Violinski

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Mik Kaminski
Mik Kaminski

Violinski was a shortlived outfit formed in 1977 by Electric Light Orchestra member Mik Kaminski on violins, and former member Mike de Albuquerque on guitar and vocals; plus Barry Dunnery, John Hodgson (drums), Paul Mann, John Marcangelo (keyboards), Iain Whitmore (bass guitar and vocals) and Rod Butler who played lead guitar for a while and appeared on the Top of the Pops TV show. At the time Kaminski was still a member of the Electric Light Orchestra, who were then enjoying their greatest success.

The group had been formed out of The Camden Rats, a group consisting of Mik Kaminski, John Hodgson, Geoff Crampton and two singers, one of them named Verdie. Mik and John then contacted ex-Cow member John Marcangelo (keyboards). With Andy Brown (bass guitar and vocals) and Barry 'Baz' Dunnery (guitar) the first Violinski line-up was complete. The first recording session started on 14 December 1977. Recordings for their first album continued throughout 1978 with Andy Brown and Baz Dunnery being replaced by Mike de Albuquerque and Paul Mann. The latter was replaced for their second album by Ian Whitmore.

They released two albums, No Cause for Alarm in 1979, and Stop Cloning About in 1980; and featured on the Electric Light Orchestra 1999 compilation album, Friends & Relatives.

In addition, in early 1979 Violinski made the UK singles chart Top 40, thus becoming a one hit wonder with their instrumental single, "Clog Dance", which made No. 17 in March.

John Hodgson is now the boss of Boomba-bomba records.

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[edit] Discography

Singles

    * Clog Dance/Time To Live(1979)                
    * Save Me/Cricket Bloody Cricket(1979)      
    * Scenario(aka "In The Distance")/What's Your Game (1980, Promo only)               
    * Silent Love/Captain Dandy(1980)           
    * Ruby Rhythms/Clear Away(1980)

LP's

    * No Cause For Alarm (1979)
    * Stop Cloning About (1980)
    * Whirling Dervish (US only Re-Release of "No Cause For Alarm, 1982)

CD's:

   * The Very Best Of (2007, incl. unreleased material)