Return of Prog rock band Wally

 

 

Wally Are Back and better than ever

 

1970’s Atlantic Recording artists WALLY are back following a successful reunion concert last year in their hometown of Harrogate. Playing together for the first time in 35 years, the reunion has inspired the band to produce a new album. “Montpellier” will be released early February. 

 

WALLY had two successful albums on Atlantic records titled ‘Wally’ (1974) and ‘Valley Gardens’ (1975) both produced by Bob Harris and Rick Wakeman. Amongst singles, ‘The Martyr’ and ‘I Just Wanna Be A Cowboy’ was ‘Nez Perce’. This featured the great Madeline Bell on backing vocals and was a Johnnie Walker record of the week on Radio One. WALLY also appeared on The Old Grey Whistle Test.

 

As with their second album ‘Valley Gardens’, ‘Montpellier’ was named after the area in Harrogate where most of the band members lived and played in the 1970’s.

 

Whilst WALLY were preparing to come together following their 35 year absence, the band received news of the untimely death of keyboard player Paul Gerrett, who died in his sleep whilst living in Thailand. Prior to this the original guitarist Pete Cosker had died in 1991 from a drink/ drugs related illness. Both of these tragic deaths signified that the concert would not only be a reunion- it would be a tribute.

 

The five remaining members of WALLY- Paul Middleton (Pedal Steel and Bass), Pete Sage (Violin), Roger Narraway (Drums), Nick Glennie-Smith (Keyboards) and Roy Webber (Lead Vocals and guitar)- have recruited two new musicians. Frank Mizen, who plays a multitude of instruments including pedal steel, banjo and bass along with Will Jackson on lead guitar.

 

The success of the reunion concert in April 2009 held at the Royal Hall in Harrogate has prompted another concert this year. WALLY are performing the material from their new album, “Montpellier” plus all their old favourites in an evening hosted by Radio 2 DJ and presenter of The Old Grey Whistle Test, Bob Harris.

 

The new album “Montpellier” retains the unique wall of sound and spirit of the original 1970’s band. It reflects the changes in music over time and ensures the album is current for today’s audiences. “Montpellier” is undoubtedly WALLY at their finest.

www.wallymusic.co.uk 

 

I have that 1st album and enjoy it tremendously ... and that long cut (and the album) is very nice indeed.

 

Very nice indeed, and one of those bands that one does not associate with "prog" very much, and albums and music like this that are done with a lot of care and attention, deserve a lot more ... than just being ignored!

 

I even have a copy of this being played on my old roomie's radio show way back when it first came out ... in Santa Barbara!

Really enjoyed it, some great music, and introduced on stage by my hero Bob Harris

Hope there's another gig soon