James Taylor Move
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1967 |
| Founder | Kevin Peek, Trevor Spencer, Alan Tarney, Robert John Taylor |
| Defunct | 1968 |
| Headquarters | Adelaide , Australia / United Kingdom |
| Products | Psychedelic pop, progressive rock music |
James Taylor Move was a short-lived Australian-British ensemble specializing in psychedelic pop and progressive rock, originating from Adelaide. The group was established in early 1967 by guitarist Kevin Peek (formerly of Hurricanes, The Twilights, and John E. Broome and the Handels), drummer Trevor Spencer, organist Alan Tarney (also from John E. Broome and the Handels), alongside lead singer and bassist Robert John Taylor.
They claimed victory in the South Australian segment of the Hoadley's Battle of the Sounds and advanced to the national competition held in Melbourne. Within that year, they issued two singles: "And I Hear the Fire Sing" / "Magic Eyes" and "Baby Jane." The track "Magic Eyes" secured a position on the Go-Set National Top 40. In June 1968, blues vocalist Wendy Saddington took over vocal duties from Taylor, but the band dissolved before the year's conclusion.
History
The inception of James Taylor Move occurred in early 1967 when an Adelaide discotheque proprietor sought to establish a resident band. The founding members were guitarist Kevin Peek (previously with Hurricanes and John E. Broome and the Handels), drummer Trevor Spencer, organist/bassist Alan Tarney (also from John E. Broome and the Handels), and lead vocalist Robert John Taylor. Peek and Tarney had recently returned to Australia after performing in the UK with John E Broome and the Handels.
Shortly after their formation, they won the South Australian finals of the Hoadley's Battle of the Sounds before competing nationally in Melbourne. Following the path of fellow Adelaide band The Twilights, they relocated to Melbourne.
Their debut single, released in August 1967, was "And I Heard the Fire Sing" / "Magic Eyes," which reached No. 33 on the Go-Set National Top 40. Rock historian Ian McFarlane notes that while "And I Heard the Fire Sing" was deemed overly influenced by Hendrix for radio play, DJs preferred its B-side "Magic Eyes," a more radio-friendly psychedelic pop number. Their follow-up single, "Baby Jane," came out in October.
By May 1968, guitarist John Pugh (ex-Roadrunners, Delta Set, Eighteenth Century Quartet, Cam-Pact) had replaced Peek, and Lance Dixon (formerly with Rockwell T. James and the Rhythm Aces) joined on organ and saxophone. In June, Taylor departed and was succeeded by blues singer Wendy Saddington (from Revolution). The band ceased activities by the end of 1968.
After disbandment
After James Taylor Move disbanded, Peek, Spencer, and Tarney formed the Kevin Peek Trio (1968–69) before relocating to the UK. Subsequently, they teamed up with ex-The Twilights guitarist Terry Britten to create Quartet (1969–70). Later on, Spencer and Tarney founded the Tarney/Spencer Band (1975–79). Peek went on to join Sky (1978–91). Meanwhile, Saddington became involved with bands such as Chain (1968–69) and Copperwine (1970–71), as well as embarking on a solo career.
The song "And I Heard the Fire Sing" by James Taylor Move was covered by Australian alternative metal act Grinspoon for their 2005 compilation Best in Show bonus disc. Additionally, Lancashire-based progressive group Earthling Society recorded it as a B-side for their 2011 single "The Green Manalishi," which itself is a rendition of an early Fleetwood Mac track.
Singles
- "And I Heard the Fire Sing" / "Magic Eyes" (Festival Records, August 1967, FK 1892)
- "Baby Jane" (Festival Records, October 1967, FK 2025)
Members
- Kevin Peek – guitarist (1967–1968)
- Trevor Spencer – drummer (1967–1968)
- Alan Tarney – organist (1967–1968)
- Robert John Taylor – bass guitarist and lead vocalist (1967–1968)
- John Pugh – guitarist (1968)
- Lance Dixon – organist and saxophonist (1968)
- Wendy Saddington – lead vocalist (1968)