Byzantium (band)
Encyclopedia
Byzantium were an English psychedelic music
band of the 1970s who released three albums and performed one Peel Session. They are perhaps best remembered for their role in the early careers of Shane Fontayne
, David Hentschel
, Chas Jankel
and Robin Sylvester
.
and with Robin Sylvester
and Mick Barakan in Ora, who had recorded one album in 1969. Rubenstein formed a band with these former bandmates and others, but the early line ups were fluid and several members joined and left.
In 1971 they recorded Live and Studio with a band line up comprising Jamie Rubenstein on 12 string guitar, guitarist Mick Barakan (later known as Shane Fontayne
), bassist Robin Lamble and drummer Steve Corduner; augmented by Chaz Jankel on guitar and piano and by synthesiser players David Hentschel
and Robin Sylvester. The album, comprising one side of 5 studio tracks and one of 3 live tracks, predominantly in a psychedelic
style, was self produced as a promotion, the back cover stating “Byzantium are seeking a hard working agency, recording company & publishing company”. Only 100 were pressed, making it extremely collectable, and although "fans considered it their best set, ..... few were actually in a position to know".
Byzantium were due to play at the famous Greasy Truckers Party
in February 1972, but could not appear due to a power-cut, however, they were signed up by A&M Records
. Ramsden rejoined, but Rubenstein and Barakan left, so Jankel became a permanent member. Lamble, Jankel, Ramsden and Corduner recorded Byzantium, engineered by Roy Thomas Baker
and produced by Sylvester, on which Rubenstein, Alan Skidmore
(sax) and Frank Ricotti
(timpani) appeared as a guests. Between the recording and the release of the album, Ramsden left, and Rubenstein and Barakan rejoined. The album showed a shift from their earlier psychedlic style, towards folk-rock, and did not sell particularly well.
The following album Seasons Changing featured Lamble, Jankel, Barakan, Rubenstein and Corduner, augmented by BJ Cole on pedal steel, Ricotti on Percussion and Hentschel and Sylvester on synthesisers. Jankel’s interest was moving towards soul music
, so he left, and shortly after A&M dropped Byzantium. The band pressed another private album, although this was never released, and played their only Peel Session in April 1974, by which time their line up was Rubinstein, Barakan, Lamble and Corduner. Byzantium continued touring until late in 1975 when they played their final concert at The Roundhouse
.
, Ireland
in 2006, who won the Witless ‘07 "Battle of the Bands" competition.
Psychedelic music
Psychedelic music covers a range of popular music styles and genres, which are inspired by or influenced by psychedelic culture and which attempt to replicate and enhance the mind-altering experiences of psychedelic drugs. It emerged during the mid 1960s among folk rock and blues-rock bands in the...
band of the 1970s who released three albums and performed one Peel Session. They are perhaps best remembered for their role in the early careers of Shane Fontayne
Shane Fontayne
Shane Fontayne is the professional name of English rock guitarist Mick Barakan. Active since the 1970s, he was the guitarist for Bruce Springsteen during the 1992-1993 "Other Band" Tour, as Springsteen had disbanded his own E Street Band three years earlier...
, David Hentschel
David Hentschel
David Hentschel is an English recording engineer, writer and music producer who engineered on George Harrison's All Things Must Pass and Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, as well as with artists including Genesis, Elton John, Ringo Starr, Queen, Marti Webb, Andy Summers, Mike Oldfield, Peter...
, Chas Jankel
Chas Jankel
Charles Jeremy Jankel professionally known as Chaz Jankel, is a musician best known as the keyboard player and guitarist with Ian Dury and the Blockheads...
and Robin Sylvester
Robin Sylvester
Robin Sylvester is a London born musician, living in San Francisco, who is best known for his ongoing work with RatDog. Although primarily a bass player, he plays several instruments, including the guitar and keyboards, and has done extensive arranging....
.
Formation
Originally formed in 1970 by Jamie Rubenstein, who had played previously with Nico Ramsden as an acoustic duo,and with Robin Sylvester
Robin Sylvester
Robin Sylvester is a London born musician, living in San Francisco, who is best known for his ongoing work with RatDog. Although primarily a bass player, he plays several instruments, including the guitar and keyboards, and has done extensive arranging....
and Mick Barakan in Ora, who had recorded one album in 1969. Rubenstein formed a band with these former bandmates and others, but the early line ups were fluid and several members joined and left.
In 1971 they recorded Live and Studio with a band line up comprising Jamie Rubenstein on 12 string guitar, guitarist Mick Barakan (later known as Shane Fontayne
Shane Fontayne
Shane Fontayne is the professional name of English rock guitarist Mick Barakan. Active since the 1970s, he was the guitarist for Bruce Springsteen during the 1992-1993 "Other Band" Tour, as Springsteen had disbanded his own E Street Band three years earlier...
), bassist Robin Lamble and drummer Steve Corduner; augmented by Chaz Jankel on guitar and piano and by synthesiser players David Hentschel
David Hentschel
David Hentschel is an English recording engineer, writer and music producer who engineered on George Harrison's All Things Must Pass and Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, as well as with artists including Genesis, Elton John, Ringo Starr, Queen, Marti Webb, Andy Summers, Mike Oldfield, Peter...
and Robin Sylvester. The album, comprising one side of 5 studio tracks and one of 3 live tracks, predominantly in a psychedelic
Psychedelic music
Psychedelic music covers a range of popular music styles and genres, which are inspired by or influenced by psychedelic culture and which attempt to replicate and enhance the mind-altering experiences of psychedelic drugs. It emerged during the mid 1960s among folk rock and blues-rock bands in the...
style, was self produced as a promotion, the back cover stating “Byzantium are seeking a hard working agency, recording company & publishing company”. Only 100 were pressed, making it extremely collectable, and although "fans considered it their best set, ..... few were actually in a position to know".
Byzantium were due to play at the famous Greasy Truckers Party
Greasy Truckers Party
Greasy Truckers Party is a 1972 live album by various artists recorded at a February 1972 Greasy Truckers concert at the Roundhouse in London. The concert featured three bands, Man, Brinsley Schwarz and Hawkwind, and musician Magic Michael...
in February 1972, but could not appear due to a power-cut, however, they were signed up by A&M Records
A&M Records
A&M Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that operates under the mantle of its Interscope-Geffen-A&M division.-Beginnings:...
. Ramsden rejoined, but Rubenstein and Barakan left, so Jankel became a permanent member. Lamble, Jankel, Ramsden and Corduner recorded Byzantium, engineered by Roy Thomas Baker
Roy Thomas Baker
Roy Thomas Baker is a multiple award-winning Anglo-American music producer, songwriter, arranger and Recording Academy Governor, who has produced Platinum and Gold certified pop and rock records from the 1970s to the present.- Career :Baker began his career at Decca Records in England at the age...
and produced by Sylvester, on which Rubenstein, Alan Skidmore
Alan Skidmore
Alan Skidmore is a tenor saxophonist of jazz and blues music, son of the saxophonist Jimmy Skidmore.-As a sideman:...
(sax) and Frank Ricotti
Frank Ricotti
Frank Ricotti is an English jazz vibraphonist and percussionist.Ricotti played in the National Youth Jazz Orchestra while a teenager, then attended Trinity College of Music...
(timpani) appeared as a guests. Between the recording and the release of the album, Ramsden left, and Rubenstein and Barakan rejoined. The album showed a shift from their earlier psychedlic style, towards folk-rock, and did not sell particularly well.
The following album Seasons Changing featured Lamble, Jankel, Barakan, Rubenstein and Corduner, augmented by BJ Cole on pedal steel, Ricotti on Percussion and Hentschel and Sylvester on synthesisers. Jankel’s interest was moving towards soul music
Soul music
Soul music is a music genre originating in the United States combining elements of gospel music and rhythm and blues. According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, soul is "music that arose out of the black experience in America through the transmutation of gospel and rhythm & blues into a form of...
, so he left, and shortly after A&M dropped Byzantium. The band pressed another private album, although this was never released, and played their only Peel Session in April 1974, by which time their line up was Rubinstein, Barakan, Lamble and Corduner. Byzantium continued touring until late in 1975 when they played their final concert at The Roundhouse
The Roundhouse
The Roundhouse is a Grade II* listed former railway engine shed in Chalk Farm, London, England, which has been converted into a performing arts and concert venue. It was originally built in 1847 as a roundhouse , a circular building containing a railway turntable, but was only used for railway...
.
The Irish Byzantium
This 1970s English band should not be confused with the Byzantium formed in GalwayGalway
Galway or City of Galway is a city in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It is the sixth largest and the fastest-growing city in Ireland. It is also the third largest city within the Republic and the only city in the Province of Connacht. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it sits on the...
, Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
in 2006, who won the Witless ‘07 "Battle of the Bands" competition.
Subsequent Careers
- Steve Corduner - later recorded with Nasty Pop, Twist and NicoNicoNico was a German singer, lyricist, composer, musician, fashion model, and actress, who initially rose to fame as a Warhol Superstar in the 1960s...
. - Shane FontayneShane FontayneShane Fontayne is the professional name of English rock guitarist Mick Barakan. Active since the 1970s, he was the guitarist for Bruce Springsteen during the 1992-1993 "Other Band" Tour, as Springsteen had disbanded his own E Street Band three years earlier...
- later worked with Ian HunterIan Hunter (singer)Ian Hunter Patterson is an English singer-songwriter. He was the lead singer of the English rock band Mott the Hoople from its inception in 1969 to its dissolution in 1974, and he again fronted them at the time of their 2009 reunion. Hunter was a musician and songwriter before Mott The Hoople, and...
, Bruce SpringsteenBruce SpringsteenBruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen , nicknamed "The Boss," is an American singer-songwriter who records and tours with the E Street Band...
, Van ZantVan ZantVan Zant is an American musical duo composed of brothers Donnie Van Zant and Johnny Van Zant. Both are brothers of the late Ronnie Van Zant, former lead singer for the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd...
, Chris BottiChris BottiChristopher Stephen "Chris" Botti , is an American trumpeter and composer. In 2007, Botti was nominated for two Grammy Awards including Best Pop Instrumental Album. On December 4, 2009, he was nominated for three more Grammy Awards including Best Pop Instrumental Album and Best Long Form Music Video...
, Joe CockerJoe CockerJohn Robert "Joe" Cocker, OBE is an English rock and blues musician, composer and actor, who came to popularity in the 1960s, and is most known for his gritty voice, his idiosyncratic arm movements while performing, and his cover versions of popular songs, particularly those of The Beatles...
and others. - David HentschelDavid HentschelDavid Hentschel is an English recording engineer, writer and music producer who engineered on George Harrison's All Things Must Pass and Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, as well as with artists including Genesis, Elton John, Ringo Starr, Queen, Marti Webb, Andy Summers, Mike Oldfield, Peter...
- worked with artists including Elton JohnElton JohnSir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
, Van der Graaf Generator, RenaissanceRenaissance (band)Renaissance are an English progressive rock band, most notable for their 1978 UK top 10 hit "Northern Lights" and progressive rock classics like "Carpet of the Sun", "Mother Russia" and "Ashes Are Burning".-Original incarnation :...
and Blood Sweat & Tears. - Chas JankelChas JankelCharles Jeremy Jankel professionally known as Chaz Jankel, is a musician best known as the keyboard player and guitarist with Ian Dury and the Blockheads...
became known for his co-writing with Ian DuryIan DuryIan Robins Dury was an English rock and roll singer, lyricist, bandleader and actor who initially rose to fame during the late 1970s, during the punk and New Wave era of rock music...
, performed with many other artists and had a successful solo career. - Robin Lamble - had a long career with Al StewartAl StewartAl Stewart is a Scottish singer-songwriter and folk-rock musician.Stewart came to stardom as part of the British folk revival in the 1960s and 1970s, and developed his own unique style of combining folk-rock songs with delicately woven tales of the great characters and events from history.He is...
, but also played with Juice NewtonJuice NewtonJudith Kay "Juice" Newton is an American Pop music and Country singer, songwriter and guitarist...
and others. - Nico Ramsden - played with Mike OldfieldMike OldfieldMichael Gordon Oldfield is an English multi-instrumentalist musician and composer, working a style that blends progressive rock, folk, ethnic or world music, classical music, electronic music, New Age, and more recently, dance. His music is often elaborate and complex in nature...
and recorded with GongGong (band)Gong is a Franco-British progressive/psychedelic rock band formed by Australian musician Daevid Allen. Their music has also been described as space rock. Other notable band members include Allan Holdsworth, Tim Blake, Didier Malherbe, Pip Pyle, Gilli Smyth, Steve Hillage, Francis Moze, Mike Howlett...
, Rick WakemanRick WakemanRichard Christopher Wakeman is an English keyboard player, composer and songwriter best known for being the former keyboardist in the progressive rock band Yes...
, Sad CafeSad CaféSad Café can refer to:* "Sad Café", a song by The Eagles, featured on their 1979 album The Long Run* Sad Café , a band featuring Paul Young - see also Mike + The Mechanics...
, The ProclaimersThe ProclaimersThe Proclaimers are a Scottish band composed of identical twin brothers, Charlie and Craig Reid . They are probably best known for the songs "Letter from America", "I'm On My Way" and "I'm Gonna Be ". The band tours extensively throughout Europe and other continents...
and others. - Jamie Rubenstein - gave up the music business, and must not be confused with the guitarist of the same name in rap band "Borialis"
- Robin SylvesterRobin SylvesterRobin Sylvester is a London born musician, living in San Francisco, who is best known for his ongoing work with RatDog. Although primarily a bass player, he plays several instruments, including the guitar and keyboards, and has done extensive arranging....
- engineered many Rory GallagherRory GallagherWilliam Rory Gallagher, ; 2 March 1948 – 14 June 1995, was an Irish blues-rock multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and bandleader. Born in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Ireland, and raised in Cork, Gallagher recorded solo albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, after forming the band Taste...
albums, played bass for Christine McVieChristine McVieChristine McVie is an English rock singer, keyboardist, and songwriter. Her primary fame came as a member of the British/American rock band Fleetwood Mac, though she has also released three solo albums...
and others, and still plays in RatdogRatdogRatDog , is an American rock band. The group began as a side project for Grateful Dead rhythm guitarist Bob Weir and bassist Rob Wasserman. After the Grateful Dead disbanded in December 1995, following the death of Jerry Garcia on August 9, 1995, RatDog became Bob Weir's primary band...
.
Singles
- "Oh Darling" / "Move with the time" 1971
- "Flashing Silver Hope" 1971
- "Suzie Bumkins Griddled Fiddle" 1972
- "What a Coincidence" / "My Season’s Changing with the Sun" (A&M) 1973
Albums
- Live and Studio (Private Pressing) 1971 Re-released on CD (Arkama) 2005, with 4 bonus tracks
- Byzantium (A&M) 1972
- Seasons Changing (A&M) 1973