At the heart of Templar stands guitarist Rob Bendelow. As the ex-axe-man with British symphonic rockers 'Saracen', Rob's passion for AOR (adult oriented rock) is stronger than ever. For this first Templar project, Rob has been joined by a number of other outstanding musicians. Some, like their ancient Templar counterparts, have chosen to remain 'in the shadows'; their musical deeds being the sole evidence of their contribution. Others have chosen to step into the light, however, to appear as 'special guests'.
Locked away in the relative solitude of (the aptly named) 'Rivendell Studios', Templar have striven to create a collection of powerful, evocative tracks. Across the album - 'Come To The light' - you'll certainly find light & shade....heavy guitar riffs versus moody keyboard passages.....gentle acoustic interludes versus pounding drums-&-bass rythmns.....and soothing vocal melodies versus passionate rock 'front man' style delivery. As ever, Bendelow's compositions have been inspired by a wide variety of subjects, from the riding of dolphins to the riding of black holes! So sit back and enjoy the journey...
| Steve Bettney: |
Lead vocals on four songs, including the mammoth title track. Steve was the outstanding Saracen frontman throughout the band's 5-year reign, and still performs occasional live solo shows in-&around the north midlands. "It was great to be back recording again, and the old magic of performing with like-minded souls seemed to be as fresh as ever".
|
 |
|
| Lori Emmitt-Gardner: |
Lori's singing career has been primarily as a live 'balladeer', gracing venues on both sides of the Atlantic with her rich, moody voice. She fronts two songs on 'Come To The Light', including the duet 'Angel Eyes'. "Working with these kind of musicians, and this kind of music was quite a change for me...and I loved it!"
|
 |
|
| Jason Gardner: |
A unique character, with a 'grass roots' rock-style voice, 'Jase' sings lead on two songs from this album. As the bassist with Saracen he was restricted to backing vocals, but it was later as frontman for northern rockers 'USA' that his considerable ability with the mic emerged. "Really enjoyed this project...can't wait for album No.2". |
 |
| Richard Bendelow: |
Bendelow 'junior' is already an aspiring guitarist with his own rock band, despite being only sixteen years of age. Here he plays Acoustic Guitar on the classic George Harrison track.
|
 |
|
| John Davison: |
Moving from clarinet to saxophone has taken John from his classical music roots into the world of rock and blues, as an accomplished live performer on the 'Cambridge club circuit'. It's John's haunting alto-sax solos that appear on 'Come To The Light'.
|
 |
|
| Paul Shephard: |
Paul, a passionate scholar of traditional classical guitar techniques, both wrote and played the 'finger style' passages on the title track. Furthermore, his broad knowledge of astronomy meant that he was also able to help Rob develop the 'Event Horizon' subject matter for the same track.
|
 |
|
| Peggy Marie-Claire Vecoven: | This is Peggy's first ever appearance 'on record', delivering the evocatively spoken lines for the title track. On this evidence it shouldn't be too long before she's back behind the microphone! |
 |
| The Templar Choir: |
Namely - Lucy, Sarah, Jenny, Cher, Linda, Lori, Philip, Richard (B), Richard (L), & Jason
|
 |
|
| David Beastall |
For his production support and, in particular, for creating this splendid Web Site. It's worth noting that David is also only fifteen years old! |
 |
| Jason Gardner: |
Previously mentioned 'only' for his vocal contribution, Jason's actual input has been much, much wider...and enormous. Without his unique style of support and enthusiasm throughout, this Templar project would simply not have been possible. Jason has also been responsible for Mastering the album, at his very own 'Green Room' Studios. "Many thanks Jase.....you're the best!" |
 |
 |
|
ROB BENDELOW |
|