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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 ZWOOD, Roy(b Ulysses Adrian Wood, 8 Nov. '46, Birmingham, England) Producer, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist. Played in local groups incl. Mike Sheridan and the Nightriders, then Falcans, Lawmen, Gerry Levene and the Avengers; made his name in Move. Tiring of pop formula he formed Electric Light Orchestra around Move's drummer Bev Bevan and multi instrumentalist Jeff Lynn (ex-Idle race); first LP incl. hit '10538 Overture', Lynn's composition. This set the tone for group; Wood left to form Wizzard with guitarist Rick Price (ex-Move) and cellist Hugh McDowell (ex-ELO), others. Cloned Phil Spector wall of sound prod. style for series of upbeat pop hits incl. two no. ones ("See My Baby Jive' and "Angel Fingers' '73). Wood promoted hits in flamboyant makeup, weird hairpieces etc. but they lacked variety of his solo LP Boulders '73, which had quite contrasting hits in Beatle-ish "Dear Elaine' (top 20), Beachboys style "Forever' (top 10). Solo Mustard '75 continued showing off instrumental and prod. technique. Wizzard ran its course; he floated short-lived groups Wizzo '70s, Helicopters '80s; prod. Darts and Annie Haslam (from Renaissance) but little of his own work except a Wizzo LP and solo On The Road Again '79. Signed to indie Legacy mid-'80s, built a home studio; collaboration with Dr & The Medics on "Waterloo' showed affection a younger generation had for him. Starting Up '87 on Legacy was still available '96 on a Castle CD; compilations on various labels. |