Paladin (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | Peter Solley, Keith Webb |
| Defunct | 1973 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums |
Paladin was a British progressive rock ensemble that produced two albums under the Bronze Records label. The lineup consisted of Peter Solley (organ, violin, piano), Keith Webb (drums), Peter Beckett (bass, vocals), Derek Foley (lead guitar, vocals), and Lou Stonebridge (vocals, keyboards).
Career
Formed in 1970 by the classically trained multi-instrumentalist Peter Solley alongside jazz drummer Keith Webb—both previously associated with Terry Reid—the group also included Derek Foley (formerly of Grisby Dyke), Lou Stonebridge (who had played with Glass Menagerie and Grisby Dyke), and Peter Beckett (from Winston G and the Wicked). They crafted a unique musical style that fused elements of rock, blues, soul, jazz, and Latin rhythms, prominently featuring dual keyboard arrangements.
Their dynamic live shows caught the attention of Bronze Records, resulting in their first album being recorded at London's Olympic Studios in January 1971 with producer Philamore Lincoln. Although the album received favorable critiques, commercial success was limited. Their sophomore effort, Charge!, came out in 1972; it was again produced by Lincoln and engineered by Beatles' sound engineer Geoff Emerick at Apple Studios. The album showcased cover artwork by Roger Dean but similarly struggled to achieve strong sales. Following the departure of Stonebridge and Foley in 1972, guitarist and vocalist Joe Jammer joined the band before they ultimately dissolved later that year.
After Paladin's breakup, Peter Solley pursued a career as a musician and producer collaborating with artists such as Eric Clapton, Whitesnake, and Procol Harum. Keith Webb took on management of the Nag's Head venue, which hosted prominent bands including Dire Straits. Lou Stonebridge became part of McGuinness Flint and worked alongside David Byron. Peter Beckett moved to the United States to establish Player, achieving a No. 1 single with "Baby Come Back," co-written with J.C. Crowley; he later toured with the Little River Band. Derek Foley performed with Graham Bond.
In 2002, previously unreleased jazz recordings from the band were released under the title Jazzattack.
Discography
- Paladin (1971)
- Charge! (1972)
- Jazzattack (2002)