March 2010:
IQ are to mark the 25th anniversary of the release of “The Wake” by re-releasing the album on GEP Records in two different forms. The 2-CD set will feature the original album remastered, along with a series of demos and previously unheard studio outtakes. A Deluxe Edition 4-disc set will also include an extensive booklet, further demos and studio outtakes, work-in-progress mixes, a DVD of live footage from 1984 (the earliest surviving live film of IQ), band commentary and more. Details are still being finalised.
Sympho-band in the slipstream of Marrilion. They, Martin Offord and Mike Holmes, started in the New Wave and punk era as The Lens. A CeeDee (A World in your Eye) was released and let us hear a mix of Camel, Steve Hackett, Pink Floyd and Orzic Tentacles. It didn't worked for that moment and so IQ was born:
Peter Nichols - vocals,
Paul Cook- drums,
Tim Esau- bass,
Mike Holmes - guitar,
Martin Orford - keyboards, flute and sax.
They first released a cassette Seven Stories Into Eight ('82), followed by
first vinyl album called Tales From The Lush Attic ('83). Prog from the eighties, Pete sounds a bit like
Peter Gabriel, and yeah still impressive.
The Wake was their next album and Nichols left to form Niadem's Ghost.
Their third studio album, Nomzamo ('87), was
recorded with the new vocalist, Paul Menel.
It seemed that the albums Nomzamo (with the single Promises '87) and Are you
sitting comfortable ('88) IQ reached more audience. Certainly the last mentioned
album is great!
Menet en Essau leave and Nichols sings again in IQ. The bassist Les Marshall died tragically; committing
suicide.
Then Jown Jowitt (ex-Ark, The First) showed up ('91).
The double-live
album from '96 is very enjoyable;
Mike Holmes,
Paul Cook,
Peter Nicolls,
John Jowitt &
Martin Orford
Martin Orford and John Jowitt have in the meantime started another project; Jadis, with guitarist Gary Chandler.
Subterranae is from '97, some people find this their best album, so listen for your
self.
A live concert version, Subterranea: The Concert is also available on both CD and DVD.
The seventh House ('01) is nice again. Complex riffs of more instruments at the same time are very difficult to play. If you like "Subterranea" and earlier records, this one may not be absent in your collection.
Paul Cook,
Michael Holmes,
John Jowitt,
Pete Nicols,
Martin Orford &
Tony Wright - sax.
They' did a wonderful gig in Vervier, Spirit Of 66, ('03) and John came back in his underwear for the last encore....
The 20th Annirversery DVD came out in 2004. with a lot of extra's and a nice setlist.
New IQ album Dark Matter ('04)(seems Peter Nicholls' store of less than joyful lyrical subject matter hasn't been depleted yet). The record will boast five tracks:
Sacred Sound
Red Dust Shadow
You Never Will
Born Brilliant
Harvest of Souls
A great album, pure Symfo, 4 wonderful adventureous proggy songs and one great epic called "Harvest of Souls"! Well done my friends. It will end up high in my favourites of 2004.
Highly Recommended!.
News: April 2005:Paul Cook has decided to call it a day after 23 years with the band...
The new drummer will be 37-year-old Andy Edwards.
In 1997 Andy was asked to play a local gig with Robert Plant which led to the formation of The Priory of Brion and around 100 gigs all over Europe alongside B B King, Skunk Anansie and Billy Cobham at some of the great music festivals. In 2000 Andy became an endorsee of Tama drums, Meinl cymbals and Aquarian drum heads, and he is a regular clinician, playing alongside such drumming luminaries as Simon Phillips, Steve Smith and Thomas Lang. After touring with Thomas Lang on his UK clinic tour, Andy set up his own drum school in Cradley Heath, West Midlands.
25.10.05
IQ to contribute to the benefit CD for survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
Mike is currently working on a piece for the benefit CD for survivors of Hurricane Katrina. It’s a reworking
of the track ‘Subterranea’ taken from the album ‘Oh Subterranea, Impala that you are’. The track is called
‘Chemical rain’ and is 5 minutes and 25 seconds long.
1985 IQ 'Live From London' Performance Released on DVD ('05).
The date: 13th May 1985, many hundreds of years ago. The venue: London’s Camden Palace. In
the time of big hair, long fringes and dog collars, IQ were filmed onstage for the TV show
‘Live From London’.
In a 60-minute performance, they played tracks from their brand new smash hit album ‘The
Wake’, together with a selection of old favourites. The full set was: Awake and Nervous,
Outer Limits, It All Stops Here, Just Changing Hands, The Wake, The Magic Roundabout,
Widow’s Peak, The Thousand Days and Corners.
| 
pictures by Pierre Romainville. |
|
|
Setlist of The Spirit of 66:
01. Failsafe | . |
|
|
12. The Darkest Hour 13. NTOC / TTC 14. Outer Limit / Sweet Caroline States Quo! 15. Gateway. and yes no Wake! | . |
|
Picture by Jean Luc.
Wonderful gig!
From the opening images on the three screens till the last hilarious credit titles.
Pete got still that amazing etheral voice (something like Jon Anderson?) and that great
ability to interact with the audience (if nescessseray only with the
his eyes). He's got that stage charisma like a Peter Gabriel, so always nice to watch.
On the right of him was standing Mike Holmes, sometimes the opposite, looks like an older
settled houseman... just doing his job perfectly with amazing guitarriffs and solo's. And then
realizing he's on stage, funny, happy and spreading out that he's got a good time.
Johnny Jowitt (aka Big Bush Pants) and his bass (-es), he walks arround how normally the
leading guitarplayer does.
He stirs up the enthousiasm of the crowed, changes basses like David Gilmour changes
guitars, and plays them like hell. And as always dressed up well. A wonderful chap.
Mr Ken Bodfish (aka Martin Orford) hiding behind his keyboards & organ, sometime jumping of
and showing that he's freaking out too. Don't want to mention his ability on the
keys... that stands for it self.
The new drummer, Andy Edwards... just so short related with the band and playing if he
was there for ages. Great drummer dares to improvise and is well accepted in the band.
The sound was incredible well, thanks to Rob Aubrey.
Read a great review at DPRP.
Martin Orford said farewell to the band and he wants to stop with his musical career. Very sad sad news indeed.
Mark Westworth is the new keybaord wizard. Mark played in Darwin's Radio.
The much discussed vinyl pressing of IQ's 2004 album Dark Matter will finally be released on the Primal Vinyl label. The record will be pressed on 180g vinyl and presented in a de-luxe gatefold sleeve. Although not strictly a limited edition, the run will be for 1500 albums and at this stage it's not expected to be re-pressed beyond that quantity.
IQ: have now finally finished the mixing of their new album entitled Frequency - their longest single album to date at a running time of 62 minutes and 2 seconds ...
|
1. Frequency (8:29) 2. Life support (6:28) 3. Stronger than friction (10:32) 4. One fatal mistake (4:54) 5. Ryker skies (9:45) 6. The province (13:43) 7. Closer (8:11) |
|
They are now working on the audio mix of the DVD for the special edition of the album... Here are some IQ tour dates:
Live pictures June 2010.
As of yesterday (30th July 2010) GEP are shipping the 4 disc version - 25th Anniversary Edition of "The Wake"...
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of IQ´s classic album “The Wake“, GEP is to release an extraordinary 4 disc edition of this recording.The 4-disc-boxed set includes:
• the remastered version of the album
• two additional discs with:
**work in progress
**rough mixes
**studio outtakes
**demos
**writing sessions
• a fourth disc containing:
** minutes of ultra-rare live video from 1984 (the oldest existing footage of the band)
** a full album video commentary by Peter Nicholls, Mike Holmes and Paul Cook
** the multitrack files for a DIY-mix of the song “Corners“
** tons of additional audio-material and interviews as mp3 files.
• a 60-page-full-colour-booklet, featuring new artwork, unseen photographs, memorabila and a documentary of the album´s history with contributions from all members of the band.
• a double sided poster featuring the original album artwork
SOLO / SESSION:
JOHN JOWITT
First in "arK" (married the girl of the leadsinger; Tony Short)(see more of "arK" below, and later on playing with guys who joined Killing Joke, played in the backing band for Angie (ex- David Bowies wife) and then it became proggy with IQ ('91).
|
Discography: Ark - The Dreams Of Mr. Jones (1988) Jadis - More Than Meets The Eye (1992) IQ - Ever (1993) Jadis - Once Upon A Time (ep) (1993) Jadis - Across The Water (1994) Arena - Pride (1996) IQ - Forever Live (1996) IQ - Subterranea (1997) Arena - Welcome To The Stage (1997) Arena - The Cry (1997) IQ - Seven Stories Into 98 (1998) Arena - The Visitor (1998) IQ - The Lost Attic - A Collection Of Rarities (1983-1999) (1999) Dirtbox - Uneasy Listening (1999) Jadis - Understand (2000) IQ - Seventh House (2000) IQ - Subterranea: The Concert (2000) Jadis - Medium Rare (2001) Jadis - Live Outside (2001) IQ - The Archive Collection - IQ20 (2003) Jadis - Fanatic (2003) John Young Band - Live At The Classic Rock Society 2003 (2003) IQ - Dark Matter (2004) Jadis - Photoplay (2006) Frost* - Milliontown (2006) Blind Ego - Mirror (2007) Caamora - Walk On Water (ep) (2007) IQ - Forever Live (DVD box set) (1996) IQ - Subterranea - The Concert DVD (2002) Jadis - View From Above (DVD) (2003) IQ - IQ20 - The Twentieth Anniversary Show (2004) IQ - Live From London (2005) IQ - Stage (2006) |
Made a solo-album called Dirtbox (1999). With Mark Westwood (best
known as roadie for IQ and Arena). With on guest vocals of
Tracy Hitchings.
Martin Orford plays on one song keys.
The album is a mixture of prog, heavy metal, ska, techno, pop ballads, jazz, piano music
and much more.
He was member of Arena from '96 till '98.
And he has a job in the story Hound of Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; Clive Nolan & Oliver Wakeman ('01).In 2002 he'll be a part of John Young's band.
More sessions for Ark ('88) (with Steve Harris form Iron Maiden) and Martin Darvill & Friends Greatest Show on Earth (2000).
He joined ProgAID ('05 you'll find a interview with Martin and John) and
And of course John is known as the bass player of Jadis.
New Super Group Part called Neo:
Andy Edwards (IQ/Robert Plant),
John Jowitt (IQ/
Arena/
Jadis/
John Wetton Band),
Clive Nolan (Arena/
Pendragon/
Shadowland/
Nolan-Wakeman) and
Mark Westwood (Martin Orford Band
and Johns roadie).
The band will be making its debut American appearance at the Rites of Spring Festival in Phoenixville PA on April 28th 2006. As well as music by IQ, Arena and Clive Nolan’s solo career, the band will be joined by special guest Nick Barrett to perform material by Pendragon, Alan Reed of Pallas and Peter Banks to perform songs by Yes. A further guest artist is l ikely to be announced shortly.
More Info about Neo + DVD.
John was awarded as best bass player for the year 2005 by The Classic Rock Society, congratulations John!
He joined Kalle Wallner (guitarist of RPWL) in
Blind Ego with John Mitchel ('08). He toured with Kalle too. He joined again on the second album called "Numb" ('09).
He will join BPII on their new album, that will apear end of 2009.
Frost*:
John Mitchell - Gtr/Vox,
John Jowitt - Bass/Vox,
Andy Edwards - Drum/Trumpet.
Frost* is a project form Jem Godfrey, the recording of an album called Milliontown.
Together with Mark and Andy Edwards they'll playing on Clive Nolan's new album later i n the year.
Experiments In Mass Appeal ('08).
The new album of Frost. Again a bit harder and more experimental.
Andy Edwards - drums
Jem Godfrey - keys, vocals
John Jowitt - bass
John Mitchell - guitar
Dec Burke is added as lead guitarist and the band joins Dream Theater for a few dates in the States.
Dec Burk goes solo with "Destroy all Monsters". Dec was member of Darwins Radio, Mark Westwood (also in IQ) was there member too.
Hois solo album is more pop then Prog.
More news of FROST*:
Jem Godfrey posts - we're working on contribution to the ELP tribute CD...
I’m currently working on “Fanfare For The Common Man” as part of the ELP tribute CD that’ll be for sale shortly courtesy of “Classic Rock Presents… Prog” magazine. It sounds like everyone’s at it. Magenta have done a track as has Johnny Mitchell and many others by the sounds of it. A few people rolled their eyes at the thought of us doing “Fanfare” saying that it was a bit of a dull choice. On one hand I sort of agree, but then this is Frost*. It was never on the cards that I’d just ape the ELP version. So to that end, I’ve taken the liberty of chartering a boat and have set sail to the land of “Whaaaaaa!” with it. It’s should clock in at about 8 minutes and will hopefully take you on a taxi ride round the neighbourhood of the unhinged...
More news of FROST*:
For the upcoming live dates:
On the eve of the release of their double live CD featuring Nick D’Virgilio (Spock’s Beard) behind the drum kit, Frost*, the British neo progressive rock band led by Jem Godfrey, have announced
Craig Blundell (David Cross, Congo Natty, King King, Dr oKtopUs) will be joining them as permanent occupant of the Frost* drum stool.
The new Frost* album is called The Philadelphia Experiment ('10).
Jem is also present @ Big Big Train ('09)(with Nick D'Virgilio and It Bites gitarist Francis Dunnery)
John is present at Kalle Wallners new solo album.
They, Jadis & RPWL, met at the Rosfest-festival 2 years ago. Last year there was another meting at the Eclipsed festival with Arena and RPWL. So indeed a small world.
arK:
Evolving from incarnations as Damascus and Kite, arK's first line-up proper formed around Tony Short, Pete Wheatley and Steve Harris in 1986. With Steve's brother Andy on bass, and Dave Robbins on drums, the band released a single, 'Communications' before Andy left and was replaced by John Jowitt.
John left the band in '90.
Paul Rodgers joined the band, but the band splitt up in '95.
arK in 2010:
As well as Jowitt, the band in 2010 features are original members Tony Short on vocals and flute, Pete Wheatley - lead guitar , Steve Harris - guitar synth ,
and new member Tim Churchman (formerly of Darwin’s Radio) on drums.
Tourdates.
Mystery, Once among the Living ('10) (with David Benoit, who sings nowadays in Yes...
MARTIN ORFORD: Classical Music and Popular Songs.
John Wetton,
Dave Kilminster played with John Wetton, Ken Hensley and now in Roger Waters band ('06),
Tony Wright,
Gary Chandler and more members of Jadis
& IQ.
It resulted in a wonderful mixture of some light classical piano pieces, a couple of lost
IQ tracks, some nice pop songs and a few prog rock pieces with folky influences.
He put a band together, The Martin Orford Band, and did a few shows ('01):
Martin Orford - key, electronic sax, vocals,
John Jowitt (Jadis, IQ) - bass,
Mark Westwood - guitar (Dirtbox)
Steven Christy (Jadis) - drums.
Martin Orford and John Jowitt are full members of; Jadis, with guitarist Gary Chandler.
He did a guest appearance on Parallel or 90 Degrees, see
Guy Manning.
Martin Orford has released his solo album called The Old Road. At the time of writing, the Aubitt-website informs us that there's just one more part to lay down, which is a vocal by John Wetton. Martin's employed an all star cast, including Peter Nichols (vocals on one track), Paul Cook, Nick d'Virgilio Spocks Beard and Steve Christey on drums, Gary Chandler, and Mike Holmes (guitars), Steve Thorne (acoustic guitars) and John Jowitt on bass.
News August 2007:
Martin has left IQ.
October 2007;
All the best,
Martin Orford."
About downloading:
"With regard to the downloading thing, personally I'm not impressed if we have 2 million fans that download for free - they're no use to us whatsoever and I'd rather have just one that actually buys the CDs. Because if everyone expects to get music for free, all the middle ground of the music business (and that includes IQ) will disappear. And all that will be left are the amateur no-hopers and the superstars. The rest of us will all have given up due to lack of funding. This is not something that could happen, it's happening already, and based on current trends I give bands like IQ and record companies like GEP a life-expectancy of 5 years at best.
New solo album by former IQ keyboardist Martin Orford ...
"The Old Road" is an album in the good old musical tradition of IQ and Jadis with a release date of 10th November on the InsideOut label. Special guests are John Wetton (Asia), John Mitchell (It Bites, Kino, Frost), Gary Chandler (Jadis), Nick D'Virgilio (Spock's Beard), a.o.
Nick D'Virgilio - drums & tambourine, (Spocks Beard),
Mike Holmes - harmony guitars, (IQ),
John Mitchell - lead guitar, (Arenea, It Bites),
Dave Meros - bass & fretless bass, (Spocks Beard),
John Wetton - vocals & bass, (Asia, UK),
Steve Thorne - vocals, bass harmonica, guitars, percussion
Colm Murphy - fiddle,
Dave Oberle - backing vocals & tambourine,
David Longdon - lead vocals,
Andy Edwards - drums (IQ) &
Martin - vocals, keyboards, guitars, Flute, piano, Moog Taurus Pedals, bass
Rob Audrey - enginering & mixing &
Tony Lythgoe - beautiful artwork.
01. Grand Designs 02. Power And Speed 03. Ray Of Hope 04. Take It To The Sun 05. Prelude 06. The Old Road 07. Out In The Darkness 08. The Time And The Season 09. Endgame |
|
Session for:
Martin Darvill & Friends Greatest Show on Earth (2000).
Ayeron ('04).
Lee Abraham ('04), see Galahad.
Martin Orford, Pete Nicholls & John Jowitt are joining ProgAID ('05 you'll find a interview with Martin there too) and
The Tsunami Project with Spocks Beard ('05).
Martin, John and Paul did some session for Steve Thorne ('05).
The sad news is that you Paul will leave the band...
Martin will play flute on Guy Manning's new album (end '05 /begin 2006).
Symfo-Index.
Thanks to John Jowitt & Pierre, please take a look at his site &
Jean Luc's site.
These Tour CDs (Archive Collection Volumes 2 and 3) will be limited to 1000 copies each and will be on sale at the concerts in November and December. For those of you unable to attend these shows, the discs will also be available by mail order at a later date, details to be announced shortly.
The full track listings are as follows:
1. Frequency (Alternative Mix, from ‘Frequency’ sessions, 2008)
2. Already Gone (From ‘Frequency’ sessions, 2008)
3. Lost In Paradise (From 'The Tsunami Projekt', 2005)
4. Crazy Horses (Live at the Mean Fiddler, London: December 15, 2001)
5. Corners (Original Demo, January 1985)
6. Suffragette City (From ‘Frequency’ sessions, 2008)
7. Crashed And Burned (Stronger Than Friction) (Live at De Boerderij, Zoetermeer: December 1, 2007
1. The Province (Studio Outtake, from ‘Frequency’ sessions, 2008)
2. One Fatal Mistake (Extended Version, from ‘Frequency’ sessions, 2008)
3. Chemical Rain (From ‘After The Storm’, 2005)
4. Jet (Live at the Mean Fiddler, London: December 15, 2001)
5. Outer Limits (Original Demo, January 1985)
6. Frequency (Live at De Boerderij, Zoetermeer: December 1, 2007)