| Byzantium | |
|---|---|
| Origin | London |
| Genres | Psychedelic music |
| Years active | 1970–1975 |
| Labels | A&M Records |
| Associated acts | Ora |
| Past members | |
| Steve Corduner Mick Barakan David Hentschel Chas Jankel Robin Lamble Nico Ramsden Jamie Rubenstein Robin Sylvester |
|
Byzantium were an English psychedelic music band of the 1970s who released three albums and performed one Peel Session. They are perhaps best remembered for their role in the early careers of Shane Fontayne, David Hentschel, Chas Jankel and Robin Sylvester.
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Originally formed in 1970 by Jamie Rubenstein, who had played previously with Nico Ramsden as an acoustic duo,[1] and with Robin Sylvester and Mick Barakan in Ora,[2] who had recorded one album in 1969. Rubenstein formed a band with these former bandmates and others, but the early line ups were fluid and several members joined and left.[1]
In 1971 they recorded Live and Studio with a band line up comprising Jamie Rubenstein on 12 string guitar, guitarist Mick Barakan (later known as Shane Fontayne), bassist Robin Lamble and drummer Steve Corduner; augmented by Chaz Jankel on guitar and piano and by synthesiser players David Hentschel and Robin Sylvester.[3] The album, comprising one side of 5 studio tracks and one of 3 live tracks, predominantly in a psychedelic style, was self produced as a promotion, the back cover stating “Byzantium are seeking a hard working agency, recording company & publishing company”.[4] Only 100 were pressed, making it extremely collectable,[2] and although "fans considered it their best set, ..... few were actually in a position to know".[3]
Byzantium were due to play at the famous Greasy Truckers Party in February 1972, but could not appear due to a power-cut,[5] however, they were signed up by A&M Records. Ramsden rejoined, but Rubenstein and Barakan left, so Jankel became a permanent member. Lamble, Jankel, Ramsden and Corduner recorded Byzantium, engineered by Roy Thomas Baker and produced by Sylvester, on which Rubenstein, Alan Skidmore (sax) and Frank Ricotti (timpani) appeared as a guests. Between the recording and the release of the album, Ramsden left, and Rubenstein and Barakan rejoined.[2] The album showed a shift from their earlier psychedlic style, towards folk-rock, and did not sell particularly well.
The following album Seasons Changing featured Lamble, Jankel, Barakan, Rubenstein and Corduner, augmented by BJ Cole on pedal steel, Ricotti on Percussion and Hentschel and Sylvester on synthesisers. Jankel’s interest was moving towards soul music,[6] so he left, and shortly after A&M dropped Byzantium. The band pressed another private album, although this was never released, and played their only Peel Session in April 1974,[7] by which time their line up was Rubinstein, Barakan, Lamble and Corduner. Byzantium continued touring until late in 1975 when they played their final concert at The Roundhouse.[1]
This 1970s English band should not be confused with the Byzantium formed in Galway, Ireland in 2006, who won the Witless ‘07 "Battle of the Bands" competition.[8]