Flash - Flash (1972)

Artwork: Hipgnosis with Maurice Tate (tinting)

Flash was an English progressive rock group, formed by former Yes guitarist Peter Banks and vocalist Colin Carter in August 1971. Bassist Ray Bennett, and Mike Hough on drums completed the line-up.

The band went into the recording studio in November 1971 to record its debut album, and performed its first gig on 14 January 1972. Coincidentally, exactly one year later, on 14 January 1973, Flash would fill New York's Philharmonic Hall.

There is some controversy over whether

fellow ex-Yes member, keyboardist Tony Kaye, who appeared on the first Flash album, was actually an "official" member of the group, or merely a guest. The confusion stems from the fact that Kaye is listed alongside the other members of the group on the back cover. Interviews with all the parties confirm that, though Kaye was invited to join he declined, and should have been cited as a guest on the first album. He went on to found Badger in 1972. Other potential keyboard players were approached or auditioned at the time, including Ian McDonald (formerly of King Crimson), Rick Wakeman (soon to join Yes) and Patrick Moraz (also a future member of Yes), but eventually the band decided to carry on as a keyboard-less quartet, with Carter handling the occasional synthesizer part.

Flash had a minor hit with "Small Beginnings" (1972, No. 29 Billboard Hot 100 chart) which was featured in the movie, Record Review. The song "Small Beginnings" has also been included in numerous compilation albums, most recently Bob Stroud's Rock 'n Roll Roots, Vol. 10.

The band released three albums, Flash (1972), In The Can (1972 Nov.) and Out Of Our Hands (1973 Summer).

Flash were signed with Sovereign, a sub-label of Capitol Records and received support from the label, who were hoping for a similar level of success to other progressive rock bands such as ELP or Yes. The debut LP sold in excess of 100,000 copies. They toured North America a total of four times, and Continental Europe (Netherlands, Belgium and Germany) once, in early 1972, while regularly playing gigs in their native UK, including a joint tour with Beck, Bogert & Appice in 1973. Flash also did a brief tour of Australia, while making their third album. Without consulting the band, and to everyone's dismay, including Banks', Capitol released the third album under the name Flash - featuring England's Peter Banks, to avoid a legal challenge from another local band named "Flash", and to help promote Banks' solo album Two Sides Of Peter Banks which was released on Capitol almost concurrently.

Flash disbanded during an American tour in Albuquerque, New Mexico in November 1973. By this time, relationships between Banks and the rest of the band had soured, and it had been suggested by management that the band find a replacement for Banks and carry on. They decided to stick it out because of their excellent musical chemistry, but in the end, ever-increasing tensions resulted in the band's abrupt demise. (from wikipedia)

Tracks:
1. Small Beginnings
2. Morning Haze
3. Children Of The Universe
4. Dreams Of Heaven
5. The Time It Takes


Members:
Colin Carter - lead vocals, percussion
Peter Banks - acoustic, electric & Spanish guitars, melodica, ARP synth, backing vocals
Ray Bennett - bass, acoustic rhythm guitar, lead & backing vocals
Mike Hough - drums, cymbals, percussion, voice

With:
Tony Kaye - organ, piano, ARP synth


Credits:
Engineer – Martin Birch
Producer – Derek Lawrence
Recorded at De Lane Lea Studios, Wembley, between 11/8/1971 and 11/21/1971. Recorded in England.

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