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RICHARD LOWE:
Keyboard player and founder member. Rich retired from playing and performing in 2003. Back in the early 70’s Richard discovered his love for what is now called ‘classic rock’ music, and particularly from those bands who incorporated keyboards into their line-up. Yes, Pink Floyd, Uriah Heep & ELP for example.
Unlike many of his contempories, Rich did not follow the usual route of being classically trained himself before turning to other musical genres – rock keyboard playing was his ‘stock in trade’ right from day one. Jamming and recording, with best pal Rob, on his father’s Lowry organ paved the way towards a repetoire & synthersizer ensemble that was often compared to that of his own favourites, such as Wakeman, Hensley and Emerson! He became, for example, a leading exponent of the ARP ‘Odessey’. Unlike these keyboard giants, however, Rich also possesses a fine singing voice, and carried the lead vocal duties too during the very early days.
After bashing those ivories through to the mid 80’s, and then again with the ‘Red Sky’ album during 2002/3, he finally retired in the summer of 2003, following his barn-storming guest appearance on stage, with Saracen of course, at the Bloodstock rock festival.
ROB BENDELOW:
Guitarist and founder member. Apart from a brief break from the band during the mid 80’s, Rob has been part of the Saracen ‘furniture’ throughout. He discovered rock music, as so many did, thanks to Cream and Jimi Hendrix in the late 60’s, before moving on the then growing roster of ‘progressive’ bands. Rob claims it finally happened for him when he first heard ‘Paranoid’, and as any of his friends will tell you, Black Sabbath have been his favourite band ever since.
Rob’s passion for musical composition arrived at the same time as his desire to play the guitar, and he is responsible for all of Saracen’s material, past, present, and (hopefully) future! His influences include the likes of Uriah Heep, Judas Priest, Pink Floyd, Scorpions, and of course…Sabbath. Despite his love of the guitar, he is also a true fan of keyboards in rock music, as is evident with his compostions both old and new.
Back on the guitar, whilst Rob is certainly considered to have his very own style of playing (both riffs & solos), but when it comes to equipment he has simply followed the lead of his own guitar hero – Tony Iommi – by playing a ‘signature’ Gibson SG, through Laney amplification.
BARRY YATES:
Bass player until 1982. Barry’s initial involvement with Richard & Rob was simply as a good friend, and table football partner! His musical talent at that time was as an accomplished folk guitarist/singer, but his love of rock music was no secret, with Queen being Barry’s favourite band.
When the bass player vacancy emerged, Barry instantly volunteered to join ‘Lammergier’ (as they were then known) and learnt to play the instrument from scratch – which he did to great effect, becoming a cornerstone of the band for five years. His singing abilitiy also allowed him to add important vocal harmonies, both ‘live’ and in the studio.
Sadly, Barry carried a long-term illness that was not particularly tolerant of a rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle; following the ‘Heroes, Saints & Fools’ tour, during the autumn/winter of 1981, Barry was forced to retire from the band that he had helped to shape. Barry passed away in 1992 – the Red Sky album, which contains four re-recordings from his time in Saracen, is dedicated to him.
STEVE BETTNEY:
Lead vocalist. Steve joined ‘Lammergier’, the forerunner of ‘Saracen’, in early 1980, when the band decided to move to a classic 5-piece unit, with a dedicated lead singer. He met Rob first, armed with a few ‘dog-eared’ cassette tapes of ‘live’ performances in clubland, singing clubland standards in between the bingo sessions! Despite this first impression, however, it was obvious that Steve possesed a great singing voice, and most importantly, the perfect vocal style and ability for Rob’s musical compositions.
Steve was an instant hit with the ever-growning band a fans, and has been leading-the-line ever since the quintet re-emerged as ‘Saracen’ in October 1980. The clarity of his vocal delivery combined with his frightening range, produced the inevitable comparisons with Judas Priest’s Rob Halford in the rock media, although whilst being a fan, Steve’s names Ronnie James Dio and David Byron as his two favourite male vocalists.
Together with the rest of The Lads, Steve is presently recording the band’s next album – ‘Vox In Excelso’ – and as such, is the only member to have been 100% part of the unit throughout all of the Saracen years.
JOHN THORNE:
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Drummer from 1980 – 1983. John auditioned for the drummer's slot in early 1980, and was an instant hit with the rest of the guys, both musically and personally. His affable character belies the sheer power that his drumming brings to Saracen's heavy symphonic music. Once he's behind that kit, John rocks!
He formed a tight, hard-driving rhythm section with bass man Barry, as displayed on the 'Heroes, Saints & Fools' album, whilst easily switching to a more subtle approach, for tracks such as the enigmatic instrumental 'Dolphin Ride'. In recent years, John's percussive talents have taken him into the realms of 'world music', where his performances with African instruments have earned him quite a reputation amongst his fellow 'ethnic' musicians. He has appeared at several festivals, including Glastonbury.
John is quite simply a 'top bloke', and briefly joined the rest of the guys for a number of fun rehearsals during early 2004. The old magic was still there, and much time was spent reminiscing about those halcyon days of the early 80s!
JASON GARDNER:
Bass Player from 1982 – 1985. Many bassists auditioned to fill the gap created by Barry’s retirement, in the Spring of ’82, but one stood out from the crowd ‘by a mile’ – Jason. Despite his tender age, he was already experienced in clubland, performing whatever club audiences wanted to hear. Saracen, however, represented an opportunity for him to move into the musical arena where he really wanted to be…namely rock.
Whilst handling his Fender Precision as an experienced pro., his considerable vocal talents also led to increased use of harmonies on stage. And it was ‘on stage’ that Jason probably made his biggest impact – a more dynamic performer it would be difficult to imagine! His up-&-at-em ‘live’ performances brought fresh vigour to each Saracen show.
Jason made a significant contribution to Saracen during his four years with the band, bringing considerable expertise to such areas as equipment choice, PA systems, sound engineering and the like…as well as being one of life’s truly endearing, ‘never say die’ characters off stage.
JAMIE LITTLE:
Drummer 2002/3. Shortly after Saracen were awarded their present Recording Contract, Rob was relaxing in a local music pub, preparing to watch the Joanne Shaw-Taylor Blues Band. The group were really good…but the drummer was exceptional. Rob made an approach, and in ‘Red Sky’ terms, the rest is history!
The drummer in question turned out to be Birmingham virtuoso Jamie Little, a true pro who has performed with giant names from a variety of musical genres, including Roy Wood, the Climax Blues Band and Robbie Williams, no less. Jamie’s prime task was to deliver all of the drumming for the recording of the ‘Red Sky’ album. He worked mainly with Rob to develop his crucial contribution – the recording sessions then took place at Mad Hat Studios during the Summer of 2002.
Jamie also performed ‘live’ as part of Saracen at the Bloodstock 2003 festival. He has his own band – UP4 The Downstroke – who perform regularly in and around the English Midlands. The ‘Red Sky’ album is a fine tribute to just one aspect of Jamie’s considerable talent.
www.jamielittle.co.uk
RICHARD BENDELOW:
Bass player 2002 - . Richard is, by any stretch of the imagination, the junior member of today’s Saracen. He wasn’t even born when the band were gigging nationwide first-time-around! Today, however, he is at the heart of a rythmn section that now includes original drum-master John Thorne.
Richard already has his own rock band – ‘Mourning Star’ – in which he is both singer & guitarist. His transition across to bass guitar proved to be a smooth one, whilst the music also makes full use of his vocal abilities. Following his first album appearance, on ‘Red Sky’, he is now actively involved in the recording of the next Saracen opus ‘Vox In Excelso’, where he even handles lead vocals on one particular track.
His musical influences understandably include bands from today’s world of rock, such as Mudvayne, Muse and Hell Is For Heroes, but his love of ‘classic rock’ is equally evident, with Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Judas Priest and Bon Jovi, for example, featuring heavily in his CD collection. Bendelow ‘junior’ has successfully filled some rather ‘big boots’ within the Saracen line-up.
PAUL BRADDER:
Keyboards 2003 - . Paul’s ‘appearance’ within the Saracen camp represented not just a perfect fit, but perfect timing too! As a long-time close friend of Steve’s, he had been able to follow Saracen’s career from a safe distance, but when Richard decided to finally ‘call it a day’ after completion of the ‘Red Sky’ album, Paul threw his hat into the ring.
As a fan of both keyboard-oriented & guitar-oriented rock music, and with bands such as Uriah Heep, Yes and Rainbow being amongst his favourites, Paul’s fit within the Saracen ranks was pretty much gauranteed. Most importantly, of course, his ability across the full range of rock keyboards, from synths to piano, is exceptional. He ‘joined up’ in the Spring of 2003, in readiness for beginning work on ‘Vox In Excelso’, as well as preparing for the band’s first ‘live’ performance for nearly two decades, at the August Bloodstock festival. Paul’s keyboard delivery on-the-day was stunning, and belied his relatively short time in the band.
Like Richard before him, Paul comes ‘armed’ with an impressive keyboard ensemble, which he makes full use of. His piano parts, however, will add a new dimension to the ‘Vox’ album. He also has considerable studio expertise, and as such is contributing significantly to ‘his’ new band, on several fronts.
MARK CROSS :
Special Guest drummer 2006. Having decided to produce the 'Vox In Excelso' album in Sweden, under the watchful eyes & ears of Martin Kronlund, one outstanding decision remained for the band and record company to make – the choice of drummer.
Mark was an instant choice, and recommended by Martin; the two were already working together on a new 'Firewind' album. Mark, who is half English, half German, subsequently made a massive contribution to the Saracen sound and the 'Vox' opus. His reputation as a true heavy rock drum meister (as exemplified by his time with German metal masters Helloween) belies his spread of abilities 'on the kit'. 'Vox In Excelso' showcases a spectrum of Mark's talents, from double bass drum thunder through to light-touch percussive interludes...and everything in between.
Mark is the latest addition to the Saracen family, albeit as a 'special guest', but on hearing his superb contribution throughout the 'Vox' album, you might be forgiven for thinking he's been part of the quintet for decades.
www.mcross.com
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