Sunday 2 March 2014

Trane (1971)

Trane were what appears to be a studio band, realising an E.P. and just the one single, both in 1971. There's not a lot of information on the internet about the band Trane so I'll just present you with the details (and my theories!) in the best way I can.

The first release, known as the Waggoners' Walk E.P. was released on the BBC Records label and contains four songs, taken from the Radio Two show of the same name. All four of the songs are great with sounding like a cross between Clifford T. Ward and a un-countryfied Cochise. The highlight for me is "Mansion Of Cards" which contains what could be described as psychedelic lyrics as well as some Moogy electronic sounds. This track turned up a few years ago on the first (and best) volume of the Mixed Up Minds compilation series. The production was handled by Brian Hodgson and Paddy Kingsland of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. The songs were composed by Brian Wade and Tony Cliff. The Discogs website states that the aforementioned chaps were all members of Trane but includes Delia Derbyshire in the band line up.

A comment on the 45Cat website lists the band members as Brian Wade (Vocals/Piano), Carolin Smith (Vocals), Victor Francis (Drums), Dennis Valerga (Bass) and Oswyn Salquero (Guitar). The lead vocals on "Ragged Bird" are female and it's more likely that it's provided by Carolin Smith rather than Delia Derbyshire. It's more likely that this was the actual band line up and Hodgson, Kingsland and Derbyshire were studio hands.

One thing that has been bugging me while writing this, is the Spanish picture sleeve for Trane's single "Still Burning Bright" b/w "Misty Lady". Only four members are present on the photo and after originally thinking the the person on the far left was a man (hard to tell in the 1970's), I'm now seeing a resemblance to Delia! Anyway, back to the single, a killer double sider of Macca/Emitt Rhodes melodic, piano pop. Released on Penny Farthing in the UK and Spain, where it may have had some success as Spanish copies turn up regularly on Ebay for pretty cheap. Anyone wanting a listen can hear "Still Burning Bright" on Mixed Up Minds Part 7 and "Misty Lady" on my own Bite It Deep Mix Vol.20.

One last thing I have to mention is whilst looking for info on vocalist Brian Wade, I found this really great kids TV theme that he wrote for a show from 1980 called Munch Bunch. A real bouncy tune, impossible not to like and will appeal to anyone who thinks "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" is the best song on Abbey Road! Have a listen for yourself here.

1 comment:

  1. so many things wrong here! Trane was formed in 1969 by Brian Wade. Bass player was Sidney Jones, Drums was Victor Frances and guitar was Oswin FalqueroThe name came from John Coltrane - because the band preferred playing jazz based music. The 3 men were from Gibraltar, and the "bloke" on the far left is me - Carolyn Smyth - with a 'y'!! I was the singer - although everyone sang. Tony Cliff wrote the lyrics to Brian's music. The relationship with the Radiophonic Workshop came several years later with a commission to write a song for the band who had been written into a story line for Waggoners Walk. Brian Hodgson was the BBC Enterprises marketing representative, and Delia Derbyshire was never involved in any capacity. Trane produced their own material. They split up in the early 70's. Brian Wade's music was then published by ATV music - and much of his other output was either commissioned, or part of Library music connections. I joined Ken Macintosh's big band for two seasons at Hammermith Palais - was one of 8 singers who appeared in 3 series (76-78) of One More Time for BBC TV - produced by Johnnie Stewart - Elaine Paige also appeared. I joined Radio 2 as a music producer, spending 13 years.

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