Pantha (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1973 in Melbourne, Australia |
| Defunct | 1977 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Pantha was a jazz-rock ensemble originating from Melbourne, Australia, established in 1973. The founding lineup featured Dannie Bourne on electric piano, percussion, and backing vocals; Paul Curtis handling lead vocals and percussion; Peter Lee on congas and percussion; Adrian Paine playing drums and percussion; Roger Pell contributing lead guitar, percussion, and backing vocals; and Jack Wilson on bass guitar and percussion. Their only studio release, Doway Do Doway Do (July 1975), achieved a peak position of number 43 on the Australian albums chart. The band ceased activities by the end of 1977.
History
Pantha was created in Melbourne in 1973, blending elements of rock, jazz, Latin American rhythms, and West African sounds to craft a unique musical identity characterized by proficient instrumental skill. The original members included Dannie Bourne (formerly of Hot Dog), Paul Curtis, Peter Lee, Adrian Paine, Roger Pell (previously with Kush), and Jack Wilson.
Their initial album, Doway Do Doway Do, was launched in July 1975 under Wizard Records and reached number 43 on the Kent Music Report albums chart. By that time, Barry Cram had taken over drum duties from Paine, while Jose McLaughlin replaced Bourne on keyboards. Singles like "I am not Afraid" and "Blue House" did not manage to enter the top 100 charts. Other releases including "Happiness" and the double A-side "Melinda" / "Doway Do Doway Do" also failed to chart. Early in 1976, Pantha served as the supporting act for the American group the Doobie Brothers during their tour. The lineup saw further changes with Lee switching to drums in 1977, Merry Took joining as a percussionist, and Robert Ellis stepping in for Wilson on bass guitar. The band ultimately disbanded later that year.
Members
- Dannie Bourne – electric piano, percussion, backing vocals
- Paul Curtis – lead vocals, percussion
- Peter Lee – congas, percussion, drums
- Adrian Paine – drums, percussion
- Roger Pell – lead guitar, percussion, backing vocals
- Jack Wilson – bass guitar, percussion
- Barry Cram – drums
- Jose McLaughlin – keyboards
- Merry Took – percussion
- Robert Ellis – bass guitar
Albums
| Title | Details | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| AUS | ||
| Doway Do Doway Do |
|
43 |
Singles
| Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | "I Am not Afraid" | Doway Do Doway Do !?!! |
| "Happiness" | non-album single | |
| "Melinda" / "Doway Do Doway Do" | Doway Do Doway Do !?!! |