Brainbox
Encyclopedia
Brainbox is a Dutch rock group from the late 1960s/early 1970s. It was founded in Amsterdam
by guitarist Jan Akkerman
, drummer Pierre van der Linden
and singer Kazimir Lux (Kaz). Their debut single was "Down Man", which established their progressive blues sound. They had several hit singles in the Netherlands, including "Between Alpha and Omega", "Doomsday Train", Reason to Believe
and "Smile". Soon after they released their first album, Akkerman and van der Linden left the group to join Focus
. After van der linden and Akkerman left, Brainbox bass player Cyril Havermans
also followed to join Focus, replacing original bass player Bert Ruiter. They were replaced by guitarists Herman Meyer and Rudie de Quelijoe and drummer Frans Smit. Meyer was later replaced by John Schuursma. After Kaz Lux left the group in 1971, their popularity waned and they split up in 1972. In 2004 Kaz Lux reassembled the band (though without Jan Akkerman) and they performed in the Netherlands. In 2010 and 2011 the band performed again and recorded a new studio album The 3rd Flood.
(Tracks 8-12 were Bonus Tracks on CD release)
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
by guitarist Jan Akkerman
Jan Akkerman
Jan Akkerman is a Dutch guitarist. Akkerman is a distinctive guitarist, constantly experimenting with new equipment and guitars. Akkerman's distinctive guitar sound is characterised by his pioneering use of volume swells which produce a smooth, fluty, sustained tone, and other complex techniques...
, drummer Pierre van der Linden
Pierre van der Linden
Pierre van der Linden, born 19 February 1946 in the Netherlands, is a jazz drummer whose style was influenced by his childhood hero Buddy Rich....
and singer Kazimir Lux (Kaz). Their debut single was "Down Man", which established their progressive blues sound. They had several hit singles in the Netherlands, including "Between Alpha and Omega", "Doomsday Train", Reason to Believe
Reason to Believe
"Reason to Believe" is a song written and first recorded by American folk singer Tim Hardin in 1965, which has since been recorded by a number of other artists, the most known of which is by Rod Stewart in 1971 and 1993...
and "Smile". Soon after they released their first album, Akkerman and van der Linden left the group to join Focus
Focus (band)
Focus is a Dutch rock band which was founded by classically trained organist/flautist Thijs van Leer in 1969, and is most famous for the instrumental pieces "Hocus Pocus" and "Sylvia"...
. After van der linden and Akkerman left, Brainbox bass player Cyril Havermans
Cyril Havermans
Cyril Havermans is a Dutch musician, best known for being in the progressive rock band, Focus.-Life:Cyril Havermans was bassist and vocalist for a number of Dutch pop bands in the 1960s: Peter and the Beats , The Heralds , Spacial Concept , and Big Wheel...
also followed to join Focus, replacing original bass player Bert Ruiter. They were replaced by guitarists Herman Meyer and Rudie de Quelijoe and drummer Frans Smit. Meyer was later replaced by John Schuursma. After Kaz Lux left the group in 1971, their popularity waned and they split up in 1972. In 2004 Kaz Lux reassembled the band (though without Jan Akkerman) and they performed in the Netherlands. In 2010 and 2011 the band performed again and recorded a new studio album The 3rd Flood.
Discography
- Brainbox (1969); released on CD 2006
- Dark Rose
- Reason To Believe
- Baby What You Want Me To Do
- Scarborough Fair
- Summertime
- Sinners Prayer
- Sea Of Delight
- Down Man
- Woman's Gone
- Sea Of Delight (Try Out)
- Sea Of Delight (Take 1)
- Amsterdam, The First Days
(Tracks 8-12 were Bonus Tracks on CD release)
- The Best Of Brainbox (1971)
- Parts (1972)
- To You (1972)
- A History (1979)
- The Very Best Brainbox Album Ever (2002)
- The Last Train (live) (2004)
- The 3rd Flood (2011)