First of the Big Bands
Encyclopedia
First of the Big Bands is a studio album by Tony Ashton
of Ashton, Gardner & Dyke and Jon Lord
of Deep Purple
, released in April 1974 by Purple Records. The project was Ashton's and Lord's brainchild and continuation of their working relationship after Ashton Gardner & Dyke helped out on Jon Lord's soundtrack album The Last Rebel from 1971. Stylistically, First of the Big Bands was the precursor to Paice Ashton Lord's Malice in Wonderland album from 1977.
First of the Big Bands resulted in just two live performances, one of which was for the BBC. This was issued in 1993 as First of the Big Bands - BBC Live in Concert 1974
.
In November 2010 a remastered edition of the album was released by Purple Records. It contains two bonus tracks – the single b-side "Sloeback" and an alternative version of "Down Side Upside Down".
Tony Ashton
Tony Ashton was an English rock pianist, keyboardist, singer, composer, producer and artist.-Biography:...
of Ashton, Gardner & Dyke and Jon Lord
Jon Lord
Jonathan Douglas "Jon" Lord is an English composer, pianist and Hammond organ player.Jon Lord, also known as 'Hammond Lord', is a classically trained piano player. He is recognised for his Hammond organ blues-rock sound and for his pioneering work in fusing rock and classical or baroque forms...
of Deep Purple
Deep Purple
Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. Along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, they are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although some band members believe that their music cannot be categorised as belonging to any one genre...
, released in April 1974 by Purple Records. The project was Ashton's and Lord's brainchild and continuation of their working relationship after Ashton Gardner & Dyke helped out on Jon Lord's soundtrack album The Last Rebel from 1971. Stylistically, First of the Big Bands was the precursor to Paice Ashton Lord's Malice in Wonderland album from 1977.
First of the Big Bands resulted in just two live performances, one of which was for the BBC. This was issued in 1993 as First of the Big Bands - BBC Live in Concert 1974
First of the Big Bands - BBC Live in Concert 1974
First of the Big Bands - BBC Live in Concert 1974 is a live album recorded on September 12, 1974 at the London Palladium by Tony Ashton and Jon Lord and their all-star band featuring Ian Paice, Carmine Appice, Dick Parry and Max Middleton among others. The setlist features mainly songs off the...
.
In November 2010 a remastered edition of the album was released by Purple Records. It contains two bonus tracks – the single b-side "Sloeback" and an alternative version of "Down Side Upside Down".
Track listing
- "We're Gonna Make It" (3.52)
- "Down Side Upside Down" (4.01)
- "Band of the Salvation Army Band" (3.55)
- "Silly Boy" (3.23)
- "Surrender Me" (3.55)
- "I Been Lonely" (3.52)
- "Shut Up" (3.55)
- "Ballad of Mr. Giver" (6.09)
Production notes
- All songs written by Tony Ashton and Jon Lord, except "Surrender Me" and "I Been Lonely" written by Tony Ashton
- Recorded at Air and Apple Studios, London
- Engineered by Martin Birch, Geoffrey Emerick, Alan Harris, John Middleton, John Mills and Bill Price
- Produced by Tony Ashton and Jon Lord
Personnel
- Tony Ashton - Hammond organ, piano, vocals
- Jon Lord - Hammond organ, piano
- Carmine Appice - Drums
- Terry Cox - Drums
- Ian Paice - Drums
- Franck Ricotti - Percussion, vibraphone
- Jim Cregan - Guitar
- Jerry Donahue - Guitar
- Peter Frampton - Guitar
- Pat Donaldson - Bass guitar
- Dave Caswell - Trumpet
- Mike Davis - Trumpet
- John Mumford - Trombone
- Dick Parry - Saxophone
- Howie Casey - Saxophone
- Madeline Bell - Backup vocals
- Tony Ferguson - Backup vocals
- Jimmy Helms - Backup vocals
- Kenny Rowe - Backup vocals
- Graham White - Backup vocals
- Jo Ann Williams - Backup vocals
- Roger Willis - Backup vocals