Artist Detailed Info: Rock Workshop

Formed and co-led by frontman-singer Alex Harvey and guitarist Ray Russell, this large (13-piece) high-energy band was formed in London early in 1970. Its music has been described as "an innovative and technically articulate form of experimental rhythm and blues". It was active for at most two years and recorded two albums.

An eponymous release recorded in April 1970 received some critical acclaim. However, at the time of the follow-up, "The Very Last Time", Harvey was already in the process of working with "Tear Gas" to form the Sensational Alex Harvey Band so the release features several vocalists (an extended CD/download version includes rehearsal material that includes Harvey).

After the band broke up, Russell moved on to solo projects, the progressive rock band "Mouse" and considerable success as a composer of TV themes. Several of the other musicians were well-known figures in the 1970s jazz-rock and "progressive" scene.

Personnel on "Rock Worshop" (instruments inferred)

RAY RUSSELL, guitar
ALEX HARVEY, vocal
BUD PARKES, horn
HARRY BECKETT, trumpet
TONY ROBERTS, wind
BOB DOWNES, wind
DEREK WADSWORTH, trombone
BRIAN MILLER, keyboards
DARRYL RUNSWICK, bass
ALAN RUSHTON, drums
ROBIN JONES, percussion?
ALAN GREED, keyboards (and vocal?)
LAURIE BAKER. double bass? electronica?

Personnel on "The Very Last Time"

Harry Beckett - Horn
Bob Downes - Wind
Alan Greed - Keyboards, Vocals
Ginger Harper - Vocals
Bud Parkes - Horn
Brian Miller - Keyboards
Tony Roberts - Wind
Darryl Runswick - Bass
Alan Rushton - Drums
Ray Russell - Guitar
Derek Wadsworth - Trombone
Tony Uter - Percussion
Phil Wainman - Percussion

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