Michael de Albuquerque -

Michael de Albuquerque (born June 24, 1947) is an English musician, singer, and songwriter who cut two singles in 1969/70 on United Artists, followed by a 1971 jazz-rock album for Pegasus with saxist/vibist Frank Ricotti.

From 1972 to 1974, Albuquerque played bass for the Electric Light Orchestra, appearing on three albums: ELO 2, On the Third Day, and Eldorado. While part of the band, he made his solo debut on RCA with We May Be Cattle but We’ve All Got Names. In 1976, he released Stalking the Sleeper on Warner Bros. He teamed with violinist and fellow ELO alumnus Mik Kaminski in Violinski, which issued two albums on Jet Records.

1968–70 Singles

Michael de Albuquerque cut two singles for United Artists between 1969 and 1970, marking his earliest solo work on record. Both releases pair narrative-style originals with expressive, brass-tinged arrangements under the direction of producer Stuart Taylor. Songwriter–arranger Ed Welch provides thematic material and orchestral frameworks, while de Albuquerque adds co-writing and lyrical input on the second single.

A. “Better Men Than Me” (2:17) – written by Ed Welch
B. “Burn, Burn, Burn” (2:45) – written and produced by Stuart Taylor
United Artists UK UP 35037 – released October 3, 1969

A. “Roll Him Over” (3:06) – written by Michael de Albuquerque, Ed Welch
B. “Blind Man” (3:03) – written by Michael de Albuquerque, C. Gleadell
United Artists UK UP 35098 – released May 1, 1970

Both singles were produced by Stuart Taylor, who arranged the backing with Welch’s input on the second release. “Better Men Than Me” showcases Welch’s songwriting and orchestration, while “Roll Him Over” reveals Albuquerque’s lyrical voice in tandem with Welch’s melodic phrasing. The B-side “Blind Man” credits Gleadell as co-writer, marking his earliest known collaboration with Albuquerque. Neither single charted at the time of release.

Ricotti & Albuquerque – First Wind

Michael Albuquerque and Frank Ricotti released their collaborative album, First Wind, in August 1971 on Pegasus.

The album blends relaxed, acoustic-rooted songwriting with electric textures and subtle jazz inflections. Ricotti alternates between alto saxophone, vibraphone, and auxiliary percussion, interacting fluidly with guitarist Michael Keen on “Go Out and Get It” and trumpeter Henry Lowther on “Give a Damn.” Pianist John Taylor underpins multiple tracks with electric piano voicings and co-authored several numbers, including “Ratsa” and “Don’t You Believe Me.”

A1. “Ratsa (Don’t Know Why)” (4:49) – John Taylor
A2. “Lo and Behold” (3:15) – James Taylor
A3. “Go Out and Get It” (3:53) – Michael de Albuquerque – soloist: Michael Keen
A4. “Don’t You Believe Me” (5:15) – John Taylor, Michael de Albuquerque
A5. “New York Windy Day” (4:43) – Michael de Albuquerque

B1. “Bobo’s Party” (6:10) – M. Satka
B2. “Didn’t Wanna Have to Do It” (3:09) – John Sebastian
B3. “Old Ben Houston” (3:08) – Michael de Albuquerque
B4. “The Wind Has No Love” (3:59) – C. Gleadell, Michael de Albuquerque
B5. “Give a Damn” (4:09) – Bob Dorough, Stuart Scharf – soloist: Henry Lowther

First Wind was produced by Stuart Taylor and engineered by Robin Sylvester, who also arranged several tracks. The album sleeve features photography by Mike Cullen and illustrations by Roger Knights, with cover design by Jane de Albuquerque. Recording took place during the summer of 1971, just prior to the group’s August 22 appearance on John Peel’s Sunday Concert, where they performed four album tracks in extended arrangements.

We May Be Cattle but We’ve All Got Names

Michael de Albuquerque released his debut solo album, We May Be Cattle but We’ve All Got Names, in 1973 on RCA Victor.

The album balances laid-back, jazz-inflected arrangements with elliptical song forms and ornate instrumental passages. Guitarist Ollie Halsall (Timebox, Patto) shares frontline space with saxophonists Alan Skidmore and Frank Ricotti, while keyboardist Gordon Beck trades phrasing with electric pianist John Taylor and horn players Henry Lowther and Stan Saltzman. Ricotti also contributes percussion, while B. J. Cole (Cochise) adds steel and dobro textures on two tracks.

A1. “Dribble Dribble” (5:22) – vocals: Ollie Halsall
A2. “Oh Woman” (6:12) – dobro: B. J. Cole
A3. “Occasion” (5:04) – steel guitar: B. J. Cole
A4. “We May Be Cattle but We’ve All Got Names” (4:22)

B1. “Do Right” (4:54) – trumpet: Henry Lowther, John Uckeridge; trombone: Chris Pine; tenor sax: Stan Saltzman
B2. “My Darling Girl” (4:07) – alto sax: Frank Ricotti; bass: Robin Sylvester
B3. “Sweet Mirth” (5:57) – electric piano: John Taylor
B4. “Catharsis” (6:26) – tenor and soprano sax: Alan Skidmore

We May Be Cattle but We’ve All Got Names was produced by Stuart Taylor and recorded with a large supporting cast drawn from the UK jazz and session scenes. Albuquerque plays piano throughout and composed all eight tracks. RCA lifted “Do Right” as a single, backed with the non-album track “Lonely,” issued October 5, 1973, on RCA 2423.

Stalking The Sleeper

Michael de Albuquerque released his second album, Stalking The Sleeper, in 1976 on Warner Bros.

The album moves through stylized pop structures with layered instrumentation and subtle orchestral arrangements by vibraphonist and percussionist Frank Ricotti. Guitarist Ollie Halsall appears on “Say What You Want,” trading rhythmic and melodic phrasing against Ricotti’s brass textures.

A1. “I Gotta Woman” (3:30) – Ray Charles
A2. “Stalking the Sleeper” (4:01)
A3. “Patience Cousin!” (3:59)
A4. “The Wreckers” (5:33)

B1. “Say What You Want” (3:59) – guitar: Ollie Halsall
B2. “Just Your Love” (3:38)
B3. “Walking Out on Sunny Street” (4:00)
B4. “Tonight on the Highway” (5:15)

Stalking the Sleeper was recorded at Morgan Studios between January and March 1976. De Albuquerque co-produced the album with George de Albuquerque, working with engineer Gregg Jackman. Ian Beck handled the sleeve design and illustrations. Warner Bros. issued no singles from the album.

Discography: