A TIME BEFORE THIS ... PLUS (1970-73)

The brainchild of this musical project was Julian Savarin. He was born in Dominica but moved with his family to Britain in the early Sixties. He was a writer and a keyboard player and longing to fullfill his musical ideas. Julian recruited his own band with John Dover on bass, Del Watkins on guitar, Jack Drummond on drums and Cathy Pruden on vocals. They started rehearsing and gigging round London as JULIAN'S TREATMENT. In june '70 the label Youngblood released their first album "A Time Before This". Two years later Julian was approached by Birth records to make a new album. Only bass player John Dover came from the old line-up, other musicians of JULIAN's new band were Nigel Jenkins (guitar), Roger Odell (drums) and Jo Meek (vocals). And in '73 the second album "Waiters On The Dance" came out, credited by Julian J. Savarin (nowadays a famous writer!). In 1990 the British label See For Miles Records released a compilation with material from JULIAN'S TREATMENT recorded between 1970 and 1973. It's entitled "A Time Before This ... Plus" and a perfect showcase of the exciting sound from JULIAN'S TREATMENT: lots of organ, strong female vocals, a dynamic rhythm-section and some piano, guitar, flute and Mellotron. The music frequently alternates from melodic progrock in the vein of EARTH & FIRE (female vocals and layers of organ) to ominous climates with hints from the Gothic scene featuring haunting vocals and majestic Hammond organ. My highlight on this compilation is the compelling composition "Child of the night 1 + 2" delivering wonderful vocals, impressive Hammond organ, some beautiful flute - and violin Mellotron waves and fiery electric guitar, this is the band at their best. The music from JULIAN'S TREATMENT sounds very dated and relatively simple but if you love the organ-based progrock bands from the early British Progressive Rock Movement like RARE BIRD, BRAM STOKER, QUATERMASS or GRACIOUS, don't miss this underrated, often missed band with the powerful female vocals and splendid organplay as their trademark!