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Plays: 771
Views: 2764 |
Members:
Formed: 1978
Official Site: gabadon.co.uk
iSound Site: www.isound.com/haze_uk
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Biography
Formed in 1978 by Chris and Paul McMahon, Haze were one of the founders
of the neo-progressive revival of the early 1980s. The band went through
a number of line-up changes until drummer Paul Chisnell joined in 1983,
completing the classic line-up w |
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Biography
Formed in 1978 by Chris and Paul McMahon, Haze were one of the founders
of the neo-progressive revival of the early 1980s. The band went through
a number of line-up changes until drummer Paul Chisnell joined in 1983,
completing the classic line-up which was to remain unaltered until the
band's demise in 1988.
The band set up their own label, Gabadon Records, and in 1984 released
their first vinyl album, 'C'est La Vie', through Pinnacle distribution.
It is, however, for their incessant gigging schedule in the U.K. that
they will be most fondly remembered. For five years the band toured the
length and breadth of Britain in an old ambulance, playing over 500
shows with a lack of pretentiousness and sense of humour that delighted
progressive and rock audiences alike. In 1987 the band released their
second and last vinyl album 'Stoat & Bottle', and toured Holland, their
first and only dates outside the U.K.
By the end of 1987, the band were becoming disillusioned with their lack
of further success, and plagued by financial problems caused by a
serious motor accident in late 1986, which wrote off the bands'
ambulance. Musical differences were also beginning to show, with the
band's eclecticism taking them beyond the traditionally accepted
boundaries of progressive rock.
Haze disbanded after a farewell concert in Sheffield on 29th May 1988,
exactly ten years after their formation. The McMahon brothers then
formed World Turtle, a four-piece band including Pendragon drummer Fudge
Smith, but the band soon slimmed down to a duo of Chris & Paul McMahon.
Chris also formed Von Daniken with guitarist Warren Jacques to promote
his 'Truth About Flying Saucers' album. They released 'New Worlds', a
cassette album of "progressive new age music" in 1990 (reissued on CD in
1995), and it's rockier follow up 'Transient' on CD in 1999.
In 1993, the memory of Haze was revived by American label Kinesis Discs,
who released an 18 track CD of remixed and remastered Haze tracks. As a
result of the interest caused by this release, Cyclops Records signed
World Turtle in February 1994 and in July of 94 the group released a new
CD 'Haze', comprising tracks that would have formed the third Haze
album, plus the best of recent World Turtle, and a couple of re-recorded
Haze classics.
In 1997 World Turtle released 'Wilderness Of Eden', an experimental and
innovative work including guest appearances from drummer Sam Carr, sax &
flautist Derek Nash and string players Gordon Walker & Linda Wilson
amongst others. While not quite a 'concept album', many of the songs are
linked by a common theme, best summed up in verse two of the closing
track 'One Day':- 'I've tried hard but I can't understand the reason,
please try to make it clear. Why we carry on a search for other Edens,
when everything we need is here'.
Although part of the 1980s "progressive" revival, Haze were always much
more than just another Yes/Genesis clone, moving with ease across the
spectrum from rock to funk, pop to progressive in their own distinctive
style. World Turtle have continued in this tradition, bringing modern
sounds and influences, as well as powerful, intelligent lyrics to the
brothers' undoubted musical and songwriting skills.
On 31st May 1998 Haze reunited for a 20th anniversary concert in
Sheffield. The show was a great success and was recorded for a limited
edition double live CD on Cyclops Records. Since then the band have
become a regular fixture at the annual Whitchurch Music Festival, and
have toured Belgium, Switzerland and Italy in 2000.
The band are once again gearing up to tour, this time for their 25th
anniversary, with dates across Europe planned throughout 2003.
To coincide with the tour, Cyclops Records are releasing the second Haze
LP 'Stoat & Bottle' on CD, following on from their CD release of 'C'est
La Vie/The Ember' and the previously cassette only 'Cellar Replayed', to
complete the collection of 80s Haze music on CD. |
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