahwai, Levine Andrade, Madeline Bell, Hugh Burns, Robert Clark, Mel Collins, Paul Cosh, Jeff Daly, Martin Drover, Liz Edwards, Wilf Gibson, Malcolm Griffiths, John Gustafson, Cliff Hardie, Monica Huggett, Michael Hurwitz, Tony Hymas, Chris Laurence, Helen Liebmann, Henry Lowther, Brian Mack, Ian MacKinnon, Donald McVay, Chris Mercer, Mike Moran, Ann Odell, Dee Partridge, Simon Phillips, Jane Robertson, Martin Robinson, Peter Robinson, Ray Russell, Godfrey Salmon, Allan Sharpe, Stan Sulzmann, Stephen Tees, Kathy Thulborn, Lee Vanderbilt, Colin Walker, Ray Warleigh, Mark Warner, Robin Williams, Gavyn Wright (RIP: Vicki Brown, Morris Pert, Joanne Williams, Gus Yeadon)
- Producer: John Punter
- Dandy in the underworld - T Rex (03/1977)
- Members: Miller Anderson, Paul Fenton, Herbie Flowers, Gloria Jones, Davy Lutton, Tony Newman (RIP: Marc Bolan, Steve Currie, Dino Dines)
- Guests: Bud Beadle, Scott Edwards, Steve Gregory, Steve Harley, Paul Humphrey, Colin Jacas, Chris Mercer
- Comments: At the time of recording this album, this was the lineup for T.Rex: Marc Bolan (guitar, vocals) / Miller Anderson (guitar) / Herbie Flowers (bass) / Dino Dines (keyboards) / Tony Newman (drums). Other guests in the album: Gloria Jones (backing vocals, Marc Bolan's girlfriend), Scott Edwards (bass), Steve Currie (bass), Paul Humphrey (drums), Paul Fenton (drums), Davey Lutton (drums), and from Gonzalez: Chris Mercer (sax), Steve Gregory (flute), Bud Beadle (flute, sax), Colin Jacas (backing vocals).
- Shoulder to shoulder - Chanter Sisters (1978)
- Members: Doreen Chanter, Irene Chanter
- Guests: Jimmy Chambers, Ray Cooper, Martin Drover, Martyn Ford, John Giblin, Tony Hymas, Tony Jackson, Dave Markee, Chris Mercer, Micky Moody, Ann Odell, Simon Phillips, Ray Russell, Henry Spinetti, Ray Warleigh, Pete Wingfield
- Producer: Hugh Burns
- Technical: Steve Nye
- Comments: Doreen Chanter and Irene Chanter appear in lots of albums as guest vocalists, but they also recorded their own albums. In this one, they had fantastic backing musicians: Ray Russell (guitar), Hughie Burns (guitar, later in Jack Bruce band, also producing the album), Micky Moody (guitar, from Whitesnake, and once in Juicy Lucy with Chris Mercer), Dave Markee (bass), John Giblin (bass), Martin Drover (trumpet), Chris Mercer (sax), Ray Warleigh (sax), Pete Wingfield (keyboards), Tony Hymas (keyboards), Ray Cooper (percussion), Simon Phillips (drums), Henry Spinetti (drums).
- No more fear of flying - Gary Brooker (1979)
- Members: Gary Brooker, Tim Renwick
- Guests: B J Cole, Stephanie DeSykes, Bruce Lynch, Dave Mattacks, Chris Mercer, Claire Torry
- Producer: George Martin
- Comments: This was the first solo album by Procol Harum leader, Gary Brooker. It includes guest appearances by Tim Renwick (guitar), B.J. Cole (steel guitar), Bruce Lynch (bass), Dave Mattacks (drums), as well as horns by Gonzalez. Although the album doesn't mention the list of horn players, Chris Mercer played there, as he told me. Backing vocals by Stephanie De Sykes, Claire Torry, Richard Myhill and Dave Reilly. It includes a rendition of lovely song by Murray Head, ´Say it ain't so, Joe´. Tim Renwick co-writes a song, ´Give me something to remember you by´. The CD reissue contains 3 bonus tracks.
- I´m not like everybody else - Chris Spedding (11/1980)
- Members: Chris Spedding
- Guests: Phil Lanzon, Dave Mattacks, Chris Mercer, Paul Westwood
- Producer: (RIP: Mickie Most)
- Comments: Great guitarist, he recorded this album in September 1980, with collaborations from Phil Lanzon (keyboards, now in Uriah Heep), Paul Westwood (bass), Chris Mercer (sax) and Dave Mattacks (drums).
- Metal guru - T Rex (10/1997)
- Members: Miller Anderson, Paul Fenton, Herbie Flowers, Jack Green, Gloria Jones, Howard Kaylan, Bill Legend, Tony Newman, Tyrone Scott, Mark Volman (RIP: Marc Bolan, Steve Currie, Dino Dines)
- Guests: Bud Beadle, B J Cole, Scott Edwards, Steve Gregory, Steve Harley, Jimmie Haskell, Paul Humphrey, Chris Mercer
- Producer: Tony Visconti
- Comments: 7CD boxset comprising their latest studio albums as well as older tracks.
- Solid gold rapid action - Marc Bolan & T Rex (08/1998)
- Members: Herbie Flowers, Jack Green, Gloria Jones, Howard Kaylan, Bill Legend, Davy Lutton, Tony Newman, Mark Volman (RIP: Marc Bolan, Steve Currie, Dino Dines, Micky Finn)
- Guests: Bud Beadle, David Bowie, J J Cale, B J Cole, Burt Collins, Steve Harley, Ian McDonald, Chris Mercer, Danny Thompson (RIP: Harry Nilsson)
- Producer: Tony Visconti
- 1993 Portland Waterfront Blues Festival - VVAA (1993)
- Guests: Chris Mercer, Bobby Torres, Lily Wilde
- Comments: This album was recorded live in the Festival from the same name. Chris´ then-current band, Pin and the Horn-Its, play here, as well as other bands: Too Slim & The Taildraggers, Lloyd Jones, Margo Tufo, Kelly Joe Phelps, Linda Hornbuckle, Jim Mesi Band, Channel Cats, Backporch Blues, Mel Solomon, Switchmasters and Duffy Bishop.
- Jesus Christ Superstar - VVAA (10/1970)
- Guests: P P Arnold, Madeline Bell, Brian Bennett, Annette Brox, Victor Brox, Les Condon, Mike D´Abo, Yvonne Elliman, Ian Gillan, Sue Glover, John Gustafson, Ian Herbert, Clive Hicks, Neil Hubbard, Karl Jenkins, Brian Keith, Neil Lancaster, Sunny Leslie, John Marshall, Henry McCullough, Chris Mercer, Peter Robinson, Bruce Rowland, Chris Spedding, Chris Taylor, Mike Vickers, Mick Weaver, Alan Weighall, Kenny Wheeler (RIP: Tony Ashton, Harry Beckett, Jeff Clyne, Lesley Duncan, Kay Garner, Ian Hamer, Bill Le Sage, Alan Spenner)
- Technical: (RIP: Martin Rushent)
- Comments: Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice wrote this magnificent and world-wide famous score. There has been many different versions (including a Spanish one), but to me, the best is the original version. The list of participants is really impressive: Ian Gillan (vocals, from Deep Purple), Chris Spedding (guitar), Madeline Bell (vocals), Lesley Duncan (vocals), Yvonne Elliman (vocals), John Gustafson (vocals), Murray Head (vocals), Tony Ashton (vocals), Victor Brox (bass, from Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation), Neil Hubbard (guitar), Chris Mercer (sax), Paul Raven (vocals), Bruce Rowland (drums), Alan Spenner (bass), Mick Weaver (keyboards), Mike D'Abo (vocals, from Manfred Mann), Henry McCullough (guitar), etc.
- Evita - OST (1976)
- Guests: Mike D´Abo, Stephanie DeSykes, Barbara Dickson, Mo Foster, Marc Harris, Jean Hawker, Neil Hubbard, Lorenza Johnson, Paul Jones, Hank Marvin, Henry McCullough, Chris Mercer, Mike Moran, Christopher Neil, Ann Odell, Brian Odgers, Simon Phillips, Ray Russell, David Snell, Tony Stevens, Peter Van Hooke, Roy Wood, Terry Wood (RIP: Joe Moretti, Barry Morgan, Mike Smith)
- Comments: Another Andrew Lloyd Webber / Tim Rice score. It was recorded from April to September 1976 with many great performers: Julie Covington (vocals), Barbara Dickson (vocals), Paul Jones (vocals, from Manfred Mann, and later in Blues Band), Mike D'Abo (vocals), Hank Marvin (guitar, from The Shadows), Neil Hubbard (guitar), Henry McCullough (guitar), the great Ray Russell (guitar), Mo Foster (bass), Tony Stevens (bass), Mike Moran (keyboards), Ann Odell (keyboards), Chris Mercer (sax), Simon Phillips (drums), Barry Morgan (drums), Peter Van Hooke (drums), Roy Wood (backing vocals), etc. Recorded from April to September 1976.
- We are everything you see - Locomotive (1969)
- Members: Bob Lamb (RIP: Chris Wood)
- Guests: Lyn Dobson, Henry Lowther, Chris Mercer (RIP: Dick Heckstall-Smith)
- Producer: (RIP: Gus Dudgeon)
- Comments: With Lyn Dobson (sax), Dick Heckstall Smith (sax), Henry Lowther (trumpet), Chris Mercer (sax), and the late Chris Wood (sax, from Traffic). CD reissue contains bonus tracks.
- Fiends and angels - Martha Velez (1969)
- Members: Martha Velez
- Guests: Brian Auger, Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton, Jeff Condon, Ian Cruickshank, Christine McVie, Chris Mercer, Terry Noonan, Bud Parkes, Andy Silvester, Mick Weaver, Stan Webb (RIP: Johnny Almond, Duster Bennett, Dave Bidwell, Jim Capaldi, Keef Hartley, Paul Kossoff, Mitch Mitchell, Gary Thain, Derek Wadsworth, Chris Wood)
- Producer: Mike Vernon
- Technical: David Grinsted, Derek Varnals
- Comments: Great collection of musicians for her debut: from Cream: Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce. From Traffic: Jim Capaldi, Chris Wood. From Keef Hartley Band: Keef Hartley (drums), Spit James (guitar), the late Gary Thain (bass), Mick Weaver (keyboards), Chris Mercer (sax). From Jimi Hendrix band: Mitch Mitchell (drums). From John Mayall: Johnny Almond (sax). From Free: Paul Kossoff (guitar). From Chicken Shack: Stan Webb (guitar), Andy Silvester (bass), Christine McVie (keyboards), Dave Bidwell (drums). Plus: Brian Auger (organ). The cream of British blues-rock.
- Contribution - Shawn Phillips (1970)
- Members: Shawn Phillips, Peter Robinson
- Guests: Paul Buckmaster, Remi Kabaka, Chris Mercer, Mick Weaver, Steve Winwood (RIP: Jim Capaldi, Chris Wood)
- Technical: Robin Geoffrey Cable
- Comments: Contribution include several guest musicians like: Mick Weaver (keyboards), Pete Robinson (keyboards), Chris Mercer (sax) and 3 members of Traffic: Stevie Winwood (keyboards), Chris Wood (sax) and Jim Capaldi (drums).
- Transatlantic 770 - Jimmy Dawkins (1972)
- Members: Jimmy Dawkins
- Guests: Billy Graham, Joe Jammer, Chris Mercer, Dick Parry, Tony Stevens, Mike Vernon, Pete Wingfield (RIP: Bob Brunning, Reg Isidore)
- Comments: Veteran Chicago guitar bluesman, he is backed here with some great British blues-rock musicians, like Joe Jammer (guitar), Pete Wingfield (keyboards), Bob Brunning (bass, he was the original bassist in Fleetwood Mac), Tony Stevens (bass), Chris Mercer (sax, and also keyboards), Dick Parry (sax) and Reg Isidore (drums), plus producer Mike Vernon on percussion.
- Nigel lived - Murray Head (1972)
- Guests: Clive Chaman, Phil Chen, Tony Coe, Ray Cooper, Mike Giles, Pete Giles, Sue Glover, Jimmy Hastings, Spike Heatley, Skaila Kanga, Chris Karan, Glen LeFleur, Sunny Leslie, Henry Lowther, Chris Mercer, Graham Preskett, Frank Ricotti, Peter Robinson, Fiachra Trench, Mark Warner, Tommy Whittle, Dave Wintour (RIP: Barry De Souza, Nick DeCaro, Kay Garner, Cozy Powell, Jack Rothstein)
- Comments:
A very fine singer, he sang lead in one of the roles for Jesus Christ Superstar. He has featured a quiet career, being one of his biggest hits the fantastic song 'Say it ain't so, Joe'.
Nigel lived features the talents of Mark Warner (guitar), Clive Chaman (bass), Peter Giles (bass), Dave Wintour (bass), Peter Robinson (keyboards), Ray Cooper (percussion), Frank Ricotti (percussion), Henry Lowther (trumpet), Chris Mercer (sax), Cozy Powell (drums), Barry De Souza (drums), Michael Giles (drums, from King Crimson), Glen LeFleur (drums), plus Sue Glover and the late Kay Garner (Murray companion in ´Jesus Christ Superstar´) on vocals. - Wun - Gerry Lockran (1972)
- Members: (RIP: Cliff Aungier, Gerry Lockran)
- Guests: Ron Berg, Neil Hubbard, Junior Marvin, Henry McCullough, Chris Mercer, Andy Pyle, Mick Ralphs, Jean Roussel, Chrissie Stewart, Ron Wood (RIP: Alan Spenner)
- Producer: Bruce Rowland
- Comments: This album by this great singer includes a superb guest list: Ronnie Wood (guitar), Neil Hubbard (guitar), Junior Hanson (guitar), Henry McCullough (guitar), Mick Ralphs (guitar), Andy Pyle (bass), Chrissie Stewart (bass), Jean Roussel (keyboards), Chris Mercer (sax), Ron Berg, Bruce Rowland (drums).
- First album - Roger Morris (1972)
- Guests: Glenn ´Ross´ Campbell, Rod Coombes, Delisle Harper, Chris Mercer, Bruce Rowland, Terry Stannard, John Tuck, John Weider (RIP: Johnny Almond, Tommy Eyre)
- Producer: Ken Burgess, Keith West
- Comments:
Its name indicates it was Roger Morris' first album. With several members of Juicy Lucy: Rod Coombes (drums, later in Strawbs), Glenn 'Ross' Campbell (steel guitar), Tommy Eyre (keyboards), and Chris Mercer (sax). Plus some other great musicians: Keith West (guitar, from In Crowd and Tomorrow), John Weider (guitar, from Eric Burdon & The Animals, Family and Stud), Johnny Almond (sax, from Mark-Almond), DeLisle Harper (bass, from Gonzalez) and Bruce Rowland (drums).
CD reissue contains 4 unreleased bonus tracks recorded in 1973. - Faces - Shawn Phillips (1972)
- Members: Shawn Phillips
- Guests: Paul Buckmaster, Glenn ´Ross´ Campbell, Martyn Ford, Ed Greene, Remi Kabaka, Skaila Kanga, David Katz, Henry Lowther, Chris Mercer, Brian Odgers, Caleb Quaye, Joe Sample, Leland Sklar, Steve Winwood (RIP: Sneaky Pete Kleinow)
- Technical: Robin Geoffrey Cable
- Comments:
Singer, guitarist and actor, his albums are full of famous musicians.
Faces is his 6th album, with songs recorded from 1969 to 1972. It contained his hit 'We' and it includes collaborations from Caleb Quaye (guitar), Glenn Campbell (steel guitar, from Juicy Lucy), Leland Sklar (bass, later with James Taylor and Phil Collins), Joe Sample (keyboards, from Crusaders), Steve Winwood (keyboards), Chris Mercer (sax), Henry Lowther (trumpet, from Keef Hartley Band), Sneaky Pete Kleinow (steel guitar, from The Byrds), Ed Greene (drums), etc. - Unlucky boy - Chicken Shack (1973)
- Members: Bob Daisley, Paul Hancox, Stan Webb (RIP: Tony Ashton)
- Guests: Henry Lowther, Chris Mercer, Terry Noonan
- Producer: Neil Slaven
- Technical: John Burns
- Comments:
This great blues-rock band (Stan Webb still keeps the band active!). When this album was recorded, they were a trio: Stan Webb (guitar, vocals), Bob Daisley (bass) and Paul Hancock (drums). This album had the help from Tony Ashton (keyboards) and Chris Mercer (sax).
The CD reissue from Indigo label contains 4 bonus tracks. - Down to Earth - Nektar (1973)
- Guests: P P Arnold, Steve Gregory, Chris Mercer, Chris Pyne (RIP: Robert Calvert, Ron Carthy)
- Technical: Dieter Dierks, Barry Hammond, Bob Ludwig
- Comments:
This Germany-based progressive band released several albums during the 70s. The lineup was: Roye Albrighton (guitar), Derek Moore (bass), Allan Freeman (keyboards) and Ron Howden. In this album, recorded in March 1974, they had several collaborations: Bob Calvert (vocals, from Hawkwind), and from Gonzalez: Chris Mercer (sax), Steve Gregory (sax) and Ron Carthy (trumpet).
The CD edition contains bonus tracks. - Russ Ballard - Russ Ballard (1974)
- Members: Russ Ballard
- Guests: Dennis Belfield, Mick Eve, Steve Gregory, Chris Mercer, Nick Newell
- Comments:
Former Argent guitarist, now he is best known as composer. Many great bands have scored a hit with his songs.
Russ Ballard was his first solo album, after leaving Argent. With some members of Gonzalez here: Chris Mercer (sax), Mick Eve (sax), Steve Gregory (sax) or Nick Newell (sax). - Unreal - Bloodstone (1974)
- Guests: Chris Mercer, Frank Ricotti, Pip Williams, Pete Wingfield
- Producer: Mike Vernon
- Comments:
A veteran soul band, they started in the sixties. This album contains guest appearances by Pete Wingfield (keyboards), Chris Mercer (sax), Frank Ricotti (percussion), Pip Williams (electric sitar, strings, later a producer for Status Quo, Sensational Alex Harvey Band or Kiki Dee). Produced by Mike Vernon, it was recorded during April and May 1973.
The CD reissue contains 4 tracks previously released on the album called Bloodstone. - Charge - Charge (1974)
- Members: Smiley De Jones, Ian Green, Rosetta Hightower, Neil Hubbard, Godfrey McLean, Lee Vanderbilt, Mike Woods (RIP: Alan Spenner)
- Guests: Steve Gregory, Chris Mercer, Chris Stainton (RIP: Ron Carthy)
- Comments: Sorry, I don't know the lineup of this band, except for keyboardist Ian Green. In the credits list, we can find several members of Gonzalez: Chris Mercer (sax), Ron Carthy (trumpet), Steve Gregory (sax), Godfrey McLean (drums), and from Joe Cocker band: Alan Spenner (bass), Neil Hubbard (guitar), Chris Stainton (keyboards), and Ian Green´s wife, the wonderful Rosetta Hightower.
- Delicious and refreshing - Coast Road Drive (1974)
- Members: Steve Chapman, Charlie Harrison, Les Nicol
- Guests: Craig Austin, Henry Lowther, Chris Mercer, Mick Weaver (RIP: Nicky Hopkins)
- Comments:
My guess is that they weren't a band, but a one-off project, but any info will be appreciated!
With Craig Austin (vocals), Steve Krieger (guitar, vocals), Les Nicol (guitar, vocals), Charlie Harrison (bass), Nicky Hopkins (piano), Mick Weaver (keyboards), Henry Lowther (trumpet), Chris Mercer (sax), and Steve Chapman (drums). - Sharon - Sharon Forrester (1974)
- Guests: Richard Bailey, Phil Chen, Mel Collins, Winston Delandro, Martin Drover, Martyn Ford, Malcolm Griffiths, Earl ´Wire´ Lindo, Henry Lowther, Chris Mercer, Mike Moran, Graham Preskett, Wendell Richardson, Allan Sharpe, Ray Warleigh (RIP: Ron Carthy)
- Comments: This vocalist had many guest musicians in her (first, I think) album: Phil Chen (bass), Mike Moran (keyboards), Henry Lowther (trumpet), Mel Collins (sax), Graham Preskett (mandolin), and from Gonzalez: Chris Mercer (sax), Ron Carthy (trumpet), Martin Drover (trumpet), Richard Bailey (drums).
- ...Waiting on you - Jonathan Kelly´s Outside (1974)
- Members: Chaz Jankel, Jonathan Kelly, Dave Sheen, Snowy White, Trevor Williams
- Guests: Smiley De Jones, Mick Eve, Chris Mercer, Max Middleton (RIP: Ron Carthy, Peter Wood)
- Comments: He has several solo albums. In this album, credited to Jonathan Kelly´s Outside, he is backed by Snowy White (guitar, later in Thin Lizzy), Chas Jankel (keyboards, later with Ian Dury & The Blockheads), Peter Wood (keyboards), Max Middleton (keyboards), and from Gonzalez: Chris Mercer (sax), Ron Carthy (trumpet) and Mick Eve (sax).
- Burglar - Freddie King (1974)
- Members: (RIP: Freddie King)
- Guests: P P Arnold, Brian Auger, Bud Beadle, Eric Clapton, Mick Eve, Steve Ferrone, Steve Gregory, DeLisle Harper, Chris Mercer, Jamie Oldaker, Bobby Tench, George Terry, Pete Wingfield (RIP: Ron Carthy, Roy Davies, Carl Radle, Dick Sims)
- Producer: Mike Vernon (RIP: Tom Dowd)
- Technical: Barry Hammond
- Comments: Burglar was recorded in England, with top musicians. It contains collaborations by the core of Gonzalez band, plus some great guests: Bobby Tench (guitar), Pete Wingfield (keyboards), Brian Auger (keyboards), Steve Ferrone (drums). From Gonzalez: DeLisle Harper (bass), Roy Davies (keyboards), Chris Mercer (sax), Bud Beadle (sax), Mick Eve (sax), Steve Gregory (sax), Ron Carthy (trumpet). One track was recorded in Florida with Eric Clapton and his band: George Terry (guitar), Carl Radle (bass), Dick Sims (keyboards), Jamie Oldaker (drums). Produced by Mike Vernon and Tom Dowd (only the Florida track with Eric Clapton). As well as playing, Chris Mercer makes the horn arrangements in two songs, 'She's a burglar' and 'Come on (let the good times roll)'.
- Slow motion - Man (1974)
- Members: Deke Leonard, Ken Whaley, Terry Williams (RIP: Micky Jones)
- Guests: Stuart Gordon, Chris Mercer
- Technical: Robin Black
- Comments: This is a great band from Wales. With the great lineup: Mickey Jones (guitar), Deke Leonard (guitar), Ken Whaley (bass) and Terry Williams (drums). Chris Mercer played in the sessions for this album, played a sax solo on one song, ´Rock'n'roll you Out´, but at the last moment, it was wiped off the master tapes and substituted by a blues harmonica, played by one of the local no-name musicians. Why? !!!
- Ferguslie Park - Stealers Wheel (1974)
- Members: Joe Egan, Peter Robinson (RIP: Gerry Rafferty, Andrew Steele)
- Guests: Steve Gregory, Richard Hewson, Bernie Holland, Joe Jammer, Chris Mercer, Gary Taylor
- Technical: Phill Brown
- Comments:
This band was commanded by Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan. But they included two former Chris Mercer colleagues, drummer Rod Coombes (from Juicy Lucy), and DeLisle Harper (from Gonzalez).
When they recorded Ferguslie Park, their second album, produced by songwriters Leiber & Stoller, Stealers Wheel was a duo: Egan & Rafferty plus some other musicians. Here, we can find: Bernie Holland (guitar), Joe Jammer (guitar), Gary Taylor (bass), Peter Robinson (keyboards), Andrew Steele (drums), and from Gonzalez: Chris Mercer (sax) and Steve Gregory (sax). - Storey - Mike Storey (1974)
- Members: Bud Beadle, Winston Delandro
- Guests: Richard Bailey, Dyan Birch, Steve Chapman, Frank Collins, Smiley De Jones, Mick Eve, Steve Gregory, Charlie Harrison, Neil Hubbard, Paddy McHugh, Chris Mercer, Mick Weaver, Mike Woods (RIP: Ron Carthy)
- Comments: He was a keyboardist who played in several albums by other people. This was his first solo album. With 3 members from Kokomo (Dyan Byrch, Frank Collins and Paddy McHugh), Michael Woods (guitar), Neil Hubbard (guitar), Charlie Harrison (bass), Mick Weaver (keyboards). And from Gonzalez: Chris Mercer (sax), Bud Beadle (sax), Mick Eve (sax), Steve Gregory (sax), Ron Carthy (trumpet), Richard Bailey (drums).
- Messages - Steve Swindells (1974)
- Guests: Martyn Ford, Mike Giles, John Gustafson, Rosetta Hightower, Simon King, Chris Mercer, Nic Potter, Caleb Quaye, Barry St John, Danny Thompson, Mark Warner, Dave Wintour (RIP: Barry De Souza, Morris Pert, Doris Troy)
- Comments: Keyboardist, he played in Pilot and String Driven Thing. He also was later in the Hawklords (a mutation from band Hawkwind). This was his 1st solo album. We can find here people from Van Der Graaf Generator: Nic Potter, Guy Evans, plus Caleb Quaye (guitar), John Gustafson (bass), Danny Thompson (bass, from Pentangle), Chris Mercer (sax), Simon King (drums, from Hawkwind), and Doris Troy on vocals.
- Hot wire - Trapeze (1974)
- Members: Dave Holland, Rob Kendrick, Terry Rowley, Pete Wright (RIP: Mel Galley)
- Guests: Chris Mercer
- Producer: Neil Slaven
- Comments: This band originally included Glenn Hughes, later to be famous in Deep Purple. By the time this album was recorded, the lineup was: Mel Galley (guitar, vocals, later in Whitesnake), Rob Kendrick (guitar, vocals), Pete Wright (bass), Dave Holland (drums, later in Judas Priest). Chris Mercer plays sax here.
- Spanish train and other stories - Chris De Burgh (1975)
- Members: Chris De Burgh
- Guests: Mick Eve, Ken Freeman, Ray Glynn, David Hentschel, Richard Hewson, Tony Hymas, Lennox Laington, Chris Laurence, Chris Mercer, Tony Reeves (RIP: Barry De Souza, Robert Kirby)
- Producer: Robin Geoffrey Cable
- Comments: A fantastic artist! This very beautiful album (I like this title!!) contains these musicians: Ray Glynn (guitar), Tony Reeves (bass, from Colosseum and Greenslade), Chris Laurence (bass), Tony Hymas (keyboards, later with Jeff Beck), Phillip Goodhand-Tait (harmonium), Ken Freeman (keyboards), Lennox Laington (percussion), Barry De Souza (drums). And Chris Mercer and Mick Eve from Gonzalez play sax on one song, "The painter".
- My opinion: My favourite songs are: 'Lonely sky', 'Just another poor boy', 'A spaceman came travelling' and 'Old friend'.
- Larger than life - Freddie King (1975)
- Members: Benny Turner (RIP: Freddie King)
- Guests: Bud Beadle, Reginald Sonny Burke, Sam Clayton, Mick Eve, Steve Ferrone, James Gadson, Jim Gordon, Steve Gregory, Delisle Harper, Jerome Jumonville, Darrell Leonard, Chris Mercer, Bobby Tench, John Thomas, Wah Wah Watson, Pete Wingfield (RIP: Ron Carthy, Roy Davies, Henry Davis, David ´Fathead´ Newman, Robert Wilson)
- Producer: Mike Vernon
- Technical: Barry Hammond
- Comments: Larger than life also has a great musicians list: Wah Wah Watson (guitar), Bobby Tench (guitar), Pete Wingfield (keyboards), Steve Ferrone (drums), Jerome Jumonville (sax). And from Gonzalez: DeLisle Harper (bass), Roy Davies (keyboards), Chris Mercer (sax), Bud Beadle (sax), Mick Eve (sax), Steve Gregory (sax), Ron Carthy (trumpet).
- Dan McCafferty - Dan McCafferty (1975)
- Members: Manny Charlton, Dan McCafferty
- Guests: Helen Chappelle, Zal Cleminson, Roger Glover, Hugh McKenna, Ted McKenna, Chris Mercer, John Perry, Graham Preskett, Tony Rivers, Barry St John, Liza Strike (RIP: Joanne Williams)
- Technical: John Punter
- Comments: He has always been the lead singer in great band Nazareth. This was his only solo album. With lots of his companions: Manny Charlton (guitar, from Nazareth), Roger Glover (bass, from Deep Purple, he was Nazareth's usual producer), Zal Cleminson (guitar, from Sensational Alex Harvey Band; later joined Nazareth), Hugh McKenna and Ted McKenna (keyboards and drums, also from SAHB), Chris Mercer (sax), Graham Preskett (violin), etc.
- Reggae blue - G T Moore & The Reggae Guitars (1975)
- Guests: Chris Mercer
- Technical: Jerry Boys
- Comments: Which is the connection with Chris Mercer? I don't know, but some years later, G.T. Moore was in band with Gonzalez drummer, Richard Bailey (the band was Poly Styrene, for if someone wants to know, around 1980). Chris Mercer plays sax here, in their second album. The musicians appearing here are: G.T. Moore (guitar, vocals), Martin Hayward (guitar), Tom Whyte (bass), Tim Jones (keyboards), Tony Redunzo (drums, vocals), plus Chris Mercer (sax).
- Your mama won´t like me - Suzi Quatro (1975)
- Members: Len Tuckey
- Guests: Bud Beadle, Mick Eve, Steve Gregory, Chris Mercer (RIP: Ron Carthy)
- Comments: A great rocker! This album was recorded with Suzy Quatro (vocals, bass), Len Tuckey (guitar), Mike Deacon (keyboards), Dave Neal (drums), plus these Gonzalez guys: Chris Mercer (sax), Mick Eve (sax), Steve Gregory (sax), Bud Beadle (sax), Ron Carthy (trumpet).
- In flame - Slade (1975)
- Guests: Bud Beadle, Mick Eve, Steve Gregory, Malcolm Griffiths, Chris Mercer, Eddie Quansah (RIP: Ron Carthy)
- Producer: (RIP: Chas Chandler)
- Comments: Great guys, their songs hit the charts many times during the 70s. Now there is a revamped Slade II lineup without their frontman Noddy Holder. This album features several members of Gonzalez: Chris Mercer, Mick Eve (sax), Steve Gregory (sax), Bud Beadle (sax), Ron Carthy (trumpet), Malcolm Griffiths (trombone).
- In London - Richard Jon Smith (1975)
- Guests: Madeline Bell, Biddu, Delisle Harper, Mike Hugg, Stevie Lange, John Mealing, Chris Mercer, Trevor Rabin, Jim Ryan, Barry St John, Liza Strike, Fiachra Trench (RIP: Roy Davies, Kay Garner, Joanne Williams)
- Producer: Mutt Lange
- Right or wrong - Stealers Wheel (1975)
- Members: Joe Egan, Dave Wintour (RIP: Gerry Rafferty, Andrew Steele)
- Guests: David Briggs, Hugh Burns, Bernie Holland, Chris Mercer
- Comments: Their third album is Right or wrong. But they split after the null success of the album.
- Elastique - Stretch (1975)
- Members: John Cook, Steve Emery, Elmer Gantry, Kirby Gregory, Hiroshi Kato, Paul Martinez, Jim Russell
- Guests: Mike Bailey, Bud Beadle, Mick Eve, Chris Mercer, Nigel Watson (RIP: Ron Carthy)
- Comments: Elastique includes collaborations from these Gonzalez members: Chris Mercer (sax), Mick Eve (sax), Mike Bailey, Ron Carthy and Bud Beadle. The members of Strech were at that time: Elmer Gantry (vocals, guitar), Kirby Gregory (guitar, ex-Curved Air), Roshi (guitar), Paul Martinez (bass), Steve Emery (bass), John Cook (keyboards), Jim Russell (drums).
- Return of the native - Paul Travis (1975)
- Guests: Tony Braunagel, John ´Rabbit´ Bundrick, Helen Chappelle, Jack Emblow, Chris Laurence, Chris Mercer, Eddie Quansah, Mark Warner, Terry Wilson
- Comments: This guitarist was backed here by part of the band Back Street Crawler (Terry Wilson on bass, John 'Rabbit' Bundrick on keyboards, Tony Braunagel on drums), plus some other musicians like Sandy Davis (vocals), Eddie Quansah (sax) and Chris Mercer (sax).
- Matching head and feet - Kevin Coyne (04/1975)
- Members: Tim Penn, Gordon Smith, Andy Summers, Peter Woolf (RIP: Kevin Coyne, Archie Legget)
- Guests: Bud Beadle, Steve Gregory, Chris Mercer (RIP: Derek Wadsworth)
- Technical: Mick Glossop
- Someday - Harvey Andrews (1976)
- Guests: Mo Foster, Bernie Holland, Bob Jones, Chris Mercer, Jim Toomey, Mark Warner, Pete Willsher, Pete Wingfield (RIP: Ron Carthy)
- Comments: He is a folk singer. He collaborated with Dutch band Focus for a while. In this album, we can find great musicians: Bernie Holland (guitar, from Hummingbird), Pete Wingfield (keyboards), Mo Foster (bass), Jim Toomey (drums), Pete Willsher (steel guitar), and from Gonzalez: Ron Carthy (trumpet) and Chris Mercer (sax).
- Winning - Russ Ballard (1976)
- Guests: Russ Ballard, Madeline Bell, John ´Rabbit´ Bundrick, Chris Karan, Sunny Leslie, Dave Markee, Dave Mattacks, Chris Mercer, Nick Newell, Liza Strike, Pip Williams, Pete Zorn (RIP: Joanne Williams)
- Comments: Winning is Ballard´s second solo album. Guest musicians include: Madeline Bell, Sunny Leslie, Liza Strike and Joanne Williams (vocals), Pete Zorn (bass), Dave Markee (bass), John 'Rabbit' Bundrick (keyboards), Chris Mercer and Nick Newell (sax), Dave Mattacks (drums).
- Happy in Hollywood - David Batteau (1976)
- Guests: Robert Ahwai, Mike Bailey, Martin Drover, Steve Gregory, Michael Hurwitz, Chris Mercer, David Paich, David Spinozza, Julia Tillman Waters, Willie Weeks, Maxine Willard Waters, Deniece Williams (RIP: Roy Davies, Milt Holland, Jeff Porcaro)
- Comments: I don't know things about him, sorry. I only know of this album. With some members from Toto: David Paich (keyboards) and the late Jeff Porcaro (drums), plus Robert Ahwai (guitar), Dave Spinozza (guitar), Willie Weeks (bass), Martin Drover (trumpet), Milt Holland (percussion), and from Gonzalez: Chris Mercer (sax), Mike Bailey (trumpet), Roy Davies (keyboards), Martin Drover (trumpet) and Steve Gregory (flute).
- Tropical - Jorge Ben (1976)
- Guests: Richard Hewson, Chris Mercer, Ann Odell, Barry St John, Liza Strike, Joy Yates
- Producer: Robin Geoffrey Cable
- Technical: John Burns
- Visionary - Gordon Giltrap (1976)
- Members: Rod Edwards, Gordon Giltrap, Roger Hand, John G Perry, Shirlie Roden
- Guests: John Bailey, Tony Carr, Jeff Daly, Henry Lowther, Chris Mercer, Simon Phillips, Chris Pyne
- Comments:
This fine acoustic guitarist has many albums of his own. In this one, we can find some of his usual musicians, like John G. Perry (bass), plus Chris Mercer (sax), Henry Lowther (trumpet), Jeff Daly (sax), Chris Pyne (trombone), John Bailey (guitar), Rod Edwards (keyboards), and Simon Phillips (drums).
The CD reissue contains 3 bonus tracks. - To the hilt - Golden Earring (1976)
- Guests: Chris Mercer
- Comments: This veteran Dutch band had some great hits in the 70s. This album includes Chris Mercer's collaboration on sax on 2 tracks.
- Jackpot - Jack The Lad (1976)
- Members: Ray Laidlaw, Billy Mitchell
- Guests: Bud Beadle, Andy Bown, Steve Gregory, Ray Jackson, Chris Mercer
- Producer: Tom Allom
- Technical: Bill Price
- Comments: This band evolved from Lindisfarne. In this album, recorded during the summer of 1976, we can find the band (Ray Laidlaw / Billy Mitchell / Ian Fairbairn / Phil Murray) plus the collaboration of Lindisfarne leader Ray Jackson (harmonica), Andy Bown (keyboards), and from Gonzalez: Chris Mercer (sax), Steve Gregory (sax) and Bud Beadle (sax).
- Solo casting - William Lyall (1976)
- Guests: Robert Ahwai, Ian Bairnson, Paul Buckmaster, Phil Chen, Phil Collins, Jack Emblow, Martyn Ford, Richard Hewson, Ronnie Leahy, Chris Mercer, David Paton, Ray Russell, Stuart Tosh (RIP: Barry De Souza, Billy Lyall)
- Producer: Robin Geoffrey Cable
- Comments:
The late Billy Lyall was a member of Bay City Rollers, and later he was the keyboardist in succesful Scottish band Pilot. He later collaborated with Alan Parsons (Pilot's producer), and made his only solo album, with help from many musicians: his old friends from Pilot Ian Bairnson (guitar) and David Paton (bass), plus some others, such as Robert Ahwai (guitar), Ray Russell (sitar), Phil Chen (bass), Ronnie Leahy (keyboards), Chris Mercer (sax), Barry De Souza (drums) and Phil Collins (drums). He sadly died in December 1989, of an AIDS-related illness.
The album was reissued on CD with two bonus tracks (the single versions of 'Maniac' and 'Solo casting'). - Sadista Sisters - Sadista Sisters (1976)
- Guests: Barry Booth, Mo Foster, Henry Lowther, Chris Mercer, Jim Toomey (RIP: Ron Carthy, Isaac Guillory)
- Technical: Barry Hammond
- Comments: They were a female quartet comprising Teresa D´Abreu, Judith Alderson, Jacky Tayler and Linda Marlowe. This album was recorded from October to December 1975.
- Sirkel & Co - Sirkel & Co (1976)
- Guests: Colin Allen, Mick Eve, Ronnie Leahy, Chris Mercer, Liza Strike, Jacqui Sullivan, Mick Taylor, Joy Yates (RIP: Ron Carthy)
- Producer: Robin Millar
- Comments: Sorry, I don't know who they are, although I own the album. This album was recorded by French musician Eric Ter-Sarkissian in March 1976, and produced by Robin Millar. The main lineup for this album was: Eric Sirkel (vocals, guitar), Mick Taylor (guitar), Gordon Raitt (bass), Ronnie Leahy (keyboards), Marc Frentzel (percussion, drums), and Colin Allen (drums). Plus, from Gonzalez: Chris Mercer (sax), Mick Eve (sax), Ron Carthy (trumpet); they play in some songs.
- Smith & D´Abo - Smith & D´Abo (10/1976)
- Members: Mike D´Abo, Mo Foster, Ray Russell (RIP: Barry De Souza, Mike Smith)
- Guests: Mike Bailey, Malcolm Griffiths, Jack Lancaster, Dave Markee, Chris Mercer, John Warren (RIP: Tony Gilbert)
- Comments: Mike D'Abo was a member of Manfred Mann. He also appears with Chris in the 'Jesus Christ Superstar' album, playing King Herod role. Mike Smith was the vocalist for 60s band Dave Clark Five. In this album, we can find: Ray Russell (guitar), Mo Foster (bass), Dave Markee (bass), Chris Mercer (sax), Malcolm Griffiths (trombone), Barry De Souza (drums), among others.
- Stan the man - Chicken Shack (1977)
- Members: Bob Daisley, Paul Hancox, Alan Powell, Stan Webb (RIP: Tony Ashton, Dave Wilkinson)
- Guests: Chris Mercer, Terry Noonan
- Producer: Neil Slaven
- Technical: John Burns
- Daylight - Hudson Ford (1977)
- Members: Mick Clarke, John Ford, Rick Hudson, Chris Parren (RIP: Ken Laws)
- Guests: Ian Bairnson, Martin Drover, Brent Forbes, Dave Markee, Chris Mercer, Graham Preskett, Ray Russell
- Producer: Robin Geoffrey Cable
- Comments: This was their 4th album as a duo, and the list of musicians includes Ray Russell (guitar), Ian Bairnson (guitar), Mick Clarke (guitar, who was to join the band), Dave Markee (bass), Brent Forbes (bass), Chris Parren (keyboards), Graham Preskett (keyboards, violin), Martin Drover (trumpet), Ken Laws (drums).
- Just a story from America - Elliott Murphy (1977)
- Guests: Phil Collins, Steve Gregory, Richard Hewson, Dave Markee, Chris Mercer, Mike Moran, Peter Oxendale, Mick Taylor (RIP: Barry De Souza, Morris Pert)
- Producer: Robin Geoffrey Cable
- Comments: He was categorized as a mixture of Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. A very talented songwriter, he recorded this album in England, with noted guests and studio musicians, like Mick Taylor (guitar), Mike Moran (keyboards, once with Ian Gillan), Peter Oxendale (keyboards, later with Chris DeBurgh), Dave Markee (bass, later with Eric Clapton), Barry De Souza (drums), Phil Collins (drums), and from Gonzalez: Chris Mercer (sax) and Steve Gregory (sax).
- Spaced - Shawn Phillips (1977)
- Members: Shawn Phillips, Peter Robinson
- Guests: Mike Baird, Jim Horn, Paul Jackson, Russ Kunkel, Chris Mercer, Mike Miller, Brian Odgers, Chuck Rainey, Bruce Rowland, Joe Sample, Leland Sklar, Bill Summers, Daniel Timms, Albert Wing (RIP: Johnny Almond, Michael Clarke, Sneaky Pete Kleinow)
- Technical: Robin Geoffrey Cable (RIP: Dee Robb)
- Comments: Spaced also has multiple guest players and session men. Sneaky Pete Kleinow (steel guitar, from The Byrds), Chuck Rainey (bass), Paul Jackson (bass), Leland Sklar (bass), Joe Sample (keyboards), Peter Robinson (keyboards, from Quatermass), Johnny Almond (flute, sax), Chris Mercer (sax), Jim Horn (sax), Michael Baird (drums), Michael Clarke (drums, from The Byrds), Russ Kunkel (drums), Bruce Rowland (drums).
- Che che kule - Eddie Quansah (1977)
- Members: Eddie Quansah
- Guests: Ray Allen, Kofi Ayivor, Colin Bass, Tony Braunagel, Jimmy Chambers, Dick Cuthell, Winston Delandro, Ian Green, Rosetta Hightower, Remi Kabaka, Junior Marvin, Chris Mercer, Emmanuel Rentzos, Jerome Rimson, Terry Wilson, Pete Wingfield (RIP: Rebop Kwaku Baah, Kiki Gyan, Mac Tontoh)
- Comments: Trumpet player, he played in several albums where Chris Mercer also played. This must be his first solo album, recorded with Jimmy Chambers (vocals), Junior Kerr (guitar), Pete Wingfield (keyboards), Rebop (percussion), Colin Bass (bass, later in Camel), Jerome Rimson (bass, later with the late Phil Lynott), Terry Wilson (bass), Chris Mercer (bass), Kofi Ayivor (drums), Tony Braunagel (drums).
- Mistaken ID - Nasty Pop (03/1977)
- Members: Steve Corduner, Keith Wilkinson
- Guests: Martyn Ford, Chris Mercer
- Comments: Band from Liverpool, formed around 1975. This was their second album, and Chris Mercer plays here along with Martyn Ford.
- 1934-1976 - Freddie King (10/1977)
- Members: Benny Turner (RIP: Freddie King)
- Guests: Bud Beadle, Eric Clapton, Mick Eve, Steve Ferrone, Steve Gregory, DeLisle Harper, Chris Mercer, Jamie Oldaker, Kenny Passarelli, Sergio Pastora, Bobby Tench, George Terry, Pete Wingfield (RIP: Ron Carthy, Roy Davies, Carl Radle, Dick Sims)
- Technical: Greg Calbi, Barry Hammond, Mike Vernon
- Comments: Freddie King (1934-1976) was his post-humous album (including unreleased studio and live tracks), released with the help of Eric Clapton, his most famous alumnus. Again, with lots of musicians: Eric Clapton and his band: George Terry (guitar), Carl Radle (bass), Dick Sims (keyboards), Sergio Pastora (percussion), Jamie Oldaker (drums) in one side complete. Plus: Kenny Passarelli (bass), Pete Wingfield (keyboards). Two tracks were recorded in July 1974, with Freddie King and the Gonzalez guys: DeLisle Harper (bass), Roy Davies (keyboards), Chris Mercer (sax), Bud Beadle (sax), Mick Eve (sax), Steve Gregory (sax), Ron Carthy (trumpet), plus aid from Bobby Tench (guitar), Mike Vernon (percussion) and Steve Ferrone (drums). Produced by Mike Vernon.
- My opinion: I love this album!!
- In the can - Cold Comfort (1978)
- Members: Nigel Bagge, Ian Byron
- Guests: Jeff Daly, Rod Edwards, Henry Lowther, Chris Mercer
- Comments: I don't know who they are. Chris Mercer and Henry Lowther play in their album, along with Graham Matthews (vocals, percussion), Nigel Bagge (guitar,vocals), David Price (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Derek Soden (bass, guitar, vocals), Jeff Daly (sax), Rod Edwards (keyboards, violin), Ian Byron (drums).
- Hobo with a grin - Steve Harley (1978)
- Members: Jim Cregan, Lindsay Elliott, Stuart Elliott, George Ford, Steve Harley, Jimmy Horowitz, Duncan Mackay, Jo Partridge
- Guests: Ian Bairnson, Rosemary Butler, Bill Champlin, King Errisson, Ricky Fataar, Herbie Flowers, Bob Glaub, Paul Humphrey, Luis Jardim, Alan Jones, Gloria Jones, Chris Karan, Tom Kelly, Bobby Kimball, Reggie McBride, Michael McDonald, Chris Mercer, Simon Morton, Bill Payne, Greg Poree, Rick Schlosser, Barry St John, Fred Tackett (RIP: Marc Bolan)
- Technical: Haydn Bendall
- Comments: Hobo with a grin was the first solo album by Steve Harley, after dissolving Cockney Rebel. It features lots of musicians: Marc Bolan (guitar), Jim Cregan (guitar, vocals), Ian Bairnson (guitar), Tom Moncrieff (guitar), Jo Partridge (guitar), Greg Poree (guitar), Fred Tackett (guitar), George Ford (bass), Herbie Flowers (bass), Bob Glaub (bass), Alan Jones (bass), Reggie McBride (bass), Duncan Mackay (keyboards), Billy Payne (keyboards), Lindsey Elliott (percussion), Chris Karan (percussion), Louis Jardim (percussion), Simon Morton (percussion), Stuart Elliott (drums), Ricky Fataar (drums), Paul Humphrey (drums), James Isaacson (drums), Rick Schlosser (drums), and vocals by Rosemary Butler, Bill Champlin, Gloria Jones, Yvonne Keely, Tom Kelly, Roy Kenner, Bobby Kimball, Michael McDonald, Barry St. John. The arrangements were made by Jimmy Horowitz. CD reissue contains 2 bonus tracks.
- Free ride - Marshall-Hain (1978)
- Guests: Harold Fisher, Tim Hain, Chris Mercer, Phil Palmer, Frank Ricotti, Peter Van Hooke, Geoff Westley
- Comments: Band assembled by Julian Marshall and Kit Hain. I think they only recorded this album. With great guest musicians: Phil Palmer (guitar), Chris Mercer (sax), Geoff Westley (keyboards), Frank Ricotti (percussion) and Peter Van Hooke (drums).
- Don´t talk back - Jim Rafferty (1978)
- Guests: Don Airey, Madeline Bell, Hugh Burns, Rod Clements, B J Cole, Mel Collins, Herbie Flowers, Delisle Harper, John James, Laurence Juber, Dave Mattacks, Chris Mercer, Francis Monkman, Lynton Naiff, Rab Noakes, Brian Odgers, Graham Preskett, Tim Renwick, Henry Spinetti, Gary Taylor, Peter Van Hooke, Pete Wingfield, Pick Withers (RIP: Kay Garner, Barry Morgan, Gerry Rafferty)
- Comments: He is Gerry Rafferty's brother. Lots of great musicians in this album, apart from Jim & Gerry: Madeline Bell (vocals), Kay Garner (vocals), Gerry Rafferty (guitar), Hughie Burns (guitar), Tim Renwick (guitar), Laurence Juber (guitar, from Wings), B.J. Cole (steel guitar, from Cochise), Gary Taylor (bass), Herbie Flowers (bass), Rod Clements (bass), DeLisle Harper (bass), Rab Noakes (bass), Brian Odgers (bass), Francis Monkman (keyboards), Pete Wingfield (keyboards), Don Airey (keyboards), Chris Mercer (sax), Mel Collins (sax), Graham Preskett (violin, keyboards), Pick Withers (drums, from Dire Straits), Dave Mattacks (drums), Barry Morgan (drums), Henry Spinetti (drums) and Peter Van Hooke (drums).
- Forget the past - Stretch (1978)
- Members: John Cook, Steve Emery, Kirby Gregory, Nicko McBrain
- Guests: Fran Byrne, Chris Fletcher, Chris Mercer
- Comments: Forget the past also includes Chris Mercer on sax.
- Fallen angel - Uriah Heep (1978)
- Members: Trevor Bolder, Mick Box, Ken Hensley, Lee Kerslake, John Lawton
- Guests: Chris Mercer
- Comments:
The lineup in this album was: John Lawton (vocals, from Lucifer's Friend), Mick Box (guitar), Trevor Bolder (bass, from Spiders from Mars), Ken Hensley (keyboards, guitar, vocals), and Lee Kerslake (drums). They are always great!! Recorded from April to August 1978, Chris Mercer plays sax solo on the song 'Save it'.
The CD reissue contains bonus tracks. - My opinion: My favourite songs are 'Love or nothing' and 'I'm alive'.
- Nite flights - The Walker Brothers (1978)
- Members: (RIP: John Maus)
- Guests: Les Davidson, Mo Foster, Frank Gibson, Dill Katz, Katie Kissoon, Chris Mercer, Alan Skidmore, Big Jim Sullivan, Peter Van Hooke, Joy Yates (RIP: Morris Pert, Ronnie Ross)
- Producer: Dave MacRae
- Comments: Oh, they were great!! I love this band, his classics like 'The sun ain't gonna shine anymore', 'Make it easy on yourself', 'My ship is coming in', and his fantastic renditions of some other's classics, like 'Love minus zero' (Bob Dylan) and 'Summertime', etc. Scott Walker (born Scott Engel) has a superb voice. This happened in the 60s, but they also recorded new albums, like this one, in the 70s. Recorded in February 1978, with musicians such as Big Jim Sullivan (guitar), Les Davidson (guitar), Chris Mercer (sax), Alan Skidmore (sax), Mo Foster (bass), Morris Pert (percussion), Peter Van Hooke (drums).
- Hour glass - Johnny Warman (1978)
- Members: Paul Martinez, Jeff Rich, Johnny Warman
- Guests: Sharon Campbell, Martin Drover, Chris Mercer, Frank Ricotti, Pete Solley, Linda Taylor
- Comments: Album recorded in 1978. CD reissue contains 8 bonus tracks, including 4 live songs.
- Eclipse - Paul Brett (1979)
- Members: Paul Brett
- Guests: Chris Mercer, Tom Newman, Ray Warleigh (RIP: Graham Jarvis)
- Comments: He has many solo albums, but, sorry, I don't have any of them, so I can't tell you things about him. Chris Mercer plays here, along with Ray Warleigh (sax), and Graham Jarvis (drums).
- Believe it or not - Nutshell (1979)
- Members: Paul Field, Mo McCafferty, Annie McCaig
- Guests: Tony Carr, Mike Giles, Gordon Giltrap, John Gustafson, Dzal Martin, John Mealing, Chris Mercer, Del Newman, Kevin Peek (RIP: Morris Pert)
- Producer: Rod Edwards, Roger Hand
- Technical: Roger Wake
- Comments: This was a Christian band, produced by the team Rod Edwards & Roger Hand. This was their fourth (and last) album. The band members were Paul Field, Annie McCaig and Mo McCafferty, and it also features Kevin Peek (guitar), Gordon Giltrap (guitar), John Mealing (string arrangements), John Gustafson (bass), Rod Edwards (keyboards), Mike Giles (drums), Morris Pert (percussion), plus the Gonzalez brass section, featuring Chris Mercer (who also makes the brass arrangements). It's not mentioned other Gonzalez musicians except Chris.
- Can you feel the force - Real Thing (1979)
- Guests: Robert Ahwai, Mike Davis, Martin Drover, Isobel Griffiths, Malcolm Griffiths, Cliff Hardie, Dave Lawson, Adrian Lee, Chris Mercer, Lynton Naiff, Mike Paice, Jerome Rimson, Trevor Spencer, Stan Sulzmann, Alan Tarney, Gavyn Wright (RIP: Graham Jarvis)
- Producer: Ken Gold
- Diamond cut - Bonnie Tyler (1979)
- Guests: Hugh Burns, Ed Hamilton, Dave Markee, Chris Mercer, Graham Smith, Henry Spinetti, Alan Tarney, Pete Wingfield (RIP: Martin Jenner)
- Producer: Robin Geoffrey Cable, Ronnie Scott
- Comments: This was Bonnie's next album after her big success 'It's a heartache'. Great studio musicians here: Hughie Burns (guitar), the great, late Martin Jenner (steel guitar), Pete Wingfield (keyboards), Dave Markee (bass), Chris Mercer (sax), Henry Spinetti (drums). CD reissue contains 2 bonus tracks.
- Rock´n´roll juvenile - Cliff Richard (09/1979)
- Members: Clem Cattini, George Ford, Bryn Haworth, Richard Hewson, Adrian Lee, John Perry, Cliff Richard, Tony Rivers, Trevor Spencer, Alan Tarney (RIP: Stu Calver, Graham Jarvis, Martin Jenner, Graham Todd)
- Guests: Madeline Bell, Mel Collins, Lance Dixon, Martin Dobson, Martin Drover, Herbie Flowers, Tristan Fry, Billy Livsey, Chris Mercer
- Producer: Terry Britten, Bruce Welch
- Technical: Haydn Bendall
- Comments: Some CD reissues contain 2 bonus tracks that feature Martin Jenner, George Ford, Clem Cattini and Adrian Lee that didn´t appear in the original album.
- Jokes/Voices - Murray Head (1980)
- Members: Trevor Morais, Geoff Richardson (RIP: Bob Weston)
- Guests: Jeff Allen, Jeff Beck, Dyan Birch, Alun Davies, Pat Donaldson, Rupert Hine, Bruce Lynch, Sue Lynch, Dave Mattacks, Chris Mercer, Andy Newmark, Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg, John G Perry, Paul Samwell-Smith, Gary Taylor, Richard Thompson (RIP: Morris Pert)
- Comments: Jokes/voices marks the reunion of Murray Head and Chris Mercer since 1973 (as far as I know). With the great Jeff Beck playing here too, plus Alun Davies (guitar), Richard Thompson (guitar), Geoffrey Richardson (guitar), Simon Nicol (guitar), Bob Weston (guitar), Pat Donaldson (bass), Dave Pegg (bass), Gary Taylor (bass, guitar), John G. Perry (bass), Bruce Lynch (bass), Rupert Hine (harmonica, keyboards), Dave Mattacks (drums), Andy Newmark (drums), Trevor Morais (drums), Jeff Allen (drums), Morris Pert (percussion), Paul Samwell-Smith (percussion, vocals), and backing vocals by Dyan Birch, Suzanne Lynch, Nick Barraclough, Anne Barraclough, Anthony Head.
- Pretenders - Pretenders (1980)
- Members: Martin Chambers, Chrissie Hynde (RIP: Pete Farndon, James Honeyman Scott)
- Guests: Henry Lowther, Chris Mercer
- Comments:
One of my favourite bands from the 80s, their leader Chrissie Hynde has a fantastic voice, tender and wild at the same time. They were beaten by disgrace, and two of their original members died in tragical circumstances in a brief period.
Pretenders is their first album, with great songs like 'Precious', 'Kid', 'Tattooed love boys' and a beatiful rendition of The Kinks' 'Stop your sobbing'. With Henry Lowther and Chris Mercer. CD reissue from 2006 is a 2CD full of demos and live tracks. - Snakes and ladders - Gerry Rafferty (1980)
- Members: Richard Brunton, Mo Foster, Liam Genockey, Ian Lynn, Raf Ravenscroft (RIP: Gerry Rafferty)
- Guests: Mel Collins, Betsy Cook, Jerry Donahue, Richard Harvey, Bryn Haworth, Billy Livsey, Will Malone, Chris Mercer, Frank Ricotti, Pete Wingfield, Gavyn Wright, Pete Zorn
- Producer: Hugh Murphy
- Technical: Barry Hammond, Steve Lipson
- Comments: Snakes and ladders was recorded with: Bryn Haworth (slide guitar), Jerry Donahue (guitar), Richard Brunton (guitar), Mo Foster (bass), Pete Zorn (bass), Ian Lynn (keyboards), Billy Livsey (keyboards), Pete Wingfield (keyboards), Raf Ravenscroft (sax), Chris Mercer (horns), Liam Genockey (drums), Richard Harvey (recorders), Frank Ricotti (percussion), Betsy Cook (backing vocals).
- Voices - Murray Head (1981)
- Guests: Jeff Allen, Jeff Beck, Alun Davies, Pat Donaldson, Chris Mercer, Andy Newmark, Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg, Gary Taylor, Richard Thompson, Nigel Warren-Green (RIP: Morris Pert)
- Producer: Paul Samwell-Smith
- Pretenders II - Pretenders (1981)
- Members: Martin Chambers, Chrissie Hynde (RIP: Pete Farndon, James Honeyman Scott)
- Guests: Henry Lowther, Chris Mercer
- Comments: Their second album Pretenders II had less success. With another Kinks' rendition, 'I go to sleep', and several great songs. With Henry Lowther and Chris Mercer guesting again, as well as Jim Wilson (trumpet) and Geoff Bryant (French horn). By the way, it was the last session that Mercer ever did in England, before moving to the States.
- Before your very eyes - Deke Leonard (03/1981)
- Members: Martin Ace, Dave Charles, Deke Leonard
- Guests: Billy Bremner, Doreen Chanter, Martin Drover, Dave Edmunds, John McKenzie, Chris Mercer, Malcolm Morley, Chris Parren, Vicky Silva, Terry Williams (RIP: Ron Aspery, Kenny Moore)
- Producer: (RIP: Martin Rushent)
- Technical: David Grinsted, Barry Hammond
- Comments: Deke was the lead guitarist in the superb Welsh band Man. He also recorded his own albums, like this one. With some members of his former band Man, like Martin Ace (bass), John McKenzie (bass), Malcolm Morley (keyboards) and Terry Williams (drums, later in Rockpile and Dire Straits). Several then-current companions of Terry Williams in Rockpile, Dave Edmunds (guitar), Billy Bremmer (guitar) also played here. More musicians: Chris Mercer (sax), Ron Aspery (sax, from Back Door), Chris Parren (keyboards), Martin Drover (trumpet), Doreen Chanter (backing vocals), etc. Recorded in 1977 and 1979, but it was released in March 1981. CD reissue contains 2 bonus tracks.
- Beowulf - Danny McCulloch´s Friends (1995)
- Members: Danny McCulloch
- Guests: Ray Cooper, Herbie Flowers, Tristan Fry, Chas Hodges, Chris Mercer, Alan Parker, Dave Peacock, Chris Spedding, Gary Wright (RIP: Barry Morgan)
- Comments: This is an album which remained unreleased until now. Danny McCulloch once was bassist in Eric Burdon & The New Animals. Here, he plays with Chris Spedding (guitar), Gary Wright (keyboards), Herbie Flowers (bass), Chris Mercer (sax), and Ray Cooper (percussion).
- Blues for EB - Too Slim And The Taildraggers (11/1997)
- Guests: Chris Mercer, Curtis Salgado
- Comments: Chris Mercer appears, as it was recorded in Portland, where he lives.
- Our world - Floyd Lloyd (1998)
- Guests: Dennis Bovell, Ray Carless, Doreen Chanter, Irene Chanter, Mikey Chung, Tony Green, Chris Mercer, Alvin Patterson, Rico Rodrigues
- Mango blues - Floyd Lloyd (2000)
- Guests: Ray Carless, Doreen Chanter, Irene Chanter, Mikey Chung, Steve Gregory, Chris Mercer, Rico Rodrigues, Eddie Thornton
- Ultimate collection - Freddie King (04/2001)
- Members: Benny Turner
- Guests: Bud Beadle, Chuck Blackwell, Eric Clapton, Donald ´Duck´ Dunn, Steve Ferrone, John Gallie, DeLisle Harper, Jerry Jemmott, Trevor Lawrence, Claudia Lennear, Kathi McDonald, Chris Mercer, Jamie Oldaker, George Terry, Mike Vernon, Frank Wess (RIP: Martin Banks, Ron Carthy, Roy Davies, Cornell Dupree, Carl Radle, Ernie Royal, Dick Sims)
- Producer: Don Nix, Leon Russell (RIP: King Curtis, Tom Dowd)
- Believer - Floyd Lloyd (09/2002)
- Guests: Mikey Chung, Steve Gregory, Chris Mercer, Rico Rodrigues, Eddie Thornton
- Hotshoe - Martyn Ford ( - )
- Members: Martyn Ford
- Guests: Robert Ahwai, Dyan Birch, Helen Chappelle, Frank Collins, Mel Collins, Winston Delandro, John Giblin, Tony Hymas, Chris Mercer, Mike Moran, Peter Robinson, Geoff Westley, Paul Westwood
- Stuck in the middle with you - Stealers Wheel (1978)
- Members: Rod Coombes, Joe Egan, Paul Pilnick, Peter Robinson, Tony Williams, Dave Wintour (RIP: Gerry Rafferty, Andrew Steele)
- Guests: David Briggs, Hugh Burns, Steve Gregory, Bernie Holland, Joe Jammer, Chris Mercer, Gary Taylor
- Comments: Stuck in the middle with you must be a later compilation.
- Best of Nutshell - Nutshell (1981)
- Members: Paul Field, Mo McCafferty, Annie McCaig
- Guests: Mike Giles, Gordon Giltrap, John Gustafson, Dzal Martin, Chris Mercer, Kevin Peek, John G Perry, Mo Witham (RIP: Morris Pert)
- Producer: Rod Edwards, Roger Hand
- Technical: Mike Bobak, Roger Wake
- Comments: Compilation with tracks taken from their 4 albums.
- In London - Teresa Brewer (1982)
- Members: (RIP: Teresa Brewer)
- Guests: Hugh Burns, Artie Butler, B J Cole, Ray Cooper, Peter Frampton, Pete Gavin, Mike Giles, Sue Glover, Ian Green, Steve Gregory, John Gustafson, Chas Hodges, Ruby James, Joe Jammer, Chris Karan, Albert Lee, Chris Mercer, Tom Parker, Dave Peacock, Dave Quincy, Frank Ricotti, Peter Robinson, Jim Ryan, Graham Smith, Ray Smith, Barry St John, Larry Steele, Liza Strike, Gary Taylor, Mark Warner (RIP: Paul Hammond)
- Comments:
A jazz lady. She started singing in the 50s. But along the seventies, she also recorded some album with rock musicians.
In London is a compilation of two albums, Music music music and In London with Oily Rags, and it contains great players. Guitars: Peter Frampton, Joe Jammer, Hughie Burns, Gary Taylor, Jim Ryan, Mark Warner, B.J. Cole. Percussion: Ray Cooper, Frank Ricotti. Horns from Gonzalez: Steve Gregory, Chris Mercer. Vocalists: Sue Glover, Liza Strike. Drums: Michael Giles. From Head, Hands & Feet: Albert Lee (guitar), Chas Hodges (bass), Pete Gavin (drums). And the complete Quatermass lineup: John Gustafson (bass), Pete Robinson (keyboards), Paul Hammond (drums). - Chapter & verse: the Uriah Heep story - Uriah Heep (November 2005)
- Members: Keith Baker, Trevor Bolder, Mick Box, Iain Clarke, Mark Clarke, Bob Daisley, Peter Goalby, Ken Hensley, Lee Kerslake, Phil Lanzon, John Lawton, Al Napier, Paul Newton, Nigel Olsson, Bernie Shaw, John Sinclair, Chris Slade, John Sloman, John Wetton (RIP: David Byron, Gary Thain)
- Guests: Ian Anderson, Peter Beckett, Mike Gibbs, Manfred Mann, Chris Mercer, Brett Morgan, Teddy Osei, Stephen Piggott, Frank Ricotti, Thijs Van Leer (RIP: Loughty Amao)
- Producer: Richard Dodd, Pip Williams
- Comments: 6CD boxset with tracks by the band as well as related groups (Keef Hartley Band, The Gods), etc. It also contains 14 unreleased tracks plus live tracks.
- Pirate radio - Pretenders (March 2006)
- Members: Rupert Black, Martin Chambers, Blair Cunningham, Malcolm Foster, Andy Hobson, Chrissie Hynde, Johnny Marr, Robbie McIntosh, Adam Seymour, T M Stevens, Bernie Worrell (RIP: Pete Farndon, James Honeyman Scott)
- Guests: Jeff Beck, Andrew Bodnar, Billy Bremner, Tony Butler, Paul Carrack, Jim Copley, Andy Duncan, James Eller, Mitchell Froom, Mel Gaynor, Stuart Gordon, Mark Hart, Steve Jordan, Tom Kelly, Henry Lowther, Tommy Mandel, John McKenzie, Chris Mercer, Chucho Merchan, Dominic Miller, David Paton, Simon Phillips, Pat Seymour, L Shankar, Bruce Thomas
- Producer: Bob Clearmountain, Stephen Hague, Jimmy Iovine, Steve Lillywhite, Nick Lowe, Chris Thomas
- Technical: Tchad Blake, Dan Hersch, Bill Inglot, Steve Nye, Bill Price
- Comments: 4 CD boxset plus 1 DVD.
- Everything under the sun - The Walker Brothers (06/2006)
- Guests: Brian Bennett, B J Cole, Les Davidson, Mo Foster, Tristan Fry, Frank Gibson, Steve Gray, Alan Jones, Chris Karan, Dill Katz, Paul Keogh, Katie Kissoon, Dave MacRae, John Mealing, Chris Mercer, Brian Odgers, Simon Phillips, Alan Skidmore, Big Jim Sullivan, Peter Van Hooke, Dougie Wright, Joy Yates (RIP: Barry Morgan, Jack Nitzsche, Morris Pert, Shorty Rogers, Ronnie Ross)
- Comments: 5CD boxset with some unreleased tracks.
QUESTIONS:
01. I know I'm missing many other band lineups, but it's really HARD to trace, so I need help, please!
02. Did Chris play in some album by The Temptations and The Spinners? Which ones?
03. Did Chris play live with the Average White Band? When and why?
04. Did Chris play some live gig with Martha Velez?
05. Was Ron Carthy a member of Wynder K Frog too?
06. Was Louise Arthurworrey a singer in Gonzalez?
RELATED WEBSITE LINKS: 75
Official site(s) - tell them you saw the link here:
- Andy Fraser
- Miller Anderson
- Chris Farlowe Official UK site
- Jean Roussel
- Paul De Lay
- Lily Wilde
- Shawn Phillips Official Website
- Chicken Shack
- Kevin Coyne label
- Kevin Coyne
- Uriah Heep (by Hani So/Dave White/Rodrigo Werneck / Louis Rentrop) - by the great ones
- Too Slim And The Taildraggers
From the always interesting Alex's Picks (by Alex Gitlin), we have:
- Keef Hartley Band
- Chronicle of when Alex Gitlin met Keef Hartley
- Dick Heckstall-Smith
- Juicy Lucy
- Miller Anderson
- Kokomo
- Linda Lewis
- Frankie Miller
- Hemlock
- Locomotive
- Martha Velez
- Coast Road Drive
- Stretch
- Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel
- Paul Brett´s Sage
From the superb site Knights in Blue Denim: The British Blues Scene '68 - '70 (by Christer Fridhammar & Vanja), we have:
- John Mayall
- Keef Hartley
- Dick Heckstall-Smith
- Wynder K Frog
- The Misunderstood
- Juicy Lucy
- Miller Anderson
- Pete Wingfield
- Chris Farlowe
- Frankie Miller
- Gerry Lockran
- Chicken Shack
- Man
From the great site DME (by Dmitri Epstein), we have fantastic interviews:
From the fantastic The British Sound blog (by Bruno Ceriotti), we have rock family trees about:
Wikipedia doesn´t want to include links to this website, but I won´t do the same with them. So, from the great Wikipedia, we have:
- John Mayall´s Bluesbreakers
- Keef Hartley
- Dick Heckstall-Smith
- Mick Weaver / Wynder K Frog
- Rebop Kwaku Baah
- The Misunderstood
- Juicy Lucy
- Bryan Ferry
- Phil Manzanera
- Martyn Ford
- Gonzalez
- Kokomo
- Frankie Miller
- Martha Velez
- Shawn Phillips
- Chicken Shack
- Nutshell
- Gerry Rafferty
Assorted links:
- Keef Hartley (by Amadeus Wachtler)
- Chris Farlowe page (by Tapani Taka)
- Chris Farlowe website (by Alex Gitlin)
- Pavilions of Sun - Marc Bolan & T.Rex web site (by Kate Ilyina)
- Shawn Phillips Canadian homepage (by Jean Boissonneault)
- Kevin Coyne (by Pascal Regis) - great site
- Very 'eavy Very 'umble Red Devils Home Page (by Boris Shnitzer) - by my great friend
- Moshe Lavi's Wonderworld of Uriah Heep Archives (by Moshe Lavi)
- Russian Uriah Heep page (IN RUSSIAN) (by Vladimir Milovidov)
- English Uriah Heep page (by Vladimir Milovidov)
- Uriah Heep links
RELATED VIDEO LINKS: 13
Disclaimer: I don´t own or upload any of the videos linked here. I just include links to live videos that are already available, in order to show the work of this musician. Anyway, if someone feels that some link shouldn't be included, please write me at the email address shown below. And if you know of more videos featuring Chris Mercer, please, also write me with the link.
- Juicy Lucy - Chicago North Western (1970) Juicy Lucy live at German TV show Beat Club in 1970. (Resolution: 480)
- Juicy Lucy Juicy Lucy live in 1971. Great quality. (Resolution: 480)
- Juicy Lucy Juicy Lucy live in 1971. Great quality. (Resolution: 480)
- Bryan Ferry - Let's Stick Together (1976) Bryan Ferry on TV appearance in 1976. Superb quality. (Resolution: 480)
- Bryan Ferry - A Hard Rain´s A-Gonna Fall (1977) Bryan Ferry live on TV in 1977. Great quality. (Resolution: 480)
- Bryan Ferry - Love Me Madly Again (1977) Bryan Ferry live in Japan in June 1977. Chris Spedding is outstanding, as always.
- Bryan Ferry - Shame Shame Shame (1977) Bryan Ferry live in Japan in June 1977.
- Bryan Ferry - The Price of Love (1977) Bryan Ferry live in 1977. (Resolution: 480)
- Bryan Ferry - Tokyo Joe (1977) Bryan Ferry live on TV appearance in 1977. (Resolution: 480)
- Bryan Ferry - This Is Tomorrow (1977) Bryan Ferry live on TV appearance in 1977. Magnificent quality. (Resolution: 480)
- Frankie Miller - Goodnight Sweetheart (1977) Frankie Miller live. My guess is that the year must be 1977.
- Gonzalez - Haven´t stopped dancing yet (1978) Gonzalez on TV. (Resolution: 480)
- Gonzalez - Haven´t stopped dancing yet (1979) Gonzalez clip.
Featuring: Glenn ´Ross´ Campbell, Pete Dobson, Keith Ellis, Neil Hubbard, Chris Mercer, Ray Owen.
Featuring: Glenn ´Ross´ Campbell, Rod Coombes, Keith Ellis, Chris Mercer, Micky Moody, Paul Williams.
Featuring: Glenn ´Ross´ Campbell, Rod Coombes, Keith Ellis, Chris Mercer, Micky Moody, Paul Williams.
Featuring: Bryan Ferry, Chris Mercer, Chris Spedding, Rick Wills. Drummer and keyboardist unknown to me.
Featuring: Mel Collins, Martin Drover, Bryan Ferry, Phil Manzanera, Chris Mercer, Ann Odell, Chris Spedding, Paul Thompson, John Wetton.
Featuring: Mel Collins, Martin Drover, Bryan Ferry, Chris Mercer, Ann Odell, Chris Spedding, Paul Thompson, John Wetton.
Featuring: Mel Collins, Martin Drover, Bryan Ferry, Phil Manzanera, Chris Mercer, Ann Odell, Chris Spedding, Paul Thompson, John Wetton.
Featuring: Mel Collins, Martin Drover, Bryan Ferry, Phil Manzanera, Chris Mercer, Ann Odell, Chris Spedding, Paul Thompson, John Wetton.
Featuring: Mel Collins, Martin Drover, Bryan Ferry, Phil Manzanera, Chris Mercer, Ann Odell, Chris Spedding, Paul Thompson, John Wetton.
Featuring: Dyan Birch, Frank Collins, Mel Collins, Martin Drover, Bryan Ferry, Paddy McHugh, Chris Mercer, Ann Odell, Chris Spedding, Paul Thompson, John Wetton.
Featuring: Paul Carrack, Martin Drover, Chris Mercer, Frankie Miller, Ray Russell, Chrissie Stewart. Backing vocalists unknown to me.
Featuring: Chris Mercer. Most of the band unknown to me.
Featuring: Chris Mercer. Most of the band unknown to me.
THANKS:
Very Special Thanks to:
Special Thanks to:
Thanks to:
RELATED MUSICIANS:
Chris Mercer mostly worked with these musicians: (name + number of credits)
Steve Gregory (29)
Henry Lowther (27)
Ron Carthy (24)
Bud Beadle (19)
Martin Drover (19)
Mick Eve (18)
Keef Hartley (16)
Mike Vernon (16)
Neil Hubbard (15)
Pete Wingfield (15)
Roy Davies (14)
Mick Taylor (14)
John Mayall (12)
Morris Pert (12)
Mick Weaver (12)
Eric Clapton (11)
Delisle Harper (11)
Dick Heckstall-Smith (11)
Page created by Miguel Terol on: 06/February/1998 - Last modified on: 03/May/2012. If you want to contribute with info, please write to: molympus1@gmail.com
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Blue Monks line up Chris Mercer sax, Steve Usher bass, David Lloyd drums, John Nicholson keyboard, Mike Crowther guitar, Murray Head vocals.Mike Crowther payed guitar for Vashti Bunyan in the late '60s
ReplyDeleteBack in 1966 I was at the same school as Chris, he was in my brother’s class (a few years above me)and his Dad taught Latin at the school, Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Blackburn. One of the classrooms had a piano and Chris could often be heard playing the blues or blasting out one of his favourites, Nutrocker Suite.
ReplyDeleteHaving played with the Godfather of British Blues, John Mayall OBE, he returned to Blackburn with his band Juicy Lucy to play at a gig I helped organise at Blackburn Tech College. I managed to spend some time backstage with the band and enjoyed reminiscing about the early days at QEGS. Juicy Lucy had a hit with Who Do You Love and Chris’s searing, soulful sax was an absolute joy to listen to.
Hearing that he’s now settled in Portland was another coincidence as we have some very dear friends who live there, Jim & Beth Ray, so maybe we should plan a holiday and pay them all a visit!
I found the news about Chris while getting some more background info on John Mayall for our youngest daughter who has a wide range in music that encompasses many of the greats, Hendrix, Who, Floyd, Clapton and many more. She has just given me an incredible Christmas present, a ticket to see Clapton live next May in Manchester,she got two tickets so we can both go!!
She finds it amazing and amusing that I first ‘discovered’ Clapton way back in 1967 at the same time I first heard John Mayall and Hendrix, but when I told her that the Godfather was still playing aged 78, and had recorded around 75 original albums, she then fully appreciated the longevity of good music. It’s reassuring to know that the inredible legacy that has been left by the musical explosion of the 60s and 70s is still being appreciated by the ‘kids of today’!!
Merry Christmas
John Chamley
We see Chris play nearly every month with DK Stewart at Duff's Garage in Portland. Last Saturday night, in fact. We have known Joe McCarthy, his trumpet-playing partner in the Soul Survivor Horns, for many years.
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