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Brand X

From Alfawiki
Brand X
Company typeEnsemble / Band
IndustryMusic
Founded1974 in London, United Kingdom
Defunct1981 (initial disbandment)
FateDisbanded; reunited intermittently (1992–1999, 2016–2021)
Headquarters
London
,
United Kingdom
ProductsJazz rock music recordings and performances

Brand X was a British jazz rock ensemble established in London in 1974, remaining active until 1980, with subsequent reunions spanning 1992–1999 and 2016–2021.

Although frequently regarded as a Phil Collins side project due to his drumming contributions from 1975 to 1977 alongside his role in Genesis, the nucleus of the group was primarily a trio of composers and performers: John Goodsall (guitar), Percy Jones (bass), and Robin Lumley (keyboards), with Lumley also serving as producer. Additional musicians involved over time included Morris Pert, J. Peter Robinson, Kenwood Dennard, Chuck Burgi, John Giblin, Mike Clark, Frank Katz, Kenny Grohowski, and Chris Clark.

Throughout Brand X's original era and their reunions, Jones was the sole continuous member. Goodsall and Lumley participated in the majority of recordings and tours. In 2020, Jones decided to cease all Brand X activities despite management’s attempts to continue with new personnel. Following the deaths of John Goodsall in November 2021 and Robin Lumley in March 2023, Jones remains the only surviving core member.

1974: Formation

In 1974, guitarist John Goodsall—formerly of Atomic Rooster—and guitarist Pete Bonas, drummer John Dillon, alongside percussionist and vocalist Phil Spinelli, engaged in jazz fusion jam sessions at Island Studios in London. Concurrently, keyboardist Robin Lumley and bassist Percy Jones performed with the jam band Karass, which included musicians from groups such as Keith Tippett, Blodwyn Pig, Traffic, and Atomic Rooster. After meeting Bonas and Goodsall, Jones and Lumley were invited to Island Studios, resulting in a six-member "Island band" salaried by Island Records under A&R Danny Wilding.

Following Dillon's departure in 1975, the group sought drummer Bill Bruford before recruiting Genesis drummer Phil Collins, who was uncertain about his future with Genesis after Peter Gabriel’s exit. The band adopted the name Brand X—derived from a note on Wilding’s studio calendar—and began recording their debut album featuring Spinelli’s vocals. When Island executives rejected the vocal tracks, Goodsall, Lumley, Jones, and Collins rehearsed covertly as an instrumental quartet, eventually parting ways with Spinelli and Bonas.

This quartet laid down the foundation for their first album Unorthodox Behaviour during sessions at Trident Studios in September–October 1975, including contributions from saxophonist Jack Lancaster. At Collins' request, Genesis manager Tony Smith assumed management and publishing duties for Brand X through Hit & Run, signing them to Genesis’ label Charisma Records, which acquired their contract from Island. Under this arrangement, Goodsall, Lumley, and Jones were official members; Collins and other musicians were engaged via Collins’ company to limit legal exposure.

1977–1978: Early releases and touring

Brand X initiated their live presence with modest performances in late 1975, adding percussionist Geoff Seopardi by December. Their February 1976 UK tour focused on college venues with limited budgets, often supporting headline acts.

Their sophomore album Moroccan Roll, featuring percussionist Morris Pert, was released in April 1977 and peaked at No. 37 in the UK and No. 125 in the US charts. During Collins' temporary absence due to Genesis commitments, drummer Kenwood Dennard joined for a 32-date US tour mid-1977. Collins returned briefly later that year for significant shows including major festivals in London and Paris. The live album Livestock, compiled from performances featuring both drummers, appeared in November 1977 and earned Melody Maker's "Best Live Recording" accolade.

After 1977, Brand X parted ways with keyboardist Robin Lumley who shifted focus toward production as the band aimed at penetrating the American jazz fusion market dominated by groups like Weather Report and Mahavishnu Orchestra. Lumley was succeeded by J. Peter Robinson, while drummer Chuck Burgi joined; Pert contributed electric piano as well.

This lineup produced the 1978 album Masques, notable as the only original-era Brand X record without Collins’ involvement. Pert remained for touring duties; however, Burgi did not participate live, with various drummers filling those roles. Guitarist John Goodsall missed parts of European and US tours due to tendonitis; session guitarist Mike Miller substituted while Goodsall stayed engaged behind the scenes.

In 1979, fully recovered Goodsall rejoined for a US tour featuring Collins’ return on drums after a two-year hiatus; Lumley also returned to create a dual keyboard setup alongside Robinson.

Dual line-ups during 1979

Thanks to contracts with Charisma Records and Hit & Run Publishing, Brand X enjoyed financial support comparable to contemporary rock bands—including access to Hipgnosis for album artwork—which facilitated funding John Goodsall’s rehabilitation for a serious yet manageable heroin addiction, adding another layer of complexity for the group.

However, underwhelming record sales led Charisma, Hit & Run, and US distributor Passport Records to pressure Brand X into incorporating additional songs and horn sections aimed at broader commercial appeal. Consequently, two separate line-ups operated concurrently in 1979. According to Goodsall, this arrangement addressed musician availability challenges; Jones attributed it to conflicts with label demands—particularly from Hit & Run.

The dual line-up concept originated following manager-driven rehearsals at Rupert Hines' Farmyard Studio. During Jones’ brief absence due to his opposition to "pandering" to external pressures, Goodsall collaborated with bassist John Giblin, whom Jones later described as covering parts he preferred not to play. To satisfy Charisma’s expectations, Robin Lumley negotiated use of Ringo Starr's Startling Studios in Ascot with an agreement to record two albums within the timeframe typically allocated for one.

By day sessions involved Lumley, Goodsall, Phil Collins, and Giblin focusing on more vocal-driven rock material; by night sessions featured Goodsall alongside Jones (returned), Peter Robinson, drummer Mike Clark, sometimes joined by Morris Pert—concentrating on less commercial styles favored by Jones. Goodsall functioned as a stabilizing presence amid overlapping sessions where some members avoided direct confrontation. Jones later described these recordings as "schizophrenic," acknowledging they were a marketing-driven musical compromise imposed by label pressure.

These efforts yielded two albums: Product (1979) and Do They Hurt? (1980). Product included the single "Don’t Make Waves," composed by Goodsall with vocals by Collins that reflected internal tensions; it charted in both UK and US markets. The touring ensemble—Goodsall, Jones, Collins, Lumley, Robinson—undertook an international tour before Collins permanently departed to concentrate on Genesis and his solo career. Mike Clark resumed drumming duties for Brand X’s final UK tours during 1980–81 (co-headlining with [[Bruford (band)|Bruford]), while Lumley alternated keyboard responsibilities with Robinson.

Disbandment in 1981

Brand X disbanded in 1981 after Robin Lumley remarked they simply "ran out of music to write together." Contributing factors included a protracted legal dispute between Charisma and Island Records along with the conclusion of management contracts held by Goodsall and Jones with Hit & Run. Percy Jones relocated to New York City while John Goodsall moved to Los Angeles pursuing session work. Lumley transitioned fully into production roles and formed another jazz-rock project with former percussionist Morris Pert. J. Peter Robinson established himself as a session keyboardist, arranger, and film composer; Mike Clark continued his career as a jazz drummer.

A final release from this period titled Is There Anything About? (1982) compiled rough mixes and demos from Startling Studios sessions assembled by Lumley at Charisma’s behest but was later dismissed by the band as "leftover compositions" largely considered "mostly rubbish."

1992–2020: Reunions

In 1992 Percy Jones planned a solo album on Ozone Records featuring drummer Frank Katz; he invited Goodsall for guitar contributions. At label insistence this evolved into a Brand X reunion album titled X-Communication, recorded swiftly with Jones handling bass/keyboards and Danny Wilding on flute. The release received mixed reviews coupled with weak sales; subsequent touring focused mainly on the US West Coast where Goodsall resided. A compilation called The Plot Thins: A History of Brand X was issued concurrently to capitalize on renewed interest.

The trio of Jones/Goodsall/Katz reunited again in 1997 for recording and touring Manifest Destiny. Contributions came from keyboardist Franz Pusch, vibraphonist Marc Wagnon (Jones’ bandmate from Tunnels), and Danny Wilding; Gong drummer Pierre Moerlen replaced Katz for live performances. This marked Brand X's final studio album of new material.

Attempts at another reunion emerged in 2012 involving Goodsall, Jones, and keyboardist David Sancious but failed due to management complications hindering touring plans; Sancious withdrew from involvement. Former Yes/Moody Blues keyboardist Patrick Moraz was considered as a substitute but similar logistical issues resulted in dissolution of that lineup.

The band reassembled once more in July 2016 featuring Goodsall, Jones, Kenwood Dennard on drums initially; keyboards handled by Chris Clark; percussion/production by Scott Weinberger—with Dennard later replaced by Kenny Grohowski.

2020–present: Final dissolution and legacy

Following bassist Percy Jones' decision against continuing live performances under Brand X in 2020—despite briefly announcing Jeff Berlin as replacement who soon withdrew—Jones revealed that Berlin along with other bassists declined offers due to warnings about unethical conduct within management.

After John Goodsall passed away in November 2021 at Mayo Clinic Rochester from COVID-19 complications, Percy Jones along with Robin Lumley confirmed via Facebook on November 14 that Brand X had been officially retired without plans for further activity under that name. In a 2022 interview Jones cited conflicts involving management and percussionist Scott Weinberger as reasons behind his departure; he also accused management of misusing Brand X's Facebook page post-Goodsall’s death to misrepresent the band's status despite official retirement announcements. The band’s recent history is documented on their official website endorsed by Jones.

Discography

Studio albums

Live albums

  • Livestock (1977) – primarily recorded at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, Aug/Sept '76; US No. 204
  • Live at the Roxy L.A. (1997) – recorded September 23rd, 1979 from venue PA cassette
  • Timeline (2000) – live shows from November ’77 Chicago & June ’93 NYC
  • But Wait... There's More! - LIVE 2017 (2017) – recorded January ’17 Sellersville Theatre PA
  • Locked & Loaded (2018) – recorded live June ’17 Longs Park Amphitheater PA
  • Live from the Rites of Spring Festival (2018) – recorded May 6th ’18 Majestic Theatre Gettysburg PA

Compilation albums

  • The Plot Thins: A History of Brand X (1992) – selected tracks spanning studio/live releases

Members

Final lineup

  • Percy Jones – bass guitar (1974–1980; 1992–1997; 2016–2021)
  • John Goodsall – guitars (1974–78; 1979–80; 1992–99; 2016–21; deceased)
  • Chris Clark – keyboards/synthesizers (2016–2021)
  • Scott Weinberger – percussion (2016–2021)
  • Kenny Grohowski – drums (2017–2021)

John Goodsall died on November 10th, 2021 at Mayo Clinic Rochester in Minnesota due to COVID-19 complications. Robin Lumley passed away March 9th, 2023 from heart failure.

According to Brand X’s official website since their reformation only original members—Jones, Goodsall, Lumley—were considered formal legal members; all others were categorized as "employees" or "guests."

External links

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