In One Era

Please note this is a PRE-ORDER and will not be shipping until late May/early June.

This release is a double album compiling the two original albums I May Sing Grace and Psalm Enchanted Evening which were Geoff’s second and third solo albums after leaving Twelfth Night. However, unlike the 2004 Cyclops release In One Era this edition is a two-CD set, which has enabled us to include all tracks from both albums, two of which could not be accommodated on the original “In One Era” CD.

This version also includes three tracks from Geoff’s first post-TN band ‘The Earthlings’, which have never been released before, as well as some live recordings and demos: all extremely rare and previously unreleased. Twenty-five tracks in total running to over two hours of music.

Our artwork maestro Spencer Rowbotham has again produced some stunning work to enhance the release. The 16-page booklet includes all of Geoff’s wonderful lyrics, as well as some recently rediscovered paintings of Geoff’s, and some contemporary reviews of the original albums.

Here is some information and comments on the original albums.

I May Sing Grace was recorded in the summer of 1984 at the eight-track Pullman Studios in Cheshire. Alongside Geoff was Keith Gould, ‘The Still Owl’ aka Stuart Blagden, Dave Mortimer, Howard Jones, and Andy Mason. Seven of the nine tracks on the album were written by Geoff with the remaining two (For God’s Sake and My Soul) co-written with sound engineer Keith Gould. Stu Blagden played under the pseudonym ‘The Still Owl’ as he was in a folk prog band called ‘Life After Life’ who had a record contract, so had to hide his identity. Later he become an original member of the Steven Wilson & Tim Bowness band ‘No-Man’. Drummer Howard Jones also had a connection with singer Tim Bowness as they were both in the band ‘Always The Stranger’

Tim Bowness: ‘I thought Geoff’s solo material was a brave move. I particularly liked his use of echo guitar. There was a powerful Peter Hammill-esque intensity to his voice and performances. His voice accompanied by a wobbly guitar – seemed attractively reminiscent of John Martyn and Durutti Column to my ears.

Alan Reed: ‘I particularly loved ‘Piccadilly Square’. a song about Manchester’s homeless, The refrain of ‘It’s cold out here on Piccadilly Square!’ really hit home. He was kind of a prog version of Billy Bragg – who I also had a lot of time for.’ 

The sessions for Psalm Enchanted Evening, also recorded at Pullman Studios, were completed in February 1985. With just six tracks it is another uncompromising statement, embodying Geoff’s faith. Andy Wild described it as “slightly more mainstream, but remaining both quirky and arty”, while Geoff himself said it was “different to I May Sing Grace – as there’s certainly been a progression in the actual recorded sound of the album.” Unusually It only features one other musician (mostly), guitarist, Dave Mortimer.

The standout track of almost twelve minutes is ‘Flowers’. It contains one of Geoff’s most impassioned vocals, says Mark Hughes. ‘When on the first word of the line ‘love is the word’ Geoff’s voice cracks. To the majority of artists this would be unacceptable and justify a re-recording. But for Geoff it was authentic and of the moment so was left as is, a moment so passionate and emotive. ‘Flowers’ is such a wonderful song.’

As for the bonus tracks from ‘The Earthlings’. This was Geoff’s first post-Twelfth Night band, formed in Spring 1985 out of jam sessions with bass player Paul Keeble and drummer Gary Mitchell, both of whom were later to join Geoff in ‘A/Eh! Geoff Mann Band’. However, when invited to play live, Geoff suggested guitarist Dave Mortimer should be involved too and jams became rehearsals. This line-up, now named ‘The Earthlings’ – and recorded here in rehearsal – performed [from these albums] ‘Dance’, ‘Piccadilly Square and ‘For God’s Sake’, which Geoff memorably described as “think of Lynyrd Skynyrd after they’ve listened to an entire budget speech by Geoffrey Howe and that would be about the right feel”.

The Earthlings’ tracks are followed by an instrumental entitled The Storm, recorded at Geoff’s third solo Marquee gig, on 29 September 1985 supporting ‘LaHost’, whose vocalist was one Mark Spencer! Although it was later performed by The Bond it has never been released before.

Disc Two ends with a live version of Flowers by The Bond taken from the same gig as Green Paper Snow on Disc One, and a real rarity from 1979, a short piece of ideas that eventually ended up in Flowers, recorded by Geoff and his friend Pete Lawrence aka ‘Godstars’, a duo that had supported Twelfth Night on a few memorable occasions prior to 1981!  This is the first recording by the duo ever to be released.