Tempest (British band)

Tempest

Company type	Rock band
Industry	Music
Founded	1972
Founder	Jon Hiseman, Mark Clarke
Defunct	1974
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Studio albums, live albums

Tempest was a British rock ensemble active between 1972 and 1974, established by drummer Jon Hiseman alongside bassist Mark Clarke, both previously members of Colosseum. During their brief existence, they produced two studio albums before parting ways.

History

In early 1973, Hiseman and Clarke initiated the formation of Tempest. The founding members featured guitarist Allan Holdsworth and vocalist/keyboardist Paul Williams. Subsequently, guitarist Ollie Halsall, recognized from the progressive rock group Patto, joined the band, expanding it to include two guitarists. This configuration played multiple gigs, notably a June 1973 performance at London's Golders Green Hippodrome, which was broadcast by the BBC and later circulated unofficially as Live in London 1974.

By the time their sophomore album, Living in Fear (1974), was recorded, Tempest had streamlined to a trio consisting of Hiseman, Clarke, and Halsall. Holdsworth reportedly departed due to his unwillingness to share lead guitar responsibilities. The group disbanded shortly after this release.

In 2005, a double CD compilation entitled Under the Blossom was issued, featuring remastered editions of both studio albums, two previously unreleased tracks from the Living in Fear sessions, and the June 1973 BBC live recording showcasing the dual-guitar lineup.

Tempest

Side 1:

1. "Gorgon" (Hiseman/Clarke/Holdsworth) – 5:41
2. "Foyers of Fun" (Hiseman/Clarke/Holdsworth) – 3:38
3. "Dark House" (Hiseman/Clarke/Holdsworth) – 5:00
4. "Brothers" (Hiseman/Holdsworth) – 3:35

Side 2:

1. "Up and On" (John Edwards/Holdsworth) – 4:16
2. "Grey and Black" (Clarke/Suzy Bottomley) – 2:26
3. "Strangeher" (Clarke/Hiseman) – 4:07
4. "Upon Tomorrow" (Clem Clempson/Hiseman) – 6:15

Personnel:

• Paul Williams: vocals, acoustic guitar, keyboards
• Allan Holdsworth: guitars, vocals, violin
• Mark Clarke: bass, keyboards; lead vocals on "Grey and Black"
• Jon Hiseman: drums, percussion

Living in Fear

Side 1:

1. "Funeral Empire" (Halsall) – 4:25
2. "Paperback Writer" (Lennon–McCartney) – 2:30
3. "Stargazer" (Clarke/Bottomley) – 3:36
4. "Dance to My Tune" (Clarke/Bottomley) – 7:50

Side 2:

1. "Living in Fear" (Halsall) – 4:19
2. "Yeah Yeah Yeah" (Halsall/Hiseman) – 3:40
3. "Waiting for a Miracle" (Halsall) – 5:18
4. "Turn Around" (Clarke/Bottomley) – 6:12

Personnel:

• Ollie Halsall - guitars, Moog synthesizer, piano, vocals
• Mark Clarke - bass guitar, vocals
• Jon Hiseman - drums, percussion

Under the Blossom (double CD anthology)

Disc 1:

1. "Gorgon"
2. "Foyers of Fun"
3. "Dark House"
4. "Brothers"
5. "Up and On"
6. "Grey and Black"
7. "Strangeher"
8. "Upon Tomorrow"
9. "Funeral Empire"
10. "Paperback Writer"
11. "Stargazer"
12. "Dance to My Tune"
13. "Living in Fear"
14. "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah"
15. "Waiting for a Miracle"
16. "Turn Around"

Disc 2:

1. "You and Your Love" (previously unreleased)
2. "Dream Train" (previously unreleased)
3. "Foyers of Fun" (BBC In Concert)
4. "Gorgon" (BBC In Concert)
5. "Up and On" (BBC In Concert)
6. "Grey and Black" (BBC In Concert)
7. "Brothers" (BBC In Concert)
8. "Drums Away" (BBC In Concert)
9. "Strangeher" (BBC In Concert)

External links

• Historical Overview
• Song Lyrics