James Young - March 2004
Pianist and composer, spent 6 years as part of Nico's backing ensemble until her
death in 1988, an experience he turned into the acclaimed book Nico, Songs They Never Play on the
Radio. In the early 90s he began a series of journeys to post-glasnost Russia
which resulted in further musical adventures. In 2003 he released his first solo
recording. Entitled Joanna it assembles fragments of music recorded on
his old upright piano into compositions of stark beauty.
Phil Walmsley - November 2003
Old mate from schooldays and original guitar player with Blackpool's first (and
best) punk band Skrewdriver. They were part of the second generation, inspired
by the adrenaline rush created by the Pistols, Damned, Clash etc. The action
takes place mainly around London during the Silver Jubilee Summer of 1977.
Elton Dean - June 1998 & September
2001 (Combined)
Undoubtedly one of the most talented and respected musicians to
have emerged from this genre we call the Canterbury scene.
Nowadays a major player on the European jazz scene with an
expanding market in the USA and Far East. He has been a
professional musician since his late teens with an energy that
shows no signs of abating. See also the CD
page where I have reviewed some of his more recent releases.
David Ferguson - January 2000
Keyboards/songwriter/co founder of Random Hold, nowadays a
composer of TV and film soundtracks. Another e mail interview by
Steven Ward.
David Rhodes - December 1999
Guitarist, songwriter and co founder of Random
Hold, nowadays a vital part of Peter Gabriel's band and
production team. All credits to Steven Ward who set up and
carried out the interview by e mail on behalf of a small but
dedicated group of Random Hold fans worldwide.
Simon Ainley - March 1998
Those of you acquainted with the solo career of former Roxy Music
guitarist Phil Manzanera, may have come across Simon Ainley.
Vocalist on Manzanera's studio release Listen Now, and live
recording from the subsequent tour. He was also an early member
of Random Hold. I met up with him at his
Midlands home to look back at his 15 minutes in the spotlight.
Dirk Campbell - November 1996
More familiar as Mont Campbell, bass player, vocalist and
composer with Uriel, Egg and National Health. After quitting the
rock business in 1976 he earned a living initially as a graphic
designer and later as a composer of soundtracks and commercials.
Early 1997 saw the release of his first solo recording entitled
Music from a Round Tower, an extended composition utilising MIDI
technology, incorporating folk and classical influences, mixed in
with electronic sounds and samples.
Bill MacCormick - September 1995
Bass guitarist, songwriter and occasional vocalist, key player
with Quiet Sun, Matching Mole, 801 and Random
Hold, as well as session man for the likes of Phil Manzanera,
Robert Wyatt, Brian Eno and Gary Windo. There was also a brief
flirtation with Gong, and a near miss with Roxy Music.