Violinski
| Company type | Rock ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Founder | Mik Kaminski, Mike de Albuquerque |
| Defunct | 1984 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Violinski was a rock ensemble established in 1977 by Electric Light Orchestra violinist Mik Kaminski alongside former guitarist and vocalist Mike de Albuquerque. In March 1979, they achieved recognition as a one-hit wonder with their instrumental track "Clog Dance", which climbed to Number 17 on the UK Singles Chart.
History
The lineup featured Mik Kaminski on violin, Mike de Albuquerque handling guitar and vocals, Barry Dunnery (formerly of Necromandus) on guitar, John Hodgson on drums, Paul Mann and John Marcangelo on keyboards, plus Iain Whitmore on bass and vocals, previously with Starry Eyed and Laughing. Bob Brady, once part of Wizzard, briefly took on lead vocal duties, while Rod Butler contributed lead guitar and appeared on the BBC program Top of the Pops. During Violinski's period of success, Kaminski continued his role with Electric Light Orchestra. Hodgson had earlier collaborated with Rick Wakeman’s English Rock Ensemble, participating in significant albums and international tours from 1974 to 1976.
The origins of Violinski trace back to The Camden Rats, which included Kaminski, Hodgson, Geoff Crampton, and two vocalists. Subsequently, Kaminski and Hodgson enlisted former Cow member Marcangelo; Cow had been formed during their studies at Leeds College of Music between 1968 and 1970. Alongside Andy Brown (bass, vocals) and Dunnery (guitar), the initial Violinski formation was completed. Recording sessions commenced in December 1977. During the production of their debut album, Brown and Dunnery were replaced by de Albuquerque and Mann; Mann was later succeeded by Whitmore for the second album.
Their discography comprises two albums: No Cause for Alarm (1979) and Stop Cloning About (1980), with appearances later included on Electric Light Orchestra's compilation Friends & Relatives. The 1979 single "Clog Dance", composed by Marcangelo, reached Number 17 on UK charts. Although "Silent Love" received radio play as a prospective follow-up single, it did not achieve commercial success due to distribution challenges involving Jet Records. Between 1984 and 1985, Violinski performed live shows featuring British guitarist Ronnie Caryl.
Currently, John Hodgson operates Boomba-Bomba Records and provides percussion instruction in Huddersfield, Yorkshire.
Singles
- "Clog Dance" / "Time To Live" (1979) – reached No. 17 in the UK
- "Save Me" / "Cricket Bloody Cricket" (1979)
- "Scenario" (also known as "In The Distance") / "What's Your Game" (1980) – promotional release only
- "Silent Love" / "Captain Dandy" (1980)
- "Ruby Rhythms" / "Clear Away" (1980)
Albums
- No Cause for Alarm (1979) – peaked at No. 49 on the UK
- Stop Cloning About (1980)
- Whirling Dervish (1982) – U.S.-only reissue of No Cause For Alarm
CDs
- Clog Dance: The Very Best of Violinski (2007) – features previously unreleased tracks