The Musicians' Olympus: Strawbs

Showing posts with label Strawbs. Show all posts

Monday, 9 August 2010

John Knightsbridge (guitar)

BANDS:

The Initials
The Movement
Third World War [1971-1972]
Gnidrolog [1973]
Telemacque
Hug [1975]
Illusion [1976-1979]
Dana Gillespie Band [1978]
Frankie Reid & The Powerhouse
Roy Hill Band [1979-Jul 80]
Strawbs [Jul 80-1980]
Ruthless Blues [1979-1983]
The Yardbirds [Mar 83-1983]
Ruthless Blues [1984-1987]
Ruthless Blues [1991-Feb 99]

BIOGRAPHY:

Great guitarist, he sadly remains very underrated!!

I think his first bands were in Germany, but can't find any info about that period. So, if someone can help, it would be very appreciated!

THE INITIALS

This is the first band I've been able to trace with John Knightsbridge. The Initials was a band from Brighton:

THE INITIALS #?			?
John Knightsbridge guitar	Keith Pullen bass	Dave Greenfield † keyboards	Peter Anstis sax	Mick Law drums

Other info on members of The Initials (I know up to 5 members)
Not enough info (4):	Peter Anstis, Dave Greenfield, Mick Law, Keith Pullen

THE MOVEMENT

The Movement was another band from Brighton with John Knightsbridge:

THE MOVEMENT #?				?
John Knightsbridge guitar	Dave Greenfield † keyboards	Pete Boughton	Tony Hobbs-Ainley	Susie Cope	Bernice Hobbs-Ainley

Other info on members of The Movement (I know up to 6 members)
Not enough info (5):	Pete Boughton, Susie Cope, Dave Greenfield, Bernice Hobbs-Ainley, Tony Hobbs-Ainley

THIRD WORLD WAR

In 1971, the band recruits new musicians for a tour:

THIRD WORLD WAR #?			1971-1972
Terry Stamp vocals, guitar	John Knightsbridge guitar	Jim Avery bass	John Hawken keyboards	Paul Olsen drums

In 1972, Third World War change their drummer for the recording of their 2nd album, Third World War II. This was the lineup:

THIRD WORLD WAR #?				1972
Terry Stamp vocals, guitar	John Knightsbridge guitar	Jim Avery bass	John Hawken keyboards	Jim Price sax	Craig Collinge drums
					Shootê

There were more lineups at the very end of the band, without Hawken and Stamp, but can't find the complete info. Can someone help, please?

Other info on members of Third World War (I know up to 8 members)
Already covered (3):	Jim Avery, Craig Collinge, John Hawken
To be covered (4):	Ray Flacke, Paul Olsen, Jim Price, Terry Stamp

GNIDROLOG

John joined Gnidrolog around 1973, after some internal problems in the band that led Nigel Pegrum and Stewart Goldring to abandon. This was the new lineup:

GNIDROLOG #?			1973
Colin Goldring vocals, guitar	John Knightsbridge guitar	Pete Cowling † bass	John ´Irish´ Earle † sax	Benny ? drums

But things never were the same, and after six months, they split.

Other info on members of Gnidrolog (I know up to 6 members)
Already covered (1):	John ´Irish´ Earle
To be covered (2):	Pete Cowling, Nigel Pegrum
Not enough info (2):	Colin Goldring, Stewart Goldring

TELEMACQUE

John was a member of this band, but haven't been able to find info about them. Help, please!

HUG

This was the 1975 lineup for a band called Hug. It was formed by original Manfred Mann's drummer, Mike Hugg:

HUG #?		1975
Mike Hugg vocals, keyboards	John Knightsbridge guitar	Marcus James bass	Ron Telemacque drums

They released an album, Neon dream, before disbanding.

Other info on members of Hug (I know up to 4 members)
To be covered (2):	Mike Hugg, Ron Telemacque
Not enough info (1):	Marcus James

ILLUSION

Illusion

In 1975, the original members of Renaissance started thinking about reforming the band. Since the band was still active, they decided using the name of their 2nd album as band name. That's how Illusion was born. They recorded some demos, trying to get a recording contract. But again, disgrace came when Keith Relf was electrocuted in his flat in Whitton on May 14th, 1976. They decided carrying on with new members, and that's when Knightsbridge joined them:

ILLUSION #?				1976-1979
Jane Relf vocals	Jim McCarty vocals	John Knightsbridge guitar	Louis Cennamo bass	John Hawken keyboards	Eddie McNeil drums

They released an album, Out of the mist. Their 2nd album was called Illusion, being produced by Paul Samwell-Smith.

They started recording a 3rd album, but due to lack of interest, the band decided calling it a day in late 1979. Fortunately, these songs have finally been released in 1989, forming the album, Enchanted caress. The album also features the last recording ever made by Keith Relf, a song called 'All the falling angels', and guest appearances by Chas Cronk (bass) and Tony Fernandez (drums).

Other info on members of Illusion (I know up to 6 members)
Already covered (2):	Louis Cennamo, John Hawken
To be covered (3):	Jim McCarty, Eddie McNeil, Jane Relf

DANA GILLESPIE BAND

This was one of the many lineups for the wonderful Dana Gillespie Band around 1978:

DANA GILLESPIE BAND #?				1978
Dana Gillespie vocals	John Knightsbridge guitar	Barbara Spitz guitar	Neil Korner bass	John Hawken keyboards	Tony Hall † sax

John Barker
drums

Other info on members of Dana Gillespie Band (I know up to 32 members)
Already covered (4):	Dana Gillespie, John Hawken, Mike Paice, Bob Weston
To be covered (27):	Dino Baptiste, John Barker, Alain Baudry, Ed Deane, Shane Fontayne, Javier Garcia, Tony Hall, Chris Hunt, Evan Jenkins, Neil Korner, Glen LeFleur, David Malin, Sam Mitchell, Les Mizraki, Enrico Morena, Fred P G, Simon Phillips, Dave Rowberry, Matt Schofield, Todd Sharpville, Barbara Spitz, Carl Standbridge, Robin Sylvester, Jeff Walker, Martyn C Winning,... up to 27 musicians.

FRANKIE REID & THE POWERHOUSE

John played from time to time with this band, as it also featured his mates Craig Collinge and John Hawken, but can't find info about the lineups or the period when this happened. Help, please!

ROY HILL BAND

Around 1979, this was the Roy Hill Band:

ROY HILL BAND #?			1979-Jul 80
Roy Hill vocals	John Knightsbridge guitar	Chas Cronk bass	Bimbo Acock sax	Tony Fernandez drums
Strawbsê	Strawbsê	Strawbsê	Strawbsê	Strawbsê

But when Roy Hill joins Strawbs, the complete band goes with him.

Other info on members of Roy Hill Band (I know up to 11 members)
To be covered (9):	Bimbo Acock, Chas Cronk, Tony Fernandez, Roy Hill, Steve Shone, Mike Taylor, Gary Twigg, Jamie West Oram, Colin Wilkinson
Not enough info (1):	Ross McGeeny

STRAWBS

This was the Strawbs in July 1980, having recruited the complete Roy Hill Band:

STRAWBS #?				Jul 80
êRoy Hill Band		êRoy Hill Band	êRoy Hill Band		êRoy Hill Band
Roy Hill vocals	Brian Willoughby guitar, vocals	John Knightsbridge guitar	Chas Cronk bass	Andy Richards keyboards	Bimbo Acock sax

êRoy Hill Band

Tony Fernandez
drums

But people missed the original vocalist, Dave Cousins, so after a couple of gigs, they decided not carrying on (Strawbs reformed soon later with some of the original members, without John).

Other info on members of Strawbs (I know up to 31 members)
Already covered (4):	Don Airey, Rod Coombes, John Hawken, Chris Parren
To be covered (26):	Bimbo Acock, Ron Chesterman, Lindsay L Cooper, Mailto Correa, Dave Cousins, Chas Cronk, Rod Demick, Claire Deniz, Sandy Denny, Tony Fernandez, John Ford, Roy Hill, Tony Hooper, Rick Hudson, Robert Kirby, Sonja Kristina, Dave Lambert, John Mealing, Andy Richards, Adam Wakeman, Oliver Wakeman, Rick Wakeman, Blue Weaver, Paul Wiffen, Brian Willoughby,... up to 26 musicians.

RUTHLESS BLUES

This was the original lineup of the great band Ruthless Blues, around 1979:

RUTHLESS BLUES #1			1979-1981
Jeremy Truelove harmonica	John Knightsbridge guitar	Dave Blake guitar	Paul McCallum bass	Jim McCarty drums

Jeremy Truelove left the band in 1981.

New harmonicist for Ruthless Blues was the famous Johnny Mars, who joined around 1981:

RUTHLESS BLUES #2			1981-1982
Johnny Mars vocals, harmonica	John Knightsbridge guitar	Dave Blake guitar	Paul McCallum bass	Jim McCarty drums

Dave Blake left them in 1982, reducing the band to a quartet.

This was Rutless Blues in 1982:

RUTHLESS BLUES #3		1982-1983
Johnny Mars vocals, harmonica	John Knightsbridge guitar	Paul McCallum bass	Jim McCarty drums

The band split for a while when Jim McCarty reformed the Yardbirds in 1983.

THE YARDBIRDS

In March 1983, Jim McCarty reforms The Yardbirds, and John Knightsbridge is called to be the lead guitarist:

THE YARDBIRDS #?			Mar 83-?
Mark Feltham harmonica	John Knightsbridge guitar	Chris Dreja guitar	Paul Samwell-Smith bass	Jim McCarty drums, vocals

But, after a few months, they turned into Box of Frogs, without Knightsbridge.

Other info on members of The Yardbirds (I know up to 27 members)
Already covered (3):	Denny Ball, Jeff Beck, Gypie Mayo
To be covered (23):	Johnny A, Kenny Aaronson, Eric Clapton, Rod Demick, Jerry Donahue, Chris Dreja, Mark Feltham, Laurence Garman, Alan Glen, John Idan, Ben King, Ray Majors, Jim McCarty, Billy-Boy Miskimmin, Andy Mitchell, Jimmy Page, Keith Relf, Paul Samwell-Smith, Myke Scavone, Earl Slick, David Smale, Top Topham, Godfrey Townsend

RUTHLESS BLUES (again)

After a short split, Rutless Blues comes to life again in 1984 with veteran drummer Tony Fernandez instead of their original member Jim McCarty:

RUTHLESS BLUES #4		1984
Johnny Mars vocals, harmonica	John Knightsbridge guitar	Paul McCallum bass	Tony Fernandez drums

But Johnny Mars left that same year 1984.

Now Rutless Blues changes harmonica for sax with the arrival of the fantastic John 'Irish' Earle in 1985:

RUTHLESS BLUES #5		1985
John Knightsbridge guitar	Paul McCallum bass	John ´Irish´ Earle † sax	Tony Fernandez drums

But Earle's stay was quite brief.

In 1985, Steve Smith joins on harmonica:

RUTHLESS BLUES #6		1985
Steve Smith vocals, harmonica	John Knightsbridge guitar	Paul McCallum bass	Tony Fernandez drums

This lineup remained together until 1986.

In 1986, John 'Irish' Earle rejoins Ruthless Blues, becoming a quintet:

RUTHLESS BLUES #7			1986
Steve Smith vocals, harmonica	John Knightsbridge guitar	Paul McCallum bass	John ´Irish´ Earle † sax	Tony Fernandez drums

But original member Paul McCallum left the band in 1987.

New bassist for Ruthless Blues in 1987 is Martyn Taylor:

RUTHLESS BLUES #8			1987
Steve Smith vocals, harmonica	John Knightsbridge guitar	Martyn Taylor bass	John ´Irish´ Earle † sax	Tony Fernandez drums

They released the album Ruthless Blues. But the band stopped working for a second time this same year.

AND THEN...

I don't know what John did between 1987 and 1991. Any clue?

RUTHLESS BLUES (again)

In 1991, Ruthless Blues comes to life again with the same musicians from their last lineup with the only change of bassist, now with the superb Peter Rees:

RUTHLESS BLUES #9			1991
Steve Smith vocals, harmonica	John Knightsbridge guitar	Peter Rees bass	John ´Irish´ Earle † sax	Tony Fernandez drums

But Rees stayed only some months in the band.

Rob Burns played many gigs with Ruthless Blues when their official bassist, Andy Herbert couldn't attend the concerts:

RUTHLESS BLUES #?			?
Steve Smith vocals, harmonica	John Knightsbridge guitar	Rob Burns bass	John ´Irish´ Earle † sax	Tony Fernandez drums

Peter Rees is replaced by Andy Herbert, still in 1991:

RUTHLESS BLUES #10			1991
Steve Smith vocals, harmonica	John Knightsbridge guitar	Andy Herbert bass	John ´Irish´ Earle † sax	Tony Fernandez drums

And I'm not sure, but I think they split again. Can someone confirm me that, please?

New lineup for Ruthless Blues in 1996, with another great bassist, Peter Stroud:

RUTHLESS BLUES #11			1996
Steve Smith vocals, harmonica	John Knightsbridge guitar	Peter Stroud bass	John ´Irish´ Earle † sax	Tony Fernandez drums

In 1997, John Earle left them.

So, in 1997, Ruthless Blues becomes a quartet again:

RUTHLESS BLUES #12		1997-Feb 99
Steve Smith vocals, harmonica	John Knightsbridge guitar	Peter Stroud bass	Tony Fernandez drums

And in February 1999, Knightsbridge and Stroud left the band.

Other info on members of Ruthless Blues (I know up to 17 members)
Already covered (3):	Denny Ball, Rob Burns, John ´Irish´ Earle
To be covered (13):	Dave Blake, Chas Cronk, Steve Dixon, Tony Fernandez, Andy Herbert, Johnny Mars, Paul McCallum, Jim McCarty, Peter Rees, Steve Smith, Peter Stroud, Martyn Taylor, Jeremy Truelove

AND THEN...

I haven't know any more things about John's musical career. It's like he's disappeared. Can someone help me with info, please?

UNRELEASED PROJECTS:

Denny Ball was deputy for Ruthless Blues on a few occasions. Don´t know the exact lineups, but it was probably with John Knightsbridge (guitar) and Tony Fernandez (drums).

DISCOGRAPHY: (14 albums known to me - Status: Quite advanced)

ALBUMS AS A BAND MEMBER (9 credits)

Third World War II - Third World War (1972)

Members: Jim Avery, Craig Collinge, Ray Flacke, John Hawken, John Knightsbridge, Jim Price, Terry Stamp
Technical: George Chkiantz

Neon dream - Hug (1975)

Members: Mike Hugg, John Knightsbridge, Ron Telemacque

Out of the mist - Illusion (1977)

Members: Louis Cennamo, John Hawken, John Knightsbridge, Jim McCarty, Eddie McNeil, Jane Relf
Technical: Dennis MacKay

Illusion - Illusion (1978)

Members: Louis Cennamo, John Hawken, John Knightsbridge, Jim McCarty, Eddie McNeil, Jane Relf
Producer: Paul Samwell-Smith

Ruthless! live at Kingston Poly - Ruthless Blues (1988) (LIVE)

Members: John Knightsbridge
Comments: Tape only, i think.

Ruthless Blues - Ruthless Blues (1989)

Members: Tony Fernandez, Andy Herbert, John Knightsbridge, Steve Smith (RIP: John ´Irish´ Earle)
Guests: Dave Lennox, Gavin Povey
Technical: John Burns
Comments: CD reissue contains 2 bonus tracks.

Sure enough - Ruthless Blues (1992)

Members: Tony Fernandez, John Knightsbridge, Steve Smith, Martyn Taylor (RIP: John ´Irish´ Earle)

Enchanted caress - Illusion (November 1996)

Members: Louis Cennamo, John Hawken, John Knightsbridge, Jim McCarty, Eddie McNeil, Jane Relf (RIP: Keith Relf)
Guests: Chas Cronk, Tony Fernandez

Jane´s Renaissance - the complete Jane Relf recordings 1969-1995 - Jane Relf (November 2008)

Members: Jane Relf + Louis Cennamo, Terry Crowe, John Hawken, John Knightsbridge, Neil Korner, Jim McCarty, Eddie McNeil, Terry Slade (RIP: Michael Dunford, Keith Relf, John Tout)
Guests: Paul Samwell-Smith, Don Shinn, Chris Spedding, Jeff Wayne (RIP: Tommy Eyre)
Comments: Compilation including mostly tracks by Renaissance, Illusion and Stairway.

COMPILATIONS AS A BAND MEMBER (1 credit)

The Island recordings - Illusion (November 2003)

Members: Louis Cennamo, John Hawken, John Knightsbridge, Jim McCarty, Eddie McNeil, Jane Relf
Guests: (RIP: Robert Kirby)
Producer: Paul Samwell-Smith
Technical: Mike Bobak

ALBUMS WITH BANDMATES AND FRIENDS (2 credits)

Strange land - Box Of Frogs (May 1986)

Members: Chris Dreja, John Fiddler, Jim McCarty, Paul Samwell-Smith
Guests: Graham Gouldman, John Knightsbridge, Jimmy Page + Roger Chapman, Dave Clayton, Steve Hackett, Neil Lockwood, Dzal Martin, Max Middleton, Graham Parker, Juliet Roberts, Carol Thompson, Peter John Vettesse, Geraint Watkins (RIP: Ian Dury, Rory Gallagher)

Time machine - Rick Wakeman (1988)

Members: Rick Wakeman + Tony Fernandez, Ashley Holt, David Paton
Guests: John Knightsbridge + Roy Wood
Technical: John Burns
Comments: Recorded from June to October 1987.

SESSIONS (2 credits)

Warm Dust - Warm Dust (1972)

Members: John Bedson, Paul Carrack, Terry ´Tex´ Comer, Alan Soloman, John Surguy, Les Walker
Guests: John Knightsbridge
Producer: (RIP: Derek Lawrence)
Technical: (RIP: Martin Birch)

Silver eagle - Limey (1977)

Members: Ian Kewley (RIP: Jim Rodford)
Guests: Rod Argent, Bob Henrit + Paul Keogh, John Knightsbridge, Garth Watt-Roy, Tommy Willis (RIP: Tommy Eyre, Alan Spenner)
Comments: Not much info about this band. Great musicians included: John Knightsbridge (guitar), Garth Watt-Roy (guitar), Paul Keogh (guitar), Alan Spenner (bass), Ian Kewley (keyboards), Tommy Eyre (flute, keyboards), and the rhythm section from Argent: Jim Rodford (bass, a brief member, later to join The Kinks) and Bob Henrit (drums).

RELATED WEBSITE LINKS: 14

Official site(s) - tell them you saw the link here:

From the always interesting Alex's Picks (by Alex Gitlin), we have:

From the superb site Knights in Blue Denim: The British Blues Scene '68 - '70 (by Christer Fridhammar & Vanja), we have:

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:

THANKS:

Very Special Thanks to:

Dave Blake: for info on Ruthless Blues and John.

Special Thanks to:

Brandon Kincade: for writing.

Ian Cook: for info on Ruthless Blues.

Tony Hobbs-Ainley: for writing.

Keith Pullen: for writing.

Thanks to:

my friend Alex Gitlin: for some scans as well as album credits on Limey.

Mark Saunders: for his review of Ruthless Blues gigs.

Jeb Castelo: for info.

Also thanks for writing to:

Kjell Kristiansen, Gary Clarke, Nigel Morris-Cotterill.

WHAT'S NEW:

09/August/2010 - Page added to the blog.
02/October/2000 - Original page written by me (in the old site).

RELATED MUSICIANS:

John Knightsbridge mostly worked with these musicians: (name + number of credits)
John Hawken (6)
Jim McCarty (6)
Louis Cennamo (5)
Eddie McNeil (5)
Jane Relf (5)
Tony Fernandez (4)
Paul Samwell-Smith (4)
Doug Bogie (3)
John Burns (2)
John ´Irish´ Earle (2)

Page created by Miguel Terol on: 02/October/2000 - Last modified on: 22/September/2021. If you want to contribute with info, please write to: molympus1@gmail.com

Please, note than you can check the indexes (musicians, bands, obituaries) at the top of this page.

Monday, 26 April 2010

Chris Parren (keyboards)

BANDS:

Forever Amber [1968-1969]
Zac
Doris Troy Band
Hudson-Ford [Jun 73-?]
The Rocky Horror Show (cast) [70s]
The Blackheart Band
Chris Farlowe Band
Locust
Rock Follies [1977]
Jim Capaldi Band [1978-1979]
Midnight Flyer [1980-1982]
High Society [1980-1981]
Monks [1981]
High Society [1982-1984]
Monks [1982]
Poor-Mouth
Strawbs [1984-1992]
Virgin Warrior (cast) [1986]
Turkey Leg Johnson [1988-1992]
Ray Minhinnett Band [1989]
The Rocky Horror Show (cast) [1990]
Pepsi & The Blue Spiders [1991]
Maggie Bell Band [1993]
The Rocky Horror Show (cast) [1996]
Roger Chapman & The Shortlist [May 97]
Wicked [1998]
Hit Squad [1999]
Paul Cox Band [Oct 01-Dec 01]
Jim Capaldi Band [Dec 01-?]
Mike Hurst Band [2003]
Jim Capaldi Band [2003]
3AM [2005-2007]
Frankie Miller Band [2007]
3AM [2010-today]

BIOGRAPHY:

Prolific and very skilled keyboardist. I don´t have biographical data about him.

First band I've traced with him is Forever Amber.

FOREVER AMBER

Forever Amber

Forever Amber was a band from Cambridge around 1968:

FOREVER AMBER #?					1968
Michael Richardson vocals	Richard Lane guitar, vocals	Christopher Jones guitar, vocals	Anthony Mumford bass, vocals	John M Hudson keyboards	Chris Parren keyboards	Barry Broad drums

They only recorded an album, The love cycle, and they manufactured only 99 copies. Currently, the album has been reissued on CD.

ZAC

Zac was a band formed sometime during the 70s. I can´t find proper info about them, but these were some of the musicians on it:

ZAC #?		?
Brent Forbes bass	Chris Parren keyboards	Will Hill drums	+ others unknown to me. Help!
Doris Troy Bandê	Doris Troy Bandê	Doris Troy Bandê

They recorded an album, but don´t know if it was finally released. Can someone help me with info on them, please?

Forbes, Parren and Hill left the band to join singer Doris Troy.

DORIS TROY AND THE GOSPEL TRUTH

Doris Troy recruited 3 musicians from Zac to form her own band Doris Troy And The Gospel Truth:

DORIS TROY BAND #?				?
	êZac	êZac			êZac
Doris Troy † vocals	Brent Forbes bass	Chris Parren keyboards	Phil Kenzie sax	Choca percussion	Will Hill drums

Doris Troy asked great guitarist Micky Keene to join her band The Gospel Truth:

DORIS TROY BAND #?				?
Doris Troy † vocals	Micky Keene † guitar	Brent Forbes bass	Chris Parren keyboards	Phil Kenzie sax	Will Hill drums

When Keene left, he was replaced by Ray Russell, but don´t know info about the exact lineup(s). Does anybody know?

HUDSON-FORD

Hudson-Ford was a duo comprising Rick Hudson (vocals, guitar) and John Ford (guitar, bass). They had been playing together for years, first in Elmer Gantry´s Velvet Opera, later joining the fantastic band The Strawbs. They left them to start a solo career as a duo.

For their first album, called Nickelodeon, they used some additional musicians, such as Mickey Keen (guitar), Chris Parren (keyboards), Rick Wakeman (keyboards). After that, they asked Keen and Parren to join them as live band in June 1973:

HUDSON-FORD #?			Jun 73-May 74
Rick Hudson vocals, guitar	John Ford vocals, bass	Micky Keene † guitar	Chris Parren keyboards	Gerry Conway drums

But in May 1974, Gerry Conway left.

Ken Laws replaces Gerry Conway in the Hudson-Ford live unit in June 1974:

HUDSON-FORD #?			Jun 74-Dec 74
Rick Hudson vocals, guitar	John Ford vocals, bass	Micky Keene † guitar	Chris Parren keyboards	Ken Laws † drums

Their second album was Free spirit, and then, Micky Keene left them in December 1974.

Now Hudson-Ford was a quartet for live concerts:

HUDSON-FORD #?		?
Rick Hudson vocals, guitar	John Ford vocals, bass	Chris Parren keyboards	Ken Laws † drums

Their 3rd album was When worlds collide.

Daylight was their 4th album, and the list of musicians includes Ray Russell (guitar), Ian Bairnson (guitar), Mick Clarke (guitar, who finally joined the band), Dave Markee (bass), Brent Forbes (bass), Graham Preskett (keyboards, violin), Martin Drover (trumpet).

They split soon after this album.

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (CAST)

Chris was part of the band for The Rocky Horror Show in the mid 70s, but don´t have the details...

THE BLACKHEART BAND

This was a band formed by Ziggy Byfield (from The Rocky Horror Show). Chris Parren was a member of the band (as well as Derek Griffiths), but I don´t know the period or list of other musicians. Does anybody know, please?

CHRIS FARLOWE BAND

I think Chris Parren was a member of Chris Farlowe Band, but I haven´t been able to find info about his tenure with Farlowe.Help, please!

LOCUST

Chris Parren while in Locust

Locust was formed by:

LOCUST #?				1976-?
Phil Spinelli vocals	Peter Bonas guitar	Brent Forbes bass	Chris Parren keyboards	Ray Allen sax	John Dillon drums

They released the album Alpha waves in 1976. Some time later, several of the musicians started backing Jim Capaldi.

ROCK FOLLIES

When the 2nd season started (retitled Rock Follies of 1977), Chris Parren joined the band, replacing Brian Chatton:

ROCK FOLLIES #1			1977
Andy Mackay sax	Ray Russell guitar	Tony Stevens bass	Chris Parren keyboards	Peter Van Hooke drums

Another album was released too, Rock Follies of 77. The CD reissue has a bonus track.

JIM CAPALDI BAND

Around 1978, Chris Parren joins Jim Capaldi´s band, named The Contenders:

JIM CAPALDI BAND #?					1978
Jim Capaldi † vocals, guitar	Phil Capaldi vocals, percussion	Peter Bonas guitar	Alan Spenner † bass	Chris Parren keyboards	Ray Allen sax, percussion, vocals	Trevor Morais drums

They released the albums The Contender and 7.

Chris only stayed one year in The Contenders, but he was to appear in many later albums by Capaldi.

MIDNIGHT FLYER

Midnight Flyer

New lineup for Midnight Flyer with Chris Parren:

MIDNIGHT FLYER #2			1980-1982
Maggie Bell vocals	Anthony Glynne guitar	Tony Stevens bass	Chris Parren keyboards	Dave Dowle drums

They toured supporting Bob Seger in 1980, followed by opening slots for AC/DC in 1981, playing in Spain.

They played some festivals, including the famous Montreux Festival in July 1981. That´s when the live CD and DVD was recorded, both featuring guest appearances by Taj Mahal and Albert Collins.

They sadly split in 1982.

Midnight Flyer in 1981

HIGH SOCIETY

Another off-shoot of The Strawbs, High Society was formed around 1980:

HIGH SOCIETY #1				1980-1981
Brian Willoughby guitar, vocals	Jenny Ford	Terry Cassidy	John Ford bass, vocals	Chris Parren keyboards	Rick Hudson drums, vocals

MONKS

In 1981, Hudson & Ford resurrect Monks bringing his mate Chris Parren to augment the quintet:

MONKS #2				1981
Brian Willoughby guitar, vocals	Terry Cassidy	John Ford bass, vocals	Chris Parren keyboards	Clive Pearse	Rick Hudson drums, vocals

They remained active until December 1981.

HIGH SOCIETY (again)

In 1982, High Society comes to life again until 1984 with the same original lineup:

HIGH SOCIETY #2				1982-1984
Brian Willoughby guitar, vocals	Jenny Ford	Terry Cassidy	John Ford bass, vocals	Chris Parren keyboards	Rick Hudson drums, vocals

MONKS (again)

And in 1982, we find another lineup for Monks, with Huw Gower replacing original member Brian Willoughby:

MONKS #3				1982
Huw Gower guitar	Terry Cassidy	John Ford bass, vocals	Chris Parren keyboards	Clive Pearse	Rick Hudson drums, vocals

They disbanded again that same year.

POOR-MOUTH

Poor-Mouth was the band for guitarist and singer Jack-E McAuley (Jackie McAuley, a former member of Them). He assembled a backing band for concerts, Poor-Mouth, without an stable lineup, but always comprising superb musicians, such as John Gustafson (bass), Rod Demick (bass), Don Airey (keyboards), Chris Parren (keyboards), Nick Payn (sax, flute), Clive Bunker (drums), Howard Tibble (drums).

The band released two albums, but I don't have them, so I don't know if Chris Parren appears there. Help, please!

POOR-MOUTH #											?
Jackie McAuley vocals, guitar	+ others culled from:	John Gustafson bass	Rod Demick bass	Phil Rynhart bass	Don Airey keyboards	Chris Parren keyboards	Tommy Lundy	Nick Payn sax, flute	Clive Bunker drums	Steve Dixon drums	Howard Tibble drums	Tony Ryan drums

STRAWBS

Around 1984 (or maybe 1983?), Chris joins Strawbs, replacing the magnificent Blue Weaver:

STRAWBS #?				1984-1985
Dave Cousins vocals, guitar	Tony Hooper guitar, vocals	Brian Willoughby guitar, vocals	John Ford bass, vocals	Chris Parren keyboards	Rick Hudson drums, vocals

This edition of the band lasted until 1985, when John Ford left.

In 1985, they brought another great musician, Rod Demick to replace John Ford:

STRAWBS #?				1985-1992
Dave Cousins vocals, guitar	Tony Hooper guitar, vocals	Brian Willoughby guitar, vocals	Rod Demick bass, vocals	Chris Parren keyboards	Rick Hudson drums, vocals

They released a studio album, Don't say goodbye. This was followed by a live album, Greatest hits live, recorded at a TV program in 1990 (this is why this concert was also available on video).

This lineup lasted until end of 1992, when Chris Parren joined The Rocky Horrow Show band (being replaced by Don Airey).

VIRGIN WARRIOR (CAST)

This is the cast for the musical Virgin Warrior. These are the musicians backing the singers:

VIRGIN WARRIOR (CAST) #?						1986
Jeff Bannister vocals	Julienne Mills vocals	Derek Griffiths guitar	Dave Johnson bass	David Jones director	Chris Parren keyboards	Sev Lewkowicz keyboards	Kitty McLaughlin drums

There´s a 2CD, but I´ve never seen it, so I don´t know if the players are the same as above.

TURKEY LEG JOHNSON

Some of the Strawbs members also formed a parallel band, to play gigs when the band was not active. They were called Turkey Leg Johnson, and it featured:

TURKEY LEG JOHNSON #1		1988-1992
Brian Willoughby guitar, vocals	Rod Demick bass, vocals	Chris Parren keyboards	Rick Hudson drums, vocals

They stayed together during three years.

JOHN COGHLAN´S DIESEL BAND

Sometime in the 80s, when Hilly Briggs wasn´t available, Chris Parren played with John Coghlan´s Diesel:

JOHN COGHLAN´S DIESEL BAND #?			?
John Verity guitar, vocals	Ray Minhinnet guitar, vocals	Jim Rodford bass	Chris Parren keyboards	John Coghlan drums

RAY MINHINNETT BAND (UK BUSTERS)

In August 1989, Chris Parren also played with the great Ray Minhinnet in his band UK Busters:

RAY MINHINNETT BAND #?										1989
Ray Minhinnet guitar, vocals	John Gordon bass	Chris Parren keyboards	Bruce Boardman keyboards	Tony Hepworth trumpet	Noel Norris trumpet	Nick Payn sax	Stuart Blandamer sax	Andy Beer sax	Steve Farr sax	Tony Ingram sax	Graham Walker drums

We can find one track (´Never had the blues like this before´), in the collective album UnAmerican Blues Activities Vol.1, assembled by mythical blues producer Mike Vernon. Other artists featured there: Mick Clarke Band, Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds, Blues'n'Trouble, Balham Alligators, The Mick Pini Band, Juice on the Loose, etc.

This track gave Ray the chance of winning the Award for Best British Blues Songwriter that year. He was also nominated for the Best British Blues Guitarist award, alongside Eric Clapton, Gary Moore and Rory Gallagher.

Later, Chris Parren left.

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (CAST) (again)

In 1990, Chris Parren started working on a remake of The Rocky Horror Show cast. A 2LP was released, with these performers:

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (CAST) #?															1990
Tim McInnerny vocals	Gina Bellman vocals	Adrian Edmonson vocals	Eddie Tudor-Pole vocals	Mary Maddox vocals	Linda Davidson vocals	Gordon Kennedy vocals	Adam Caine vocals	Jonathon Adams vocals	Kate O´Sullivan vocals	+	Derek Griffiths guitar	Alan Ross bass	Dave Brown keyboards, musical director	Chris Parren keyboards	Geoff Driscoll sax	Clem Cattini drums

The album was called The Rocky Horror Show (The whole gory story).

PEPSI & THE BLUE SPIDERS

In 1991, he recorded some songs with a one-off band, called Pepsi & The Blue Spiders:

PEPSI & THE BLUE SPIDERS #?			1991
Pepsi vocals	Hugh Burns guitar	Tony Muschamp bass	Chris Parren keyboards	Charlie Morgan drums

MAGGIE BELL BAND

This is the impressive Maggie Bell Band around November 1993:

MAGGIE BELL BAND #?				1993
Maggie Bell vocals	Ronnie Caryl guitar	Paul Francis bass	Chris Parren keyboards	Pat Crumly † sax	Jeff Seopardie drums

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (CAST) (again)

In 1996, The Rocky Horror Show was played again in theatres. The list of singers and actors had changed, but the musicians remained the same as in the 1990 edition:

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (CAST) #?													1996
Sherry Hart vocals	David Schmittou vocals	Ellen Hoffman vocals	David Nehls vocals	Hans B Goetzfried vocals	Caroline Liadakis vocals	Bob Simon vocals	David Velarde vocals	Ted Anderson vocals	+	Derek Griffiths guitar	Dave Brown keyboards, musical director	Chris Parren keyboards	Geoff Driscoll sax	Clem Cattini drums

The album was called The Rocky Horror Show: 1996/1997 European tour.

ROGER CHAPMAN & THE SHORTLIST

This is the lineup for The Shortlist around May 97, with Chris Parren replacing their usual keyboardist, Ian Gibbons, as he was not available that month:

ROGER CHAPMAN & THE SHORTLIST #36						May 97
Roger Chapman vocals	Steve Simpson guitar	Laurie Wisefield guitar	Gary Twigg bass	Chris Parren keyboards	Pat Crumly † sax	John Lingwood drums	Helen Hardy backing vocals

WICKED

In 1998, some of the musicians from The Rocky Horrow Show get together in a new band, Wicked:

WICKED #?				1998
Billy Miller vocals	Kate O´Sullivan vocals	Derek Griffiths guitar	Jim Rodford bass	Chris Parren keyboards	Steve Rodford drums

HIT SQUAD

In 1999, we find great, veteran players reunited under the name of Hit Squad:

HIT SQUAD #1			1999
Tony Burrows vocals	Alan Carvell vocals	Micky Keene † guitar	Chris Parren keyboards	Clem Cattini drums

They´ve released a new album, but don't have it, so I can't confirm who is playing on it. Help, please!

PAUL COX BAND

This was a special edition of Paul Cox Band, as his usual keyboardist Gary Moberley was not available, and they call friend Chris Parren to deputise for him in October 2001:

PAUL COX BAND #?					Oct 2001
					êBill Wyman Band
Paul Cox vocals	Mike Summerland guitar	Al MacLean bass, backing vocals	Chris Parren keyboards	Martin Drover trumpet	Nick Payn sax	Steve Dixon drums
			Jim Capaldi Bandê

But Parren left in December to rejoin Jim Capaldi band for a new British tour.

JIM CAPALDI BAND (again)

Jim started touring with Jim Capaldi again in December 2001, but don´t have details about the other band members. Help, please!

MIKE HURST BAND

Mythical producer Mike Hurst assembled this superb combo under the name Mike Hurst And His All Star Band in January 2003 in order to record a live DVD, that was called Hitmaker in concert:

MIKE HURST BAND #?				2003
Mike Hurst vocals	Jonas Hurst	Ray Fenwick guitar	Colin Farley bass	Chris Parren keyboards	Clem Cattini drums

JIM CAPALDI BAND (again)

Around November 2003, this is Jim Capaldi´s band, now christened as The Outside:

JIM CAPALDI BAND #?			2003
Jim Capaldi † vocals, guitar, drums	Mick Dolan guitar	Nick Graham bass	Chris Parren keyboards	Richard Newman drums

3AM

In 2005, Chris Parren joined the r&b band 3AM, formed by Tim and Andy Renton:

3AM #?		2005-2007?
Tim Renton guitar	Chris Parren keyboards	Andy Renton drums	+ several others

They have released 2 live albums, 3am and The White Album and also on a feature track on the current Essex Delta Blues compilation album, but don´t know if Chris appears there, as I don´t have them.

I guess they split around 2008.

FRANKIE MILLER BAND

Although singer Frankie Miller is sadly currently confined to a wheelchair, his music can be heard in a revived Frankie Miller Band led by Frankie´s old mates Ray Minhinnet and Henry McCullough and with the great Paul Cox on lead vocals.

This was the lineup in October 2007:

FRANKIE MILLER BAND #?				2007
Paul Cox vocals	Ray Minhinnet guitar	Henry McCullough guitar	Dave Bronze bass	Chris Parren keyboards	Malcolm Mortimore drums

Some other times, the lead vocals are shared between Paul Cox and John Gilbert:

FRANKIE MILLER BAND #?					?
Paul Cox vocals	John Gilbert vocals	Ray Minhinnet guitar	Henry McCullough guitar	Dave Bronze bass	Chris Parren keyboards	Malcolm Mortimore drums

3AM (again)

3AM split in 2008, but the band has reformed again in 2010, with founders Tim and Andy Renton from the old lineup:

3AM #?			2010-?
Tola Lamont vocals	Tim Renton guitar	Fussi Andersen bass	Chris Parren keyboards	Andy Renton drums

They released the album 3AM in 2010, before changing their vocalist.

The new vocalist in 3AM now is Laura Long, a jazz singer and singing teacher from North London:

3AM #?			2012
Laura Long vocals	Tim Renton guitar	Fussi Andersen bass	Chris Parren keyboards	Andy Renton drums

This new lineup has released a new album, called Long time coming. The CD includes ´Sweet Lovin´ Woman´( a track from Midnight Flyer, the band that member Chris Parren was in with Maggie Bell), ´Early Monday Morning´ (a Vinegar Joe track) and ´Someone to Love´( by Percy Mayfield); the rest are 3am compositions.

DISCOGRAPHY: (66 albums known to me - Status: Quite advanced)

ALBUMS AS A BAND MEMBER (34 credits)

The Love cycle - Forever Amber (1969)

Members: Chris Parren
Comments: The album was reissued on CD in 1990 and 1992.
My opinion: Nice album with an obvious 60s feel. My favourite track is ´Going away again´, a poppy tune in the Bob Dylan style.

Nickelodeon - Hudson Ford (1973)

Members: Mick Clarke, Gerry Conway, John Ford, Rick Hudson, Chris Parren (RIP: Micky Keene)
Guests: Jack Emblow, Del Newman, Rick Wakeman
Producer: Tom Allom

Free spirit - Hudson-Ford (1974)

Members: Mick Clarke, John Ford, Rick Hudson, Chris Parren (RIP: Micky Keene, Ken Laws)
Producer: Tom Allom

Worlds collide - Hudson-Ford (1975)

Members: Mick Clarke, John Ford, Rick Hudson, Chris Parren (RIP: Ken Laws)
Guests: John Mealing (RIP: Dick Morrissey)
Producer: Tom Allom

Alpha waves - Locust (1976)

Members: Ray Allen, Peter Bonas, John Dillon, Brent Forbes, Chris Parren

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).

Rock Follies Of 77 - Rock Follies (08/1977)

Members: Andy Mackay, Chris Parren, Ray Russell, Tony Stevens, Peter Van Hooke
Guests: Robin Williams
Technical: John Punter
Comments: CD contains 1 bonus track.

Daughter of the night - Jim Capaldi (1978)

Members: Ray Allen, Peter Bonas, Phil Capaldi, Chris Parren (RIP: Jim Capaldi, Alan Spenner)
Guests: Mel Collins, Mickey Feat, Brent Forbes

The Contender - Jim Capaldi (02/1978)

Members: Ray Allen, Peter Bonas, Phil Capaldi, Trevor Morais, Chris Parren (RIP: Jim Capaldi, Alan Spenner)
Guests: Pete Carr, Ed Greene, Roger Hawkins, David Hood, Jimmy Johnson, Jackie McAuley, Ray Parker, Dean Parks, Chuck Rainey, David Shields, Steve Winwood (RIP: Barry Beckett, Paul Kossoff)

Electric nights - Jim Capaldi (05/1979)

Members: Ray Allen, Peter Bonas, Phil Capaldi, Trevor Morais, Chris Parren (RIP: Jim Capaldi, Alan Spenner)
Guests: Peter Cox, Rosko Gee, Simon Kirke

The Sweet smell of... success - Jim Capaldi (07/1980)

Members: Ray Allen, Peter Bonas, Phil Capaldi, Chris Parren (RIP: Jim Capaldi, Alan Spenner)
Guests: Mel Collins, Mickey Feat, Brent Forbes

Suspended animation - The Monks (1981)

Members: John Ford, Huw Gower, Rick Hudson, Chris Parren, Brian Willoughby
Comments: CD reissue contains 6 bonus tracks.

Midnight Flyer - Midnight Flyer (02/1981)

Members: Maggie Bell, John Cook, Dave Dowle, Anthony Glynne, Chris Parren, Tony Stevens
Producer: Mick Ralphs
Comments: CD reissue contains 2 bonus tracks, taken from the Rock´n´roll party mini-album.

Let the thunder cry - Jim Capaldi (04/1981)

Members: Peter Bonas, Chris Parren (RIP: Jim Capaldi)
Guests: Mel Collins, Martin Drover, Brent Forbes, Simon Kirke, Andy Newmark, Henry Thomas, Steve Winwood (RIP: Rebop Kwaku Baah, Vicki Brown, Sam Mitchell)
Comments: Some CD reissue contains bonus tracks. And there´s also a expanded deluxe edition as a 2CD with a complete additional live CD from 1988 with his mate Chris Wood.

Rock´n´roll party (EP) - Midnight Flyer (01/1982)

Members: Maggie Bell, John Cook, Dave Dowle, Anthony Glynne, Chris Parren, Tony Stevens
Producer: Mick Ralphs
Comments: Mini-LP.

Fierce heart - Jim Capaldi (05/1983)

Members: Ray Allen, Peter Bonas, Chris Parren (RIP: Jim Capaldi)
Guests: Simon Bell, Mel Collins, Geoff Driscoll, Martin Drover, Brent Forbes, Stevie Lange, Jim Leverton, John Mizarolli, Van Morrison, Nicole Winwood, Steve Winwood (RIP: Bryson Graham)
Comments: Fierce heart features Jim´s mate Steve Winwood, as well as Van Morrison, John Mizzarolli (guitar), Peter Bonas (guitar, bass), Jim Leverton (bass), Chris Parren (keyboards), Mel Collins (sax), Geoff Driscoll (sax), Martin Drover (trumpet), Bryson Graham (drums), Ray Allen (sax), and vocals by Stevie Lange, Simon Bell.

High Society - High Society (1984)

Members: John Ford, Rick Hudson, Chris Parren, Brian Willoughby
Comments: CD reissue contains bonus tracks.

One man mission - Jim Capaldi (01/1985)

Members: Ray Allen, Peter Bonas, Chris Parren (RIP: Jim Capaldi, Alan Spenner)
Guests: Simon Bell, Tom Coster, John Giblin, Neil Hubbard, Simon Kirke, Stevie Lange, Jim Leverton, Colin Pincott, Carlos Santana, Orestes Vilato, Godfrey Wang, Snowy White (RIP: Bryson Graham, Steve Marriott)
Producer: Stewart Levine
Comments: One man mission features Steve Marriott, Carlos Santana (guitar), Neil Hubbard (guitar), Snowy White (guitar), Peter Bonas (guitar), Colin Pincott (guitar), John Giblin (bass), Jim Leverton (bass), Alan Spenner (bass), Chris Parren (keyboards), Godfrey Wang (keyboards), Pete Harris (keyboards), Bryson Graham (drums), Simon Kirke (drums), Orestes Vilato (percussion, from Santana band), Ray Allen (percussion), and backing vocals by Stevie Lange, Simon Bell, Kenny Lynch.

Don´t say goodbye - Strawbs (05/1987)

Members: Dave Cousins, Rod Demick, Tony Hooper, Rick Hudson, Chris Parren, Brian Willoughby
Comments: It was reissued as a twofer with Ringing down the years.

Some come running - Jim Capaldi (12/1988)

Members: Phil Capaldi, Chris Parren (RIP: Jim Capaldi)
Guests: Eric Clapton, Mel Collins, Rosko Gee, Michael Hehir, Mick Ralphs, Steve Winwood (RIP: Richie Close, George Harrison)
Technical: Tim Young

The Rocky Horror Show (the whole gory story) - The Rocky Horror Show (cast) (1990)

Members: Clem Cattini, Geoff Driscoll, Derek Griffiths, Chris Parren

Ringing down the years - Strawbs (1991)

Members: Dave Cousins, Rod Demick, Tony Hooper, Rick Hudson, Chris Parren, Brian Willoughby

Greatest hits live! - Strawbs (1993)

Members: Dave Cousins, Rod Demick, Tony Hooper, Rick Hudson, Chris Parren, Brian Willoughby
Comments: It was also released on video.

Greatest hits live! - Strawbs (1994)

Members: Dave Cousins, Rod Demick, Tony Hooper, Rick Hudson, Chris Parren, Brian Willoughby
Comments: Live video (there´s a CD edition of the same concert). It was reissued with the title Classic Rock Legends.

The Rocky Horror Show - soundtrack from the European tour 96/97 - The Rocky Horror Show (cast) (1996)

Members: Clem Cattini, Geoff Driscoll, Derek Griffiths, Chris Parren

Living on the outside - Jim Capaldi (09/2001)

Members: Nick Graham, Chris Parren (RIP: Jim Capaldi)
Guests: Ian Paice, Steve Winwood (RIP: George Harrison, Gary Moore)
Comments: Released in 2001 in Europe, it was released in the States in 2003, with a different album cover and songlist order.

Hitmaker in concert - Mike Hurst And His All Star Band (08/2003)

Members: Clem Cattini, Ray Fenwick, Chris Parren
Comments: Recorded live in January 2003.

The River sessions - Maggie Bell (2004)

Members: Maggie Bell, Ronnie Caryl, Paul Francis, Chris Parren, Jeff Seopardie (RIP: Pat Crumly)
Comments: Recorded live in November 1993.

Poor boy blue - Jim Capaldi (11/2004)

Members: Peter Bonas, Phil Capaldi, Mick Dolan, Steve Kinch, Trevor Morais, Chris Parren (RIP: Jim Capaldi)
Guests: Brent Forbes, Stevie Lange, John Mizarolli, Steve Winwood (RIP: Bryson Graham, Sam Mitchell, Gary Moore)
Technical: Phill Brown

Live Montreux July 1981 - Maggie Bell And Midnight Flyer (01/2007)

Members: Maggie Bell, Dave Dowle, Anthony Glynne, Chris Parren, Tony Stevens
Guests: Taj Mahal (RIP: Albert Collins)
Comments: There´s also a DVD edition. The concert was from Montreux Festival, and it includes Albert Collins and Taj Mahal guesting in a few tracks.

Live Montreux July 1981 - Maggie Bell And Midnight Flyer (01/2007)

Members: Maggie Bell, Dave Dowle, Anthony Glynne, Chris Parren, Tony Stevens
Guests: Taj Mahal (RIP: Albert Collins)
Comments: There´s also a CD edition.

I never go out in the rain - High Society (01/2009)

Members: John Ford, Rick Hudson, Chris Parren, Brian Willoughby
Guests: Simon Bishop, Huw Gower, Nick Pentelow, Nigel Portman Smith

3AM - 3AM (08/2010)

Members: Chris Parren, Andy Renton, Tim Renton

Long time coming - 3AM (2012)

Members: Chris Parren, Andy Renton, Tim Renton

COMPILATIONS AS A BAND MEMBER (4 credits)

Repertoire - Hudson-Ford (1976)

Members: John Ford, Rick Hudson, Chris Parren (RIP: Ken Laws)

Fretwork - Jack-E McAuley (01/1997)

Members: Clive Bunker, Rod Demick, Steve Dixon, John Gustafson, Jackie McAuley, Chris Parren, Nick Payn, Howard Tibble
Guests: Melanie Harrold, Kevin McAlea, Richard Simmons
Comments: A great, veteran player and singer. This album is a compilation of his two former solo albums (Gael Force and Headspin), and it features lots of great players: John Gustafson (bass), Rod Demick (bass, vocals), Chris Parren (keyboards), Kevin McAlea (keyboards), Richard Simmons (keyboards), Nick Payn (flute, harmonica), Clive Bunker (drums), Steve Dixon (drums), plus vocals by the wonderful Melanie Harrold.

A Taste of Strawbs - Strawbs (10/2006)

Members: Don Airey, Rod Coombes, Dave Cousins, Chas Cronk, Rod Demick, Tony Fernandez, John Ford, John Hawken, Tony Hooper, Rick Hudson, Chris Parren, Andy Richards, Adam Wakeman, Rick Wakeman, Blue Weaver, Brian Willoughby (RIP: Ron Chesterman, Sandy Denny, Robert Kirby)
Guests: Miller Anderson, Roger Glover, Jon Hiseman, Ric Lee, Leo Lyons, Ric Sanders, Tony Visconti (RIP: Nicky Hopkins, Ronnie Verrell)
Producer: Jeff Griffin (RIP: Gus Dudgeon)
Comments: 5CD boxset with lots of unreleased tracks.

Best of - sound & vision - Maggie Bell (11/2008)

Members: Colin Allen, Miller Anderson, Maggie Bell, Dave Dowle, Anthony Glynne, Colin Hodgkinson, Zoot Money, Chris Parren, Tony Stevens
Guests: Taj Mahal (RIP: Albert Collins)
Comments: Compilation comprising 1 CD plus the live DVD of the Midnight Flyer concert in Montreux in July 1981.

ALBUMS WITH BANDMATES AND FRIENDS (3 credits)

Ready or not - Ray Russell (1977)

Members: Martin Drover, Mo Foster, Tony Hymas, Simon Phillips, Tony Roberts, Ray Russell
Guests: Liz Edwards, Alan Greed, Malcolm Griffiths, Annie Kavanagh, Andy Mackay, Chris Parren, John Punter, Peter Van Hooke, Reg Webb, Tim Whitehead, Gavyn Wright
Comments: CD reissue contains 5 bonus tracks.

Resolving contradictions - Andy Mackay (10/1978)

Members: Andy Mackay
Guests: Phill Brown, Mo Foster, Phil Manzanera, Chris Parren, Ray Russell, Tony Stevens, Paul Thompson, Peter Van Hooke, Gavyn Wright
Comments: This was one of the solo albums by Roxy Music sax player. This album features Ray Russell (guitar, also strings and brass arrangements), Phil Manzanera (guitar), Mo Foster (bass), Tony Stevens (bass), Chris Parren (keyboards), Tim Wheater (flute), Pete Van Hooke (drums), Paul Thompson (drums). As we can see, some of Andy's mates in Roxy Music, as well as most of the Rock Follies lineup. It was recorded between March and July 1978. The album was reissued on CD in 1990. But, good news are that it has been reissued again in 1999, this time with 4 bonus tracks.

Strangers in paradise - Yellow Dog (1981)

Members: Herbie Armstrong, Rod Demick, Kenny Young
Guests: Nick Glennie-Smith, Ricky Medlocke, Phil Palmer, Chris Parren, Peter Van Hooke
Comments: Strangers in paradise was recorded with Phil Palmer (guitar), Phil McWalters (guitar), Phil Becque (bass), Kevin Llewellyn (bass), Mark Yates (bass), Chris Parren (keyboards), Nick Glennie Smith (keyboards), Mark Steeds (keyboards), Peter Van Hooke (drums), Ricky Medlocke (drums), Mush Chimes (drums), Chris Warwick (percussion).

COLLECTIVE ALBUMS (3 credits)

Un-American blues activities volume 1 - VVAA (1989)

Guests: Andy Beer, Stuart Blandamer, Bruce Boardman, Mick Clarke, John Edwards, Chris Farlowe, Steve Farr, Tony Hepworth, Ruby James, Ray Minhinnet, Noel Norris, Chris Parren, Nick Payn, Alan Scott, Graham Walker, Geraint Watkins
Producer: Mike Vernon
Comments: It contains tracks by: Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds, Blues´n´Trouble, The Balham Alligators, Roma Pierre & Her Backdoormen, Mick Pini band, Juice On The Loose, Mick Clarke Band, The Red Hot Pokers and Ray Minhinnet´s UK Busters.

Vol pour Sidney (Aller) - VVAA (1992)

Guests: Steve Beresford, Terry Bozzio, Hugh Burns, Tony Coe, Lol Coxhill, Urszula Dudziak, Dave Green, Sylvia Hallett, Tony Hymas, Lee Konitz, Brian Lemon, Taj Mahal, Chris Parren, Pat Thomas, Charlie Watts (RIP: Elvin Jones)
Comments: Atypical sampler with tracks by: Lol Coxhill & Pat Thomas, British Summer Time Ends, Elvin Jones, Michel Doneda, Taj Mahal, The Lonely Bears, Steve Beresford, Charlie Watts, Pepsi (it´s really Pepsi & The Blue Spiders), Lee Konitz and Urszula Dudziak.

Essex delta blues vol II - A to Z - VVAA (2006)

Guests: Paul Dean, Paul Green, Mick Parker, Chris Parren, Andy Renton, Tim Renton
Comments: Sampler featuring tracks by B2B, Richard Dobney Band, The Heaters, The Customtones, Spillage, The Zoltans, 3AM, The Untouchables, Jamie Williams Band, Bad Town Blues, Johnny Gunner &The Raiders, The Rockin´ Armadillos, The Swamp Cats.

LIBRARY ALBUMS (1 credit)

The Great dames of rock´n´roll - VVAA (1982)

Guests: Chris Parren, Ray Russell (RIP: Andy Brown, Barry De Souza)
Comments: Library album.

SOUNDTRACKS (1 credit)

Going off big time OST - OST (2000)

Guests: Mark Griffiths, Chris Parren, Andy Roberts, Ralph Salmins
Comments: The music in this movie was composed by Andy Roberts and Mike Moran, and the musicians are: Andy Roberts (guitar), Mark Griffiths (guitar), Chris Parren (keyboards), Ralph Salmins (drums), but I don´t know if they appear in the soundtrack CD.

SESSIONS (17 credits)

The Greatest little soul band in the world - J J Jackson (1969)

Members: Terry Smith (RIP: Dick Morrissey)
Guests: Chris Parren, Rico Rodrigues, Larry Steele, Jeff Whittaker (RIP: Bill Eyden, John Marshall)

J J Jackson´s dilemma - J J Jackson (1970)

Members: Dave Quincy, Terry Smith (RIP: Dick Morrissey)
Guests: John Bennett, Ian Hague, Chris Parren, Dick Parry, Larry Steele

To seek a new home - Brother Jack McDuff (1970)

Members: (RIP: Jack McDuff)
Guests: John Bennett, Adrian Drover, Martin Drover, Norman Leppard, Terry Noonan, Bud Parkes, Chris Parren, Terry Smith, Larry Steele (RIP: Dick Morrissey)
Producer: Lew Futterman

My Spanish album - Albert Hammond (1976)

Guests: Madeline Bell, Hugh Burns, Helen Chappelle, B J Cole, Gerry Conway, Pat Donaldson, Tristan Fry, Richard Hewson, Mike Moran, Chris Parren, Simon Phillips, Barry St John, Liza Strike (RIP: Vicki Brown)

Summer holiday - Ian Gomm (1978)

Members: Ian Gomm
Guests: Herbie Flowers, Chris Parren (RIP: Barry De Souza)
Producer: (RIP: Martin Rushent)
Comments: This album was also known with the title Gomm with the wind.

Pleasure signals - Wilding/Bonus (1978)

Guests: Phil Chen, Andy Clark, Todd Cochran, Phil Collins, John Giblin, John Goodsall, Preston Heyman, Robin Lumley, Chris Parren, Michael Shrieve, Kate St John, Phil Todd (RIP: Rebop Kwaku Baah, Kiki Gyan, Morris Pert)
Technical: Dick Cuthell

Welcome to the cruise - Judie Tzuke (1979)

Members: Mike Paxman, Judie Tzuke
Guests: Roy Babbington, Paul Buckmaster, Mo Foster, Paul Hart, Steve Nye, Chris Parren, Simon Phillips, Ray Russell, Richard Studt, Peter Van Hooke, Ray Warleigh, Gavyn Wright (RIP: Barry De Souza, Morris Pert)
Producer: John Punter
Comments: Welcome to the cruise was Tzuke´s first album (although it was names Stay with me ´till dawn in its American release), featuring Ray Russell (guitar, also brass arrangements), Mike Paxman (guitar, percussion), Mo Foster (bass), Roy Babbington (bass), Chris Parren (keyboards), Paul Hart (keyboards), Steve Nye (keyboards), Ray Warleigh (sax), Simon Phillips (drums), Pete Van Hooke (drums), Barry De Souza (drums), Morris Pert (percussion). String arrangements by Paul Buckmaster.

Waves - Mike Batt (1980)

Members: Mike Batt
Guests: B J Cole, Mel Collins, Ray Cooper, Jim Cregan, Nigel Jenkins, Chris Karan, Trevor Morais, Chris Parren, Frank Ricotti, Ray Russell
Comments: Waves was recorded during the summer of 1980 and it features Ray Russell (guitar), Jim Cregan (guitar), Nigel Jenkins (guitar), B.J. Cole (pedal steel guitar), Frank McDonald (bass), Chris Parren (keyboards), Mel Collins (sax), Frank Ricotti (percussion), Trevor Morais (drums).

What a blow - Ian Gomm (1980)

Members: Alan Coulter, Rod Demick, Nick Glennie-Smith, Ian Gomm, Ray Taff Williams
Guests: B J Cole, Herbie Flowers, Malcolm Morley, Chris Parren, Raf Ravenscroft (RIP: Barry De Souza, Martin Rushent)
Comments: He was a member of great band Brinsley Schwarz from 1970 to 1975. He has released several solo albums. On this one, he's backed by Ray Taff Williams (guitar), B.J. Cole (pedal steel guitar), Herbie Flowers (bass), Rod Demick (bass, from Meal Ticket with Steve Simpson), Nick Glennie-Smith (keyboards), Malcolm Morley (keyboards), Chris Parren (keyboards), Raf Ravenscroft (sax), Alan Coulter (drums), Barry De Souza (drums). CD reissue from 2002 contains bonus tracks.

Exiled - Exiled (08/1980)

Guests: Colin Blunstone, Mitch Dalton, Stuart Elliott, Bernie Frost, John Giblin, DeLisle Harper, Joe Jammer, Luis Jardim, Laurence Juber, Paul Keogh, Dave Lawson, Robin Lumley, Dan McCafferty, Chris Parren, Andy Pask, Craig Pruess, Ray Russell, Paul Thompson (RIP: Lesley Duncan, John ´Irish´ Earle, Tommy Eyre)
Comments: A project led by Bob Mitchell and Steve Coe, with many famous guests: people from Status Quo, Nazareth, Zombies, and great players such as Tommy Eyre or Ray Russell, among others. The lineup is amazing: Colin Blunstone (vocals), Dan McCafferty (vocals, from Nazareth), Francis Rossi (vocals, from Status Quo), Lesley Duncan (vocals), Terry Cassidy (vocals), Joe Jammer (guitar), Laurence Juber (guitar, from Wings), Paul Keogh (guitar), Ray Russell (guitar), Mitch Dalton (guitar), John Giblin (bass), Delisle Harper (bass), Andy Pask (bass), Sonny LeMaire (bass), Tommy Eyre (keyboards), Dave Lawson (keyboards, from Greenslade), Robin Lumley (keyboards), Chris Parren (keyboards), Steve Coe (keyboards), Marlon Hargis (keyboards), Craig Pruess (keyboards), John Earle (sax), Lee Greenwood (sax), the great Ricky Skaggs (mandolin, violin), Louis Jardim (percussion), Terry McMillan (percussion), Stuart Elliott (drums), Paul Thompson (drums), Steve Goetzman (drums), Nigel Martinez (drums).

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.

Message from the 5th stone - John Mizarolli (1982)

Members: John Mizarolli
Guests: Don Airey, Richard Bailey, Ginger Baker, Sam Brown, John Elstar, Stevie Lange, Noel McCalla, John McKenzie, Brett Morgan, Chris Parren, Henry Thomas, Joy Yates (RIP: Vicki Brown)
Comments: In Message from the 5th stone, John has his old boss Ginger Baker guesting, plus some other great musicians: Jon Elstar (vocals), Noel McCalla (vocals), Don Airey (keyboards), Chris Parren (keyboards), Henry Thomas (bass), John McKenzie (bass), Brett Morgan (drums), Richard Bailey (drums), and backing vocals by Stevie Lange, Joy Yates, Vicki Brown and Sam Brown.

Charlie - Charlie (1983)

Members: Richard Cottle, Bob Henrit, Terry Thomas, Terry Wilson-Slesser
Guests: Andy Clark, Felix Krish, Mutt Lange, Adrian Lee, Chris Parren, Nick Payn
Technical: George Marino

Zen Attack - Zen Attack (1983)

Members: Rosko Gee (RIP: Bryson Graham)
Guests: Peter Bonas, Mike McEvoy, Chris Parren, Dave Rose (RIP: Rebop Kwaku Baah)

Chosen people - Dave Davies (10/1983)

Members: Dave Davies
Guests: Martyn Ford, Bob Henrit, Chris Parren, Dave Wintour
Technical: Bob Ludwig

Careless whisper (SINGLE) - George Michael (1984)

Members: Danny Cummings, Deon Estus, George Michael
Guests: Hugh Burns, Trevor Murrell, Chris Parren

Double crossed - Jim Diamond (1985)

Members: Jim Diamond, Simon Kirke, Paul ´Wix´ Wickens
Guests: Tony Beard, Martin Ditcham, Graham Lyle, Robbie McIntosh, John McKenzie, Zoot Money, Chris Parren, Colin Pincott, Earl Slick (RIP: Dick Morrissey)
Producer: Pip Williams
Comments: CD reissue contains bonus tracks.

COMPILATIONS (SESSIONS) (3 credits)

Come on - Ian Gomm (1997)

Members: Alan Coulter, Rod Demick, Nick Glennie-Smith, Ian Gomm, Ray Taff Williams
Guests: Herbie Flowers, Malcolm Morley, Chris Parren, Raf Ravenscroft (RIP: Barry De Souza)
Producer: Bob Andrews (RIP: Martin Rushent)
Comments: Compilation comprising songs from Gomm´s first three albums (Summer holiday, What a blow and Village voice).

Jim Diamond - Jim Diamond (05/2001)

Members: Jim Diamond
Guests: Alan Dunn, Benny Gallagher, Graham Lyle, Ollie Marland, John McKenzie, Phil Palmer, Chris Parren

Hold on - the very best of Ian Gomm - Ian Gomm (06/2005)

Members: Alan Coulter, Rod Demick, Ian Gomm
Guests: Herbie Flowers, Clive Gregson, Phil Palmer, Chris Parren, John Pugh, Raf Ravenscroft (RIP: Barry De Souza)
Producer: Bob Andrews (RIP: Martin Rushent)

QUESTIONS:

01. Can anybody tell me if Chris Parren was a member of Zen Attack, or if he only played in their album in a session basis?

02. I need to find the credits for Chris Parren collaborations backing: Doris Troy, Labi Siffre, Bobby Womack and The Three Degrees, among others.

03. Was Chris a member of J J Jackson´s band, or did he play in his 2 albums as a sessionman?

04. I need to check the soundtrack for the movie Songcatcher, in order to check if Chris Parren was involved.

05. I need to find the credits for Chris Parren´s involvement with: Eurythmics, Lulu or The Real Thing.

RELATED WEBSITE LINKS: 24

Official site(s) - tell them you saw the link here:

From the always interesting Alex's Picks (by Alex Gitlin), we have:

From the superb site Knights in Blue Denim: The British Blues Scene '68 - '70 (by Christer Fridhammar & Vanja), we have:

From the comprehensive Rockpalast site (by Michael Marsch), we have:

Roger Chapman & The Shortlist

From the fantastic The British Sound blog (by Bruno Ceriotti), we have rock family trees about:

Mike Hurst & The Method

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:

RELATED VIDEO LINKS: 10
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 Parren, please, also write me with the link.

3AM - My Version

(Resolution: 360)

3AM - Unknown Title

(Resolution: 360)

3AM - I Don´t Believe You

3AM - My Version

(Resolution: 360)

3AM - The Thrill Is Gone

(Resolution: 360)

3AM - Brazen (Weep)

(Resolution: 360)

3AM - I´d Rather Go Blind

(Resolution: 480)

3AM - I Don´t Believe You

(Resolution: 480)

3AM - Do You Really Know Your Man?

(Resolution: 360)

3AM - (Hearing Things) For The First Time

(Resolution: 480)

THANKS:

Very Special Thanks to:

Tim Renton: for info on 3AM, now and then (2007 & 2012).

Jacqui and Ray Minhinnet: for info on lineups for Ray Minhinnett´s bands and John Coghlan´s Diesel Band (2001).

Blake Powell: for info about Chris playing with Paul Cox, as well as for his wonderful presents (2002).

Special Thanks to:

Pete Feenstra: for info on 3AM (2004).

Thanks to:

Andy JG: for confirming the info on the band Locust (2004).

WHAT'S NEW:

30/March/2012 - Added a new album by his band 3AM. Very special thanks to Tim Renton.
26/April/2010 - Page added to the blog.
03/September/2001 - Original page written by me (in the old site).

RELATED MUSICIANS:

Chris Parren mostly worked with these musicians: (name + number of credits)
Rick Hudson (13)
Peter Bonas (10)
Jim Capaldi (10)
Rod Demick (10)
John Ford (9)
Ray Russell (8)
Brian Willoughby (8)
Ray Allen (7)
Brent Forbes (7)
Tony Stevens (7)

Page created by Miguel Terol on: 03/September/2001 - Last modified on: 30/March/2012. If you want to contribute with info, please write to: molympus1@gmail.com

Please, note than you can check the indexes (musicians, bands, obituaries) at the top of this page.

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