Development (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Predecessor | The Foundations |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | Colin Young |
| Defunct | 1972 |
Key people | Colin Young, Steve Bingham, Graham Preskett, Jean Roussel, Roger Cawkwell |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
| Parent | Trend Records (label) |
Development was a band blending progressive rock and pop, fronted by Colin Young, who had previously been the lead vocalist for The Foundations. The ensemble was signed to Barry Class' Trend label and alternated their identity between Development and The Foundations following the original group's disbandment in late 1970.
Background
After the dissolution of The Foundations towards the end of 1970, only Colin Young and bassist Steve Bingham continued into Development. The lineup also featured musical director Graham Preskett playing electric violin and guitar, keyboardist Jean Roussel, and Roger Cawkwell on saxophone and flute.
Barry Class sought to rejuvenate The Foundations' legacy through this new formation. While performing under The Foundations' name for management purposes, Colin Young frequently clarified that the band was transitioning into Development. They embarked on extensive tours throughout Latin America, highlighted by a significant appearance at Buenos Aires’ Expo-Show, maintaining a presence there into early 1971. Utilizing The Foundations’ established reputation, Development secured considerable visibility and commercial achievements in the Latin American market.
Career
In the week concluding 10 October 1970, New Musical Express disclosed that lead vocalist Colin Young had departed from The Foundations. Subsequently, he signed with Barry Class and assembled a new group named Development.
Under the management of Rodney Harrod and Philip Peverley, Development journeyed to Argentina in early 1971. Presenting themselves as The Foundations, they were featured on the front page of Argentine newspaper Crónica on 3 January ahead of their Expo performance. The article highlighted their integration of Latin musical elements and listed members including organist Jean Alain Norman Hendrik Rousel.
The 17 January edition of Crónica detailed the band’s roster as Graham Donald Preskett (violin), Christopher Smith (drums), Roger Cawkwell (saxophone and flute), Colin Young (lead singer), Jean Alain Roussel (organ and piano), and Estephen Bingham (bass), alongside managers Harrod and Peverley and technician Juan D'Arjenzo. It also announced their official rebranding as Development.
On 10 February, Crónica addressed circulating doubts regarding the legitimacy of this incarnation of The Foundations performing at the Expo fair.
Their engagements included concerts at En el Provincialse and En Rosario Central on 20 February, followed by a performance with Tito Alberti on 24 February. Leo Vanes reviewed their show on 25 February in Crónica, describing it as lacking distinction.
Single releases
The single "Any Time at All" backed with "You're No Good" was issued under Trend 6099 005, produced by Tony Rockliff alongside Barry Class. The B-side credited Colin Young introducing Development. This release was also distributed on Uni 55286 and featured in Billboard's Top 60 Pop Spotlight for the week ending 5 June 1971.
"Stoney Ground," written by Conan Byrne and Warren Davis—members of The Warren Davis Monday Band—was paired with Colin Young’s "I'll Give You Love." Notably, Warren Davis had auditioned to replace Clem Curtis in The Foundations before Colin Young assumed the role. "Stoney Ground" reached number 113 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart in February 1972. Considering the timing, it is probable that Development performed on this single released under The Foundations' name.
Further activities
By March 1972, Development planned to launch their album, aiming to establish a distinct identity separate from The Foundations while building upon their success in Argentina and exploring prospects in London.
Album release
In 1971, the album In the Beginning was released in Italy by Stateside (catalog number 3C O62-92933) under the name Colin Young's Development. Contributors included Steve Bingham, Roger Cawkwell, Laurie Jerryman, Gaspar Lawal, Peter Lynch, Graham Preskett, Tim Mason, Paul Nieman, Jean Roussel, Tony Priestland, Eddie "Tan Tan" Thornton, and Colin Young himself. Steve Bingham only became aware of this album's existence decades later when informed by a former Scotland Yard detective in 2022.