The Gass
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | May 1965 |
| Founder | Robert Tench, Godfrey McLean, Errol McLean |
| Defunct | 1971 |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
Area served | United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
The Gass was a rock ensemble established in May 1965 by Robert Tench, Godfrey McLean, and Errol McLean. Under the guidance of Rik Gunnell and Active Management, the group blended soul, Latin rhythms, blues, and progressive rock elements with intricate beats and a diverse range of musical influences.
1960s-1969
Originally performing as The Senators and later the Creators, the band adopted the name The Gass in 1965. The founding members included Robert Tench on bass and lead vocals, percussionist Errol McLean, and drummer/vocalist Godfrey McLean. Saxophonist Humphrey Oka and guitarist Alan Roskams subsequently joined the group. Over time, Tench expanded his contributions to guitar and keyboard instruments. Between 1965 and 1967, The Gass issued singles through Parlophone and CBS record labels.
The band was a frequent act at numerous UK clubs and notable London Soho venues such as The Ad Lib Club, The Flamingo, and the Bag O'Nails. They held the position of house band at The Scotch of St James, performing alongside artists including Eric Burdon and Jimi Hendrix. In 1968, The Gass supported rising bands like Led Zeppelin during their debut UK concert at Surrey University.
In 1969, The Gass served as the resident band for the rock musical Catch My Soul-Rock Othello, produced by Jack Good, credited as 'music interpreted by Gass.'
1970-1971
By this stage, the group was known simply as Gass and released their debut album Juju in 1970, which featured guitarist Peter Green. That same year, Godfrey McLean contributed to Peter Green's album End of the Game. Gass also participated in the recording of Catch My Soul (1971), aligned with the original UK cast of the stage production.
In 1971, they recorded and issued the single "Something's Got To Change Your Ways" on Polydor Records. During this period, Godfrey McLean and Tench frequently took part in jam sessions at Ronnie Scott's club, which played a role in forming an early version of the fusion group Gonzalez.
Post disbandment
Following Tench's departure to join The Jeff Beck Group in May 1971, Gass disbanded. Godfrey McLean went on to record with Brian Auger and The Oblivion Express. Bassist Delisle Harper collaborated with Tench on Freddie King's albums Burglar (1974) and Larger than Life (1975). Meanwhile, Alan Roskams pursued work with Herbie Goins.
Band members
1969-1971
- Robert Tench – bass, guitar, organ, vocals
- Godfrey McLean – drums, congas, vocals, percussion
- Delisle Harper – bass, percussion
- Derek Austin – organ, piano, flute, percussion
- Michael Piggott – violin, guitar
1965-1969
- Robert Tench – bass, guitar, organ, vocals
- Godfrey McLean – drums, congas, vocals, percussion
- Alan Roskams – lead guitar (departed 1967)
- Stuart Cowell – lead guitar (departed 1967)
- Frank Clark – organ
- Humphrey Okan – saxophone
- Errol McLean – congas
Discography
Albums
- Supergroups Vol. 2 (1970) (track 1: "Black Velvet" with Peter Green)
- Juju featuring Peter Green, Polydor 2485 003 (1970). Issued again in the same year as Gass with the same lineup and tracklist
- Catch My Soul, Polydor 2383 035 (1971)
Singles under the name The Gass
- "One Of These Days"/"I Don't Know Why", Parlophone R 5344 (1965)
- "The New Breed"/"In The City", Parlophone R 5456 (1966)
- "Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)"/"Jitterbug Sid", CBS 2647 (1967)
- "Something's Got To Change Your Ways"/"Mr. Banana", Polydor 2058 147 (1971)
References
- Celmins, Martin. Peter Green Founder of Fleetwood Mac. Sanctuary Publishing, 2nd edition (1998)
- Hjort, Chris and Hinman, Doug. Jeff's book: A Chronology of Jeff Beck's Career 1965-1980. Rock 'n' Roll Research Press (2000)
- Joynson, Vernon. The Tapestry of Delights. Borderline (2006; reprinted 2008)
- Larkin, Colin. The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Guinness (1992)
- Madsen, Pete. Funk Guitar and Bass: Know the Players, Play the Music. Backbeat (2007)