Curved Air
Originally emerging from the classically influenced progressive band Sisyphus, Curved Air formed in 1969 with a line-up comprising Sonja Kristina (b. 14 April 1949, Brentwood, Essex, England; vocals), Darryl Way (b. 17 December 1948, Taunton, Somerset, England; violin), Florian Pilkington-Miksa (b. 3 June 1950, Roehampton, London, England), Francis Monkman (b. 9 June 1949, Hampstead, London, England; keyboards) and Rob Martin (bass). After establishing themselves on the UK club circuit, the band was signed by Warner Brothers Records for a much-publicized advance of £100,000. Their debut album, Airconditioning, was heavily promoted and enjoyed a particular curiosity value as one of rock's first picture disc albums. Martin was subsequently replaced by Ian Eyre (b. 11 September, Knaresborough, Yorkshire, England). In the summer of 1971, the band enjoyed their sole UK Top 5 hit with "Back Street Luv", while their Second Album cleverly fused electronic rock and classical elements to win favour with the progressive music audience. By the time of Phantasmagoria, Eyre had left because of musical differences: he wanted to capitalize on the success of the hit single with a follow-up; the rest of the band wanted a more folky, esoteric direction. Mike Wedgewood (b. 19 May 1956, Derby, England) joined, during which time Monkman and Way were in disagreement over musical direction and presentation. By October 1972, both had left the band leaving Kristina as the sole original member.
Listen to Curved Air
at Finetune.
Albums
- (2005) Air Conditioning
- (2005) Phantasmagoria
- (2005) Second Album
Top Tracks
- Back Street Luv
- Vivaldi
- Melinda (More or Less)
- It Happened Today
- Marie Antoinette
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