Syrinx (band)
| Company type | Music ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | John Mills-Cockell, Doug Pringle, Alan Wells |
| Defunct | 1972 |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
| Products | Electronic music albums and singles |
Syrinx was a Canadian electronic ensemble active between 1970 and 1972. Fronted by keyboardist John Mills-Cockell, and accompanied by saxophonist Doug Pringle and percussionist Alan Wells, the band was among the early adopters of the Moog synthesizer and integrated elements from world music into their sound. Their composition "Tillicum" achieved nationwide recognition as the theme for the television program Here Come the Seventies.
Career
The group Syrinx came together in 1970 when Mills-Cockell joined forces with percussionist Alan Wells and saxophonist Doug Pringle. This progressive trio combined electronic music, classical influences, global sounds, and psychedelic rock, initially performing at coffeehouses in Toronto. They caught the attention of Canadian music executive Bernie Finkelstein, who signed them to his newly established label, True North Records.
Debut Album
Their inaugural album, titled Syrinx, was released in 1970 and led to growing interest in the band. They supported Miles Davis during his Bitches Brew tour and performed alongside Ravi Shankar. The album attracted the notice of CTV, which commissioned Mills-Cockell to create "Tillicum" as the theme for Here Come the Seventies. This track was issued as a single and included on their sophomore album.
After their first release, the Toronto Repertory Orchestra, under the direction of Milton Barnes, commissioned Mills-Cockell to compose Stringspace, a 26-minute piece in four movements designed for Syrinx, orchestra, and percussion. This work was performed live and broadcast on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s program Music to See in 1971, exemplifying their pioneering blend of electronic and orchestral music.
Long Lost Relatives
Following their debut’s success, Syrinx returned to the studio late in 1970 to record a follow-up album. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed the studio along with their instruments—including Mills-Cockell’s Moog Mark II synthesizer—and the master tapes of their new recordings.
Thanks to support from Toronto’s music community, they were able to replace their equipment and complete the album.
Released in 1971 on Finkelstein’s True North label, Long Lost Relatives included Mills-Cockell’s "Tillicum" as well as the four movements of Stringspace, which occupied both sides of the LP due to format limitations. The album also featured three additional compositions: "Tumblers to the Vault," "Better Deaf and Dumb from the First," and "Aurora Spinray." The single "Tillicum" reached number 38 on Canadian charts that year.
Dissolution and reissues
Syrinx disbanded in 1972 as its members moved on to other endeavors.
Mills-Cockell pursued further composing work for theatre, television, film, and radio. Pringle transitioned into roles as a producer and director within digital media, television, and music industries. Alan Wells passed away in 2010.
On 24 August 2016, RVNG Intl. announced Tumblers from the Vault, a remastered compilation featuring Syrinx’s entire released catalog alongside previously unreleased material, including a CBC Music to See performance of Stringspace. This collection was officially released on 14 October 2016.
In 2017, surviving members reunited for a live performance at Moogfest.
Critical reception
Reviews from the early 1970s era of Syrinx are limited in availability.
Contemporary analysts frequently commend Mills-Cockell's songwriting, the ensemble's instrumental proficiency, and their innovative use of electronic music.
Members
- John Mills-Cockell – keyboards
- Doug Pringle – saxophones
- Malcolm Tomlinson – drums and vocals (joined subsequently)
- Allan Wells – percussion (passed away in 2010)
Discography
- 1970: Syrinx (True North) – reached #59 in Canada
- 1971: Long Lost Relatives (True North) – peaked at #51 in Canada
- 1971: "Tillicum" (single) (True North) – attained #38 in Canada and #8 on the Canadian MOR chart
- 2016: Tumblers From The Vault (RVNG Intl)
The composition "Journey Tree" from the album Syrinx was recognized as a recommended sub-Top 20 entry on the MAPL GMP chart for a duration of two weeks during November 1970.