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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZBLUNSTONE, Colin(b 24 June '54, Hatfield, Herts) UK singer/songwriter. Learned guitar age ten from radio; became lead singer with successful pop group Zombies formed with school friends. When they split '68 he worked as an insurance clerk, tempted back into music by former collaborators (now producers) Rod Argent and Chris White: made singles as Neil MacArthur, incl. remake of Zombie hit 'She's Not There'. First solo album One Year '71 prod. by Argent/White, ballads and strings showcasing quintessential English chorister's voice, incl. no. 15 hit in Denny Laine's 'Say You Don't Mind'. Recruited band with Pete Wingfield, keyboards; Derek Griffiths, guitar; Jim Toomey, drums and made Ennismore '72 (with no. 31 hit 'I Don't Believe In Miracles'), Journey '74; but band's rocking approach conflicted with choice of tunes, and they split. Left Epic after two more albums for Elton John's label and left the spotlight until one-off single under the name of keyboardist Dave Stewart: cover of Motown hit 'What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted?' made no. 13 UK '81, contrasting Stewart's synths to that exquisite voice. Tried it again with another Motown classic, but 'Tracks Of My Tears' (under Blunstone's name) only made no. 60 '82; link forged with keyboardist Peter Bardens (ex-Them, Camel) was maintained by formation of session supergroup Keats '84 with ex-Pilot members Ian Bairnson, guitar, David Paton, bass; and ex-Cockney Rebel Stuart Elliot, drums, all stalwarts of Alan Parsons Project. Blunstone had been featured vocalist on Project's Pyramid '78, Eye In The Sky '82, Ammonia Avenue '84, among numerous session credits; the new group was modelled on Asia, playing AOR radio fodder without much imagination, yet it was always good to hear the voice. New Blunstone solo album Echo Bridge '95 on Permanent had a user-friendly accent on classic songs, made during slow hours in prod. Jon Sweet's Yeovil studio. |