Consortium
There is more than one artist with the name Consortium.
1) At the time 'Rebirth' was recorded back in 1975, Consortium were one of the hardest working groups on the circuit. A popular attraction at the packed London venues of this period, the group consisted of experienced musicians who had been familiar faces on the scene for close on a decade playing with various other bands and recording countless sessions. With the onset of the Punk era the band became disillusioned with the music business and so along with the disappointment of being let down by RCA, the album was shelved. At last, just over 30 years later 'Rebirth' is reborn......... Rebirth is available through Angel Air Records at Amazon and all good record shops.
Consortium evolved from a mutual admiration of each others musical ability over a series of years from the mid sixties to the bands decision to "come off the road" in 1980.
Brian Parker had, through his teenage years worked with various groups and gained a reputation as a superb technician on guitar and soon became in demand as a session player working at many London studios, including the legendary Joe Meek's. He recorded on many chart hits including with Honeybus.
John Parker (Brians younger brother) played with underground group Arcadium (on the Middle Earth label) who were arguably the founders of psychadelic music and who to this day have a huge cult following. His dynamic drumming skills were in great demand by recording studios and he worked with many known artists, including David Bowie.
Kenny Brown started to play bass in his early teens and became a journeyman player, touring throughout the UK constantly. He soon caught the attention of producers and performed on numerous recording sessions at many studios, including Joe Meeks Holloway Road den.
Mick Ware cut his teeth with legendary groups Tuesdays Children and supergroup CZAR and by the late 60's had gained a reputation of being one of the most exciting guitarists in the UK.
Robbie Leggat was one of the most in demand session singers in the UK from the mid sixties on. He sang on numerous hits for different groups as well as in his own right, using the name Robbie Fair.
Consortium finally came together in this form in 1970/71 where they had all been born and bred, North East London. Although they have not worked together as a band since 1980, they occasionally get together musically and remain firm friends to this day.
Rebirth is dedicated to John Parker (the best) - 1950 to 2001. Still missed...
Thankyou God for...Gibson Guitars, the great Jim Burns and everything he ever made, Slingerland drums, Orange Amplification and Cliff Cooper.
Thanks to the many friends, family (which include children of Consortium members who have gone on to become musicians themselves) and fellow musicians from the early West Coast Consortium days to Consortium 1967 to 1980.
2) Consortium is a professional chamber choir based in London. Its singers, which vary in number, are widely experienced as both consort and solo performers, between them working with all of Britain’s top ensembles. Musical Opinion has written of the ‘admirable qualities of true intonation, splendid sense of inner balance and command of various musical styles which add a welcome aura to their fine performances’. They were formed in 2006 under the direction of conductor Andrew-John Smith in order to explore both neglected areas of sixteenth-century music and later repertoire influenced by it. They aim to treat each with an appropriate clarity of sound and musical integrity. The Classical Source has observed that the ‘stylistic awareness, control of vocal colour and at times sheer intensity which Smith draws from his singers can be spellbinding … utterly compelling’. They have become increasingly known for their performances of nineteenth-century repertoire.
Andrew-John Smith (conductor)
The English organist and conductor, Andrew-John Smith, was educated at Oxford University and the Sweelinck Conservatorium, Amsterdam. Variously described as ‘hugely talented’ (The Observer), ‘mightily impressive’ (Fanfare, USA), and ‘a constant delight’ (Gramophone) he performs regularly in Europe and has recorded and broadcast as soloist and accompanist both for the BBC and abroad. A Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, he has been a finalist for the Grand Prix de Chartres, and a prize-winner at the Royal College of Organists’ ‘Performer of the Year’ and the St Albans International Organ Festival.
Concerto performances have included Rheinberger at St John’s, Smith Square, with the National Musicians Symphony Orchestra and Poulenc and Saint-Saëns with the English Chamber Orchestra. He has worked among others with Concordia, Mark Levy, Elizabeth Kenny, The Quintessential Sackbut and Cornett Ensemble, and Leslie Howard. His regular partnership with the countertenor Robin Blaze has involved numerous recitals and several broadcasts for BBC Radio 3. He has been director of music at St Peter’s, Eaton Square, in London since 1997 and is Artistic Consultant to Eaton Square Concerts.
Discography:
2009 - Brahms: Zigeunerlieder [Hyperion CDA67775]
2010 - Reger: Choral Music [Hyperion CDA67762] Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.
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