Judas Jump
| Company type | Supergroup |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Defunct | 1971 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Judas Jump was a British progressive rock ensemble formed in 1969, recognized as a supergroup. The band issued a single album and three singles prior to their dissolution in 1971. They are distinguished by members who found success both before and after their time with Judas Jump.
Career
Established as a heavy progressive rock outfit, Judas Jump integrated mellotron, woodwind, and brass elements into their sound and secured a deal with Parlophone. The group featured keyboardist Andy Bown and drummer Henry Spinetti, both previously associated with the English rock band the Herd alongside Peter Frampton. Following the Herd’s breakup, Bown and Spinetti devoted two years to Judas Jump.
The lineup also included Allan Jones, formerly of Amen Corner, who primarily contributed woodwind performances. Between 1969 and 1970, the band released three singles, culminating in their sole album, Scorch (1970). Its U.S. release on Pride Records, distributed by MGM, was postponed until 1972, after the band had already disbanded. Judas Jump graced the cover of the British music publication NME on 14 February 1970.
They served as the opening act for the Isle of Wight Festival on 26 August 1970 and performed at Polesworth's Memorial Hall on 24 October 1970. Despite receiving significant media attention, their records failed to chart in the UK due to low sales.
Although Adrian Williams was credited as lead vocalist, Andy Bown performed lead vocals on most tracks. In an interview during the mid-1980s with The Rock Marketplace fanzine, Bown disclosed that he replaced nearly all original vocals with his own prior to the album’s release, acting as leader, chief songwriter, and producer.
Subsequently, Bown joined Status Quo. Bassist Charlie Harrison was part of American country rock group Poco from 1978 to 1984 and collaborated with Roger McGuinn's Thunderbyrd as well as the Rick Vito band. Spinetti pursued a career as a session musician, notably contributing to Gerry Rafferty's hit single "Baker Street".
Lineup
- Allan Jones (woodwind) – born 6 February 1947, Swansea, Glamorgan, South Wales
- Andy Bown (keyboards, guitar) – born Andrew Steven Bown, 27 March 1946, Beckenham, London, England
- Henry Spinetti (drums) – born Henry Anthony George Spinetti, 31 March 1951, Cwm near Ebbw Vale, South Wales
- Charlie Harrison (bass guitar) – born Charles Harrison, 1952, Tamworth, Staffordshire
- Adrian Williams (vocals)
- Trevor Williams (lead guitar)
Albums
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Scorch | Parlophone |
Singles
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1969 | "Run For Your Life" | Parlophone |
| 1969 | "This Feelin' We Feel" | Parlophone |
| 1970 | "Beer Drinking Woman" | Parlophone |
Bibliography
- The Tapestry of Delights - The Comprehensive Guide to British Music of the Beat, R&B, Psychedelic and Progressive Eras 1963-1976, Vernon Joynson