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Fusion Orchestra

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Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Fusion Orchestra, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 30 November 2025
Fusion Orchestra
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1969
FounderDave Bell, Stan Land, Colin Dawson
Defunct1975
Headquarters
United Kingdom
ProductsProgressive rock music

Fusion Orchestra was a progressive rock group from the United Kingdom that operated between 1969 and 1975.

History

The band was established in 1969 by Dave Bell, Stan Land, and Colin Dawson. The lineup that gained the most recognition included vocalist Jill Saward, who joined in 1970. They became a well-known act on the UK club scene, playing more than 500 shows at venues such as the Marquee Club before their split in 1975. Their dynamic live performances, combined with Saward's striking stage charisma, attracted a mix of acclaim and controversy in the press.

In 1973, Fusion Orchestra secured a contract with EMI and released their only studio album, Skeleton in Armour. This record featured four lengthy progressive rock tracks, a shorter single titled "When My Mama's Not at Home," along with four brief instrumental pieces.

Although they continued touring extensively, the band experienced personnel changes in 1974, which eventually led to the exit of founding guitarist Colin Dawson. He was succeeded by Alan Murphy—who later gained fame with Go West and Level 42—until the group disbanded in mid-1975. Following the breakup, Saward pursued her musical career through various projects, most notably joining Shakatak, where she remains active as a recording artist and performer.

In 2013, Colin Dawson spearheaded a reunion under the name Fusion Orchestra 2, releasing the album Casting Shadows.

Skeleton in Armour (1973)

  • Jill Saward – lead vocals, keyboards, flute (1970–1975)
  • Colin Dawson – lead guitar (1969–1974)
  • Stan Land – rhythm guitar (1969–1974)
  • Dave Cowell – bass guitar (1972–1973)
  • Dave Bell – drums (1969–1975)

Additional members

  • Mick Sluman – bass guitar (1969–1972)
  • Paul Jennings – bass guitar (1973–1975)
  • Martin Slavinec – keyboards (1974)
  • Andy Blamire – rhythm guitar (1974)
  • Alan Murphy – lead guitar (1975)

Discography

  • Skeleton in Armour (EMI, 1973)

Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London during June and July 1973

  1. "Fanfairy Suite for 1,000 Trampits (Part One)"
  2. "Sonata in Z"
  3. "Have I Left the Gas On?"
  4. "OK Boys, Now's Our Big Chance"
  5. "Skeleton in Armour"
  6. "When My Mama's Not at Home"
  7. "Don't Be Silly, Jilly"
  8. "Talk to the Man in the Sky"
  9. "Fanfairy Suite for 1,000 Trampits (Part Two)"

Official Bootleg Series – previously unreleased live recording from Marquee Club, 1974.

  1. "Beginning End"
  2. "Sister Reno"
  3. "Talk to the Man in the Sky"
  4. "To a Child"
  5. "Set in the Rock"
  6. "Spinedance + drum solo"
  7. "Skeleton in Armour"
  8. "Ticket to Ride"
  9. "Whole Lotta Shakin'"

Band Members

  • Elsie Lovelock – lead vocals
  • Colin Dawson – guitar
  • Ben Bell – keyboards
  • Shemeck Fraczek – bass guitar
  • Seex Dyer – drums

Albums

  • Casting Shadows (Patchwork Studios, UK, 2013)
  1. "Don't Forget Your Keys"
  2. "Leaving It All Behind"
  3. "Troubled Dreams and Fairy Queens"
  4. "Cider Sue"
  5. "See What We Left Behind?"
  6. "Secret Shadow"
  7. "Unseen, Unheard, Unfinished"

External links

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