Axis Point (band)
Encyclopedia
Axis Point was a rock band formed by former Family
guitarist Charlie Whitney in 1979. The band signed to RCA
and released two albums in a twelve month period. The line-up of the band was an eclectic mix of well known musicians of that time. They disbanded in 1980.
, bassist Charles McCracken and drummer Rob Townsend
Family
and Medicine Head
. They recorded Axis Point (1979) with the addition of guitarist and vocalist Bobby Tench
, who had previously been a member of Streetwalkers
. The songwriting on this album is split between Harden and Whitney with McCraken co-writing "Woman of the world" and "Fire it up". Townsend left and was replaced by Les Binks
and they recorded their second album Boast of the Town (1980), on which Whitney and McCracken collaborate on most of the songs. Binks went onto drum with Judas Priest
.
Axis Point #2
Family (band)
Family were an English rock band that formed in late 1966 and disbanded in October 1973. Their style has been characterised as progressive rock, although their sound often explored other genres, incorporating elements of styles like as folk, psychedelia, acid, jazz fusion and rock and roll...
guitarist Charlie Whitney in 1979. The band signed to RCA
Record label
In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. Most commonly, a record label is the company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the production, manufacture, distribution, marketing and promotion,...
and released two albums in a twelve month period. The line-up of the band was an eclectic mix of well known musicians of that time. They disbanded in 1980.
History
The original line-up of Axis Point included, guitarist Charlie Whitney, keyboardist Eddie HardinEddie Hardin
Eddie Hardin , is an English rock pianist and singer-songwriter. He is best known for his associations with the Spencer Davis Group, Axis Point also Hardin and York...
, bassist Charles McCracken and drummer Rob Townsend
Rob Townsend
Rob Townsend is a British rock and blues drummer. He was influenced by jazz greats such as Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa and is best known for being the drummer for progressive rock band Family and later The Blues Band....
Family
Family (band)
Family were an English rock band that formed in late 1966 and disbanded in October 1973. Their style has been characterised as progressive rock, although their sound often explored other genres, incorporating elements of styles like as folk, psychedelia, acid, jazz fusion and rock and roll...
and Medicine Head
Medicine Head
Medicine Head were a British blues rock band, active in the 1970s. Their biggest single success was in 1973, with "One and One is One", a Number 3 hit in the UK Singles Chart.-Main personnel:The group worked as a duo for most of its career, consisting of...
. They recorded Axis Point (1979) with the addition of guitarist and vocalist Bobby Tench
Bobby Tench
Robert Tench , also known as Bob Tench, Bobby Tench and Bobby Gass is a British vocalist and guitarist. Originally a bass player he began singing with Gass influenced by artists such as Sam Cooke and Ray Charles...
, who had previously been a member of Streetwalkers
Streetwalkers
Streetwalkers were an English rock band formed in late 1973 by two former members of Family, vocalist Roger Chapman and guitarist John "Charlie" Whitney...
. The songwriting on this album is split between Harden and Whitney with McCraken co-writing "Woman of the world" and "Fire it up". Townsend left and was replaced by Les Binks
Les Binks
James Leslie Binks , is a Northern Irish heavy metal drummer, who is most notable for having been the drummer for Judas Priest.-History:...
and they recorded their second album Boast of the Town (1980), on which Whitney and McCracken collaborate on most of the songs. Binks went onto drum with Judas Priest
Judas Priest
Judas Priest are an English heavy metal band from Birmingham, England, formed in 1969. The current line-up consists of lead vocalist Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and Richie Faulkner, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis. The band has gone through several drummers over the years,...
.
Band members
Axis Point #1- Charlie Whitney - Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, slide guitar
- Eddie HardinEddie HardinEddie Hardin , is an English rock pianist and singer-songwriter. He is best known for his associations with the Spencer Davis Group, Axis Point also Hardin and York...
- Keyboards, percussion, piano - Charlie McCracken - Bass
- Rob TownsendRob TownsendRob Townsend is a British rock and blues drummer. He was influenced by jazz greats such as Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa and is best known for being the drummer for progressive rock band Family and later The Blues Band....
- Percussion, Drums - Les BinksLes BinksJames Leslie Binks , is a Northern Irish heavy metal drummer, who is most notable for having been the drummer for Judas Priest.-History:...
- Drums
Axis Point #2
- Charlie Whitney - Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, slide guitar
- Eddie Hardin - Keyboards, percussion, piano
- Charlie McCracken- Bass
- Rob Townsend - Drums
Additional musicians
- Bobby TenchBobby TenchRobert Tench , also known as Bob Tench, Bobby Tench and Bobby Gass is a British vocalist and guitarist. Originally a bass player he began singing with Gass influenced by artists such as Sam Cooke and Ray Charles...
- Guitar, vocals - Colin Horton Jennings - backing vocals
- Ron Asprey - sax
- Tony Cox - String Arrangements
Discography
Original releases- Axis Point RCARCA RecordsRCA Records is one of the flagship labels of Sony Music Entertainment. The RCA initials stand for Radio Corporation of America , which was the parent corporation from 1929 to 1985 and a partner from 1985 to 1986.RCA's Canadian unit is Sony's oldest label...
3009 (1979) - Boast of the Town RCA 25277 (1980)
Re-issues
Axis Point/Boast of the Town compilation- BGO 576 (2002)
- BGO Records 576 (2003)