Jasper Wrath
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Founder | Jeff Cannata |
| Defunct | 1976 |
| Headquarters | New Haven, Connecticut , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Progressive rock music |
Jasper Wrath was a progressive rock ensemble originating from New Haven, Connecticut, active throughout the 1970s. The group was established by Jeff Cannata, who went on to create the 1980s project Arc Angel. The lineup also included James Christian, who later became the lead singer of the glam metal outfit House of Lords.
History
Formed in 1969, Jasper Wrath consisted of drummer Jeff Cannata (previously part of the power trio Christopher Hawke), keyboardist Michael Soldan, guitarist Robert Giannotti, and bassist Phil Stone (formerly of Buckle). After producing early demo recordings that attracted attention from Los Angeles-based MGM Records, they secured a recording contract and completed their self-titled debut album within six weeks at Phil Ramone’s A&R Studio, releasing it in 1971.
Just prior to a scheduled nationwide tour, Giannotti departed, resulting in a temporary dissolution of the band. Cannata and Soldan relocated to London to delve into progressive art rock influences but encountered difficulties obtaining work permits. During a vacation in Majorca, Spain, they co-wrote significant tracks such as "You" and "The Dream." Additionally, they procured a rare Mellotron in London, which enriched their orchestral soundscapes.
Returning to Connecticut, the band reassembled with an expanded lineup that included James Christian as lead vocalist and guitarist, Scott Zito on lead guitar (who later exited), and Jeff Batter joining as a second keyboardist. Phil Stone broadened his musicianship by adding flute to his repertoire. In the mid-1970s, Jasper Wrath achieved regional success with their single "You," which reached No. 1 locally, and established themselves as a favored live act.
Creative and commercial disagreements led to Jasper Wrath’s breakup in 1976. Following the split, James Christian, Phil Stone, and Jeff Batter formed the Connecticut-based band Eyes; Christian eventually fronted House of Lords. Meanwhile, Cannata and Soldan created Arc Angel, with Cannata later embarking on a solo career. Scott Zito collaborated with notable artists such as Grace Slick and Michael Bolton.
In 1977, Dellwood Records issued two albums containing previously unreleased Jasper Wrath material under the aliases "Arden House" and "Zoldar & Clark," though these releases received limited attention. In 1996, Cannata assembled a comprehensive two-disc anthology featuring original songs, singles, unreleased tracks, and live performances. Jasper Wrath reunited for a special performance at Act One Entertainments' 50th Anniversary Concert in New Haven on June 13, 2010; original members Cannata, Gianotti, Soldan, and Batter were joined by additional musicians for this event.
Band members
- Jeff Cannata – drums, percussion, guitar, woodwinds, vocals (1969–1971, 1973–1976)
- Michael Soldan – keyboards, vocals (1969–1971, 1973–1976)
- Phil Stone – bass guitar, flute, vocals (1969–1971, 1973–1976)
- Robert Gianotti – guitar, flute, vocals (1969–1971)
- James Christian – lead vocals, guitar (1973–1976)
- Scott Zito – guitar, keyboards, vocals (1973–1974)
- Jeff Batter – keyboards, vocals (1973–1976)
Studio albums
- Jasper Wrath (1971)
- Coming Back (1977) released as Arden House
- Zoldar & Clark (1977) released under Zoldar & Clark
Compilation albums
- Anthology: 1969-1976 (released in 1996)
Singles
- "You" paired with "General Gunther" (1975)