Visitor 2035 -

Visitor 2035 was an English symphonic/jazz-rock band that released the 1976 musical double-album Cain!, followed by a 1978 self-titled album on Hansa International.

Members: Craig Pruess (ARP synthesizer, trumpet, piano, vibes, orchestral chimes), Peter Stroud, (Gibson bass, fretless bass, double bass), Nigel Robinson (drums, tympanis, timbales), Ray Deefholts (electric/acoustic guitar), John Mason (keyboards)

Background

Visitor 2035 formed in England in 1973 around American keyboardist/trumpeter Craig Pruess and two locals: guitarist Ray Deefholts, and drummer Nigel Robinson.

Pruess was born on December 18, 1950, in White Plains, New York, and grew up in Westchester County, where he trained on brass and keyboards and joined a 20-piece stage band. In 1968, he entered MIT and recorded soundtracks for music-controlled laser shows. He spent two years in Kenya, where he worked with local musicians before moving to England.

Visitor 2035 played instrumental jazz-rock onstage while Pruess sought access to multitrack recording. Pruess also used the ARP 2600 synthesizer he brought from the United States for session work in British studios. John Mason, a teacher at Christ’s Hospital in Horsham, teamed with Pruess on Cain!, a modern mystery play with rock music for the school theatre. Visitor 2035 backed the stage production. Mason and Pruess prepared a self-financed double-LP under the billing John Mason and Craig Pruess with Visitor 2035.

Discography: