Graeme Edge
Encyclopedia
Graeme Charles Edge is best known as the drummer
and a songwriter
for the Moody Blues, but has also led his own outfit, the Graeme Edge Band.
After the departure of Denny Laine & bassist Clint Warwick and the later recruitment of Justin Hayward & John Lodge in 1966 the band continued initially to play the 'R & B' style material, however after an irate fan dismissed their concert performance as poor Edge is quoted as speaking up to say to his bandmates: 'That guy was right...we WERE Rubbish !' leading the band to decide henceforth to drop the blues style covers and begin writing & recording their own songs only.
Edge initally was a poet for the band contributing 'Morning Glory' and 'Late Lament' to 'Days of Future Passed' in 1967 (narrated by Mike Pinder). Edge himself opened 'In Search of The Lost Chord' (1968) with his brief poem 'Departure' tho' Pinder again narrated his 'The Word' poem later on that set.Further poems provided by Edge included 'In The Beginning' (co-narrated by Hayward, Edge, & Pinder in turn), and 'The Dream' (spoken by Pinder) for 'On The Threshold of A Dream'(1969)
Later in 1969 as the Moodies launched their own label Threshold Records Edge began contributing songs, his 'Higher And Higher' (a spoken lyric over music with a dramatic 'Rocket blast off' opening) commenced 'To Our Children's Children's Children', which also featured his instrumental composition 'Beyond'.
Edge 'whispered' the lyrics to his song 'Don't You Feel Small' over band sung vocals on 'A Question of Balance' (1970) on which he also contributed a co-written with Ray Thomas closing poem/song 'The Balance'.
Edge co-wrote and claims pole position as 'Lead grunt' on the unusual band composed opening track; 'Procession' on their album 'Every Good Boy Deserves Favour' in 1971, on which his strong song 'After You Came' featured the four Lead vocalists , Thomas, Pinder, Hayward, & Lodge both together and taking brief solo lead lines in turn, Edge's song was later used as UK 'B' side to the chart Hit 'Isn't Life Strange ?' in 1972.
For their 1972 'Seventh Sojourn' album Edge co-wrote 'You And Me' with Justin Hayward who took lead vocal. After the Moodies world tour ended in 1974 the band members took a break during which Edge later sailed the seas (between his two 'solo' albums), making a round the world voyage with a small crew in his yacht 'Delia'.
Edge returned to recording later in 1974 forming his studio based 'Graeme Edge Band' (Featuring guitarist/vocalist Adrian Gurvitz) who first issued a non album single 'We Like To Do it' on Threshold (TH 18) in July 1974 (this was later added to his first Graeme Edge Band' album as a 'Bonus' track on the CD release). The Graeme Edge Band then released two album
s in the mid 1970s. The first was Kick Off Your Muddy Boots in September 1975 on the Threshold
record label
, a subsidiary of Decca Records
, catalogue number THS 15. It was released as a gatefold
with album art by Joe Petagno
and featured Adrian Gurvitz
and Paul Gurvitz, plus a guest appearance co-drumming with Edge by Ginger Baker (on 'Gew Janna Woman') , and backing vocals by fellow Moodies member Ray Thomas. This first album reached No.107 in the USA on the Billboard chart. Their second album was Paradise Ballroom in 1977, on the main Decca label, catalogue number TXS 121, and in the U.S.
on the London Records
label, catalogue number PS 686, the album charted in the USA reaching No.164 on the Billboard chart. It was also released as a gatefold with album art by Joe Petagno, and again featured Adrian and Paul Gurvitz.
A single 'Everbody Needs Somebody' (taken from the latest album) was issued on Decca (F.13698) with the non album 'B' side 'Be My Eyes' in June 1977.
After The Moodies reunion in 1978 Edge provided the strong 'I'll Be Level With You' (sung by the group, led by Hayward) for the album 'Octave' on Decca.
For 'Long Distance Voyager' in 1981 Edge contributed '22,000 Days' - the length of an average human lifespan in days - sung by Thomas, Lodge, & Hayward, this was also used as the UK 'B' side of the single 'Gemini Dream'.
Edge's heartfelt 'Going Nowhere' (sung by Ray Thomas) was his lone composition on 'The Present' album in 1983, and he teamed with later Moodies keyboardist Patrick Moraz for 'The Spirit' (sung by the group's vocalists in harmony) on 'The Other Side of Life' album in 1986.
Edge was not featured as a songwriter or poet on either 'Sur La Mer' (1988) and 'Keys of the Kingdom'(1991), and was not drummer on every track on the latter album, however he did contribute the thought provoking closing poem/song 'Nothing Changes' which was initially narrated by himself then sung by The Moodies (Justin Hayward featured) on the 'Strange Times' album issued in 1999.
Edge has been joined onstage by Gordon Marshall as second drummer for Moodies concerts since 1991. In addition to drums Edge has provided varied assorted percussion instrumentation, plus additional piano to The Moodies works, and featured his 'electronic drumkit' from the early seventies onwards on Moodies albums, his drumming style being instantly recognisable and most distinctive.
Edge once admitted on Rockline
that his girlfriend Susan would not marry him because she did not want to be named 'Sue Edge' (sewage
).
Edge is a fan of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
. An article about him said he has "plenty of time for overseeing some rental properties, doing charity work, playing lots of golf and watching Deep Space Nine at his Sarasota home on Florida's Gulf Coast".
Edge is the one of three remaining original member of The Moody Blues still performing in the band (as of September 2011)along with Justin Hayward and John Lodge.
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
and a songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
for the Moody Blues, but has also led his own outfit, the Graeme Edge Band.
Biography
One of the original members of The Moody Blues, drummer Graeme Edge was a solid foundation for the original 'R & B' flavoured version of The Moodies fronted by Denny Laine, playing on all their Decca singles including the UK chart topping 'Go Now' (January 1965), plus several further if lesser UK chart hits; 'I Dont Want To Go On Without You', 'Everyday', & 'From The Bottom of my Heart (I Love You)' (all 1965).After the departure of Denny Laine & bassist Clint Warwick and the later recruitment of Justin Hayward & John Lodge in 1966 the band continued initially to play the 'R & B' style material, however after an irate fan dismissed their concert performance as poor Edge is quoted as speaking up to say to his bandmates: 'That guy was right...we WERE Rubbish !' leading the band to decide henceforth to drop the blues style covers and begin writing & recording their own songs only.
Edge initally was a poet for the band contributing 'Morning Glory' and 'Late Lament' to 'Days of Future Passed' in 1967 (narrated by Mike Pinder). Edge himself opened 'In Search of The Lost Chord' (1968) with his brief poem 'Departure' tho' Pinder again narrated his 'The Word' poem later on that set.Further poems provided by Edge included 'In The Beginning' (co-narrated by Hayward, Edge, & Pinder in turn), and 'The Dream' (spoken by Pinder) for 'On The Threshold of A Dream'(1969)
Later in 1969 as the Moodies launched their own label Threshold Records Edge began contributing songs, his 'Higher And Higher' (a spoken lyric over music with a dramatic 'Rocket blast off' opening) commenced 'To Our Children's Children's Children', which also featured his instrumental composition 'Beyond'.
Edge 'whispered' the lyrics to his song 'Don't You Feel Small' over band sung vocals on 'A Question of Balance' (1970) on which he also contributed a co-written with Ray Thomas closing poem/song 'The Balance'.
Edge co-wrote and claims pole position as 'Lead grunt' on the unusual band composed opening track; 'Procession' on their album 'Every Good Boy Deserves Favour' in 1971, on which his strong song 'After You Came' featured the four Lead vocalists , Thomas, Pinder, Hayward, & Lodge both together and taking brief solo lead lines in turn, Edge's song was later used as UK 'B' side to the chart Hit 'Isn't Life Strange ?' in 1972.
For their 1972 'Seventh Sojourn' album Edge co-wrote 'You And Me' with Justin Hayward who took lead vocal. After the Moodies world tour ended in 1974 the band members took a break during which Edge later sailed the seas (between his two 'solo' albums), making a round the world voyage with a small crew in his yacht 'Delia'.
Edge returned to recording later in 1974 forming his studio based 'Graeme Edge Band' (Featuring guitarist/vocalist Adrian Gurvitz) who first issued a non album single 'We Like To Do it' on Threshold (TH 18) in July 1974 (this was later added to his first Graeme Edge Band' album as a 'Bonus' track on the CD release). The Graeme Edge Band then released two album
Album
An album is a collection of recordings, released as a single package on gramophone record, cassette, compact disc, or via digital distribution. The word derives from the Latin word for list .Vinyl LP records have two sides, each comprising one half of the album...
s in the mid 1970s. The first was Kick Off Your Muddy Boots in September 1975 on the Threshold
Threshold Records
Threshold Records was a record label created by The Moody Blues, after their 1969 album On the Threshold of a Dream.It was a UK subsidiary of Decca Records and a U.S. subsidiary of London Records...
record label
Record label
In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. Most commonly, a record label is the company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the production, manufacture, distribution, marketing and promotion,...
, a subsidiary of Decca Records
Decca Records
Decca Records began as a British record label established in 1929 by Edward Lewis. Its U.S. label was established in late 1934; however, owing to World War II, the link with the British company was broken for several decades....
, catalogue number THS 15. It was released as a gatefold
Gatefold
A gatefold is a type of fold used for advertising around a magazine or section, and for packaging of media such as vinyl records.- LP covers :...
with album art by Joe Petagno
Joe Petagno
Joe Petagno is an artist known principally for creating images used on rock album covers, for bands such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Nazareth, Motörhead, Roy Harper, Marduk, Nightshade, and Illdisposed....
and featured Adrian Gurvitz
Adrian Gurvitz
Adrian Gurvitz is an English singer, musician and songwriter.-Career:...
and Paul Gurvitz, plus a guest appearance co-drumming with Edge by Ginger Baker (on 'Gew Janna Woman') , and backing vocals by fellow Moodies member Ray Thomas. This first album reached No.107 in the USA on the Billboard chart. Their second album was Paradise Ballroom in 1977, on the main Decca label, catalogue number TXS 121, and in the U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
on the London Records
London Records
London Records, referred to as London Recordings in logo, is a record label headquartered in the United Kingdom, originally marketing records in the United States, Canada and Latin America from 1947 to 1979, then becoming a semi-independent label....
label, catalogue number PS 686, the album charted in the USA reaching No.164 on the Billboard chart. It was also released as a gatefold with album art by Joe Petagno, and again featured Adrian and Paul Gurvitz.
A single 'Everbody Needs Somebody' (taken from the latest album) was issued on Decca (F.13698) with the non album 'B' side 'Be My Eyes' in June 1977.
After The Moodies reunion in 1978 Edge provided the strong 'I'll Be Level With You' (sung by the group, led by Hayward) for the album 'Octave' on Decca.
For 'Long Distance Voyager' in 1981 Edge contributed '22,000 Days' - the length of an average human lifespan in days - sung by Thomas, Lodge, & Hayward, this was also used as the UK 'B' side of the single 'Gemini Dream'.
Edge's heartfelt 'Going Nowhere' (sung by Ray Thomas) was his lone composition on 'The Present' album in 1983, and he teamed with later Moodies keyboardist Patrick Moraz for 'The Spirit' (sung by the group's vocalists in harmony) on 'The Other Side of Life' album in 1986.
Edge was not featured as a songwriter or poet on either 'Sur La Mer' (1988) and 'Keys of the Kingdom'(1991), and was not drummer on every track on the latter album, however he did contribute the thought provoking closing poem/song 'Nothing Changes' which was initially narrated by himself then sung by The Moodies (Justin Hayward featured) on the 'Strange Times' album issued in 1999.
Edge has been joined onstage by Gordon Marshall as second drummer for Moodies concerts since 1991. In addition to drums Edge has provided varied assorted percussion instrumentation, plus additional piano to The Moodies works, and featured his 'electronic drumkit' from the early seventies onwards on Moodies albums, his drumming style being instantly recognisable and most distinctive.
Edge once admitted on Rockline
Rockline
Rockline is a nationally syndicated radio interview program hosted by Bob Coburn that broadcasts live via satellite every Monday and Wednesday night from 8:30pm-10pm PT to radio stations in the United States. Founded in 1981, it is considered to be the longest running, uninterrupted program in rock...
that his girlfriend Susan would not marry him because she did not want to be named 'Sue Edge' (sewage
Sewage
Sewage is water-carried waste, in solution or suspension, that is intended to be removed from a community. Also known as wastewater, it is more than 99% water and is characterized by volume or rate of flow, physical condition, chemical constituents and the bacteriological organisms that it contains...
).
Edge is a fan of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is a science fiction television series set in the Star Trek universe...
. An article about him said he has "plenty of time for overseeing some rental properties, doing charity work, playing lots of golf and watching Deep Space Nine at his Sarasota home on Florida's Gulf Coast".
Edge is the one of three remaining original member of The Moody Blues still performing in the band (as of September 2011)along with Justin Hayward and John Lodge.
The Moody Blues
- 1967: "Morning Glory" (part of "The Day BeginsThe Day Begins"The Day Begins" is the opening track from The Moody Blues 1967 album Days of Future Passed. The song was one of the first in a new symphonic sound from The Moody Blues...
") from Days of Future PassedDays of Future PassedDays of Future Passed is the second album and first concept album by The Moody Blues, released in 1967. It was also their first album to feature Justin Hayward and John Lodge, who would play a very strong role in directing the band's sound in the decades to come...
. - 1967: "Late Lament" (part of "Nights in White SatinNights in White Satin"Nights in White Satin" is a 1967 single by The Moody Blues, written by Justin Hayward and first featured on the album Days of Future Passed.It is in the key of E minor Aeolian.-Single releases:...
") from Days of Future PassedDays of Future PassedDays of Future Passed is the second album and first concept album by The Moody Blues, released in 1967. It was also their first album to feature Justin Hayward and John Lodge, who would play a very strong role in directing the band's sound in the decades to come...
. - 1968: "DepartureDeparture (The Moody Blues song)"Departure" is a short 1968 song by the progressive rock band The Moody Blues. Written by drummer Graeme Edge, it was released on the album In Search of the Lost Chord. The song itself is only 48 seconds long, making it one of their shortest songs....
" from In Search of the Lost ChordIn Search of the Lost Chord-2006 SACD Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks:In Search of the Lost Chord was remastered into SACD in March 2006 and repackaged into a 2 CD Deluxe Edition.Extra tracks on the Deluxe Edition are:#"Departure" – 0:55...
. - 1968: "The Word" from In Search of the Lost ChordIn Search of the Lost Chord-2006 SACD Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks:In Search of the Lost Chord was remastered into SACD in March 2006 and repackaged into a 2 CD Deluxe Edition.Extra tracks on the Deluxe Edition are:#"Departure" – 0:55...
. - 1969: "In the BeginningIn the Beginning (The Moody Blues song)"In the Beginning" is a 1969 song by the progressive rock band The Moody Blues. Written by drummer Graeme Edge, it was released as the opening track on the album On the Threshold of a Dream....
" from On the Threshold of a DreamOn the Threshold of a DreamOn the Threshold of a Dream is the fourth album by The Moody Blues, released on the Deram label in 1969. It was their last album to be released by the band before they formed their own record label, Threshold, to be distributed by Decca Records....
. - 1969: "The Dream" from On the Threshold of a DreamOn the Threshold of a DreamOn the Threshold of a Dream is the fourth album by The Moody Blues, released on the Deram label in 1969. It was their last album to be released by the band before they formed their own record label, Threshold, to be distributed by Decca Records....
. - 1969: "Higher and HigherHigher and Higher (The Moody Blues song)"Higher and Higher" is the opening track of The Moody Blues 1969 album To Our Children's Children's Children, a concept album about space travel....
" from To Our Children's Children's ChildrenTo Our Children's Children's ChildrenTo Our Children's Children's Children is the fifth album by The Moody Blues, first issued in late 1969. It was the first album released on the group's newly formed Threshold Records label, which was named after the band's previous album from the same year, On the Threshold of a Dream.It was...
. - 1969: "BeyondBeyond (song)"Beyond" is a three-minute long instrumental song by the band The Moody Blues from their 1969 album To Our Children's Children's Children, a concept album about space travel. "Beyond" was written by the Moody Blues' drummer Graeme Edge. It was the Moody Blues' second fully instrumental song on...
" from To Our Children's Children's ChildrenTo Our Children's Children's ChildrenTo Our Children's Children's Children is the fifth album by The Moody Blues, first issued in late 1969. It was the first album released on the group's newly formed Threshold Records label, which was named after the band's previous album from the same year, On the Threshold of a Dream.It was...
. - 1970: "Don't You Feel Small" from A Question of BalanceA Question of BalanceA Question of Balance, released in 1970, is the sixth album by The Moody Blues. The album was an attempt by the group to strip down their well-known lush, psychedelic sound in order to be able to better perform the songs in concert...
. - 1970: "The BalanceThe Balance"The Balance" is the closing track of The Moody Blues 1970 album A Question of Balance. Written jointly by band members Graeme Edge and Ray Thomas, "The Balance" describes the balance reference in the album's title...
" (with Ray Thomas) from A Question of BalanceA Question of BalanceA Question of Balance, released in 1970, is the sixth album by The Moody Blues. The album was an attempt by the group to strip down their well-known lush, psychedelic sound in order to be able to better perform the songs in concert...
. - 1971: "Procession" (with Justin HaywardJustin HaywardJustin Hayward is an English musician, best known as singer, songwriter and guitarist in the rock band The Moody Blues.Hayward was born in Dean Street, Swindon, Wiltshire, England...
, John Lodge, Mike PinderMike PinderMichael Thomas "Mike" Pinder is an English rock musician, and is a founding member or the British rock group, the Moody Blues. He left the group following the recording of the band's album, Octave, in 1978...
, and Ray ThomasRay ThomasRay Thomas is an English musician, best known as the flautist and as a singer and composer in the rock band, The Moody Blues.-Career:...
) from Every Good Boy Deserves FavourEvery Good Boy Deserves Favour (album)Every Good Boy Deserves Favour is the seventh album by the Moody Blues, released in 1971. The album was the last to feature only the Mellotron, as it would be assisted by the Chamberlin on the Moody Blues' next studio album, 1972's Seventh Sojourn.This album featured the only track to be written...
. - 1971: "After You Came" from Every Good Boy Deserves FavourEvery Good Boy Deserves Favour (album)Every Good Boy Deserves Favour is the seventh album by the Moody Blues, released in 1971. The album was the last to feature only the Mellotron, as it would be assisted by the Chamberlin on the Moody Blues' next studio album, 1972's Seventh Sojourn.This album featured the only track to be written...
. - 1972: "You and MeYou and Me (The Moody Blues song)"You and Me" is a song by The Moody Blues from their 1972 album Seventh Sojourn. It is the album's fifth song, and it is the first song on side two ....
" (with Justin Hayward) from Seventh SojournSeventh SojournSeventh Sojourn, released in 1972, is the eighth album by The Moody Blues.In Seventh Sojourn, The Moody Blues used, besides the Mellotron, a keyboard called the Chamberlin, a device similar to the Mellotron created by the original inventor of the device, Harry Chamberlin...
. - 1978: "I'll Be Level With You" from OctaveOctave (album)Octave is the ninth album by The Moody Blues, and their first release after a substantial hiatus following the success of the best-selling Seventh Sojourn in 1972. The album proved to be the last for the group with keyboardist Mike Pinder, who departed during the album's sessions, and declined an...
- 1981: "22,000 Days" from Long Distance VoyagerLong Distance VoyagerLong Distance Voyager is the tenth album by the British rock band The Moody Blues, first released in May 1981. on the group's Threshold record label...
. - 1983: "Going Nowhere" from The PresentThe PresentThe Present is the eleventh album by The Moody Blues. It is the second album of the Patrick Moraz era. It had three minor hit singles, "Blue World" , "Sitting at the Wheel" and "Running Water"....
. - 1986: "The Spirit" (with Patrick Moraz) from The Other Side of LifeThe Other Side of LifeThe Other Side of Life is the twelfth album by the rock band The Moody Blues. It contains the major hit, "Your Wildest Dreams," which, like "Nights in White Satin" before it, was a top-10 hit in the United States. It is the third album of the Patrick Moraz era, and the first for flautist and...
.. - 1999: "Nothing Changes" from Strange Times.
Solo (The Graeme Edge Band)
- 1974: "We Like To Do it" - Non Album single (Later added to CD of 'Kick Off Your Muddy Boots')
- 1975: "Lost In Space" from Kick Off Your Muddy Boots.
- 1975: "Have You Ever Wondered" from Kick Off Your Muddy Boots.
- 1975: "The Tunnel" (with Adrian Gurvitz, & Peter Gurvitz) from Kick Off Your Muddy Boots.
- 1975: "Somethin' We'd Like To Say" from Kick Off Your Muddy Boots.
- 1977: "Paradise Ballroom" (with Adrian Gurvitz) from Paradise Ballroom.
- 1977: "Human" (with Adrian Gurvitz) from Paradise Ballroom.
- 1977: "Everybody Needs Somebody" (with Adrian Gurvitz) from Paradise Ballroom.
- 1977: "Be My Eyes" (with Adrian Gurvitz) - 'B' side to 'Everybody Needs Somebody' single (Later added to CD of "Paradise Ballroom")
- 1977: "All Is Fair" (with Adrian Gurvitz) from Paradise Ballroom.
- 1977: "Down, Down, Down" (with Adrian Gurvitz) from Paradise Ballroom.
- 1977: "In the Light of the Light" (with Adrian Gurvitz) from Paradise Ballroom.
- 1977: "Caroline" (with Adrian Gurvitz) from Paradise Ballroom.