Byzantium was an English rustic-rock band that released the 1972/73 albums Byzantium and Seasons Changing on A&M, followed by a self-issued demos album. They were formed and managed by ex-Ora songwriter and frontman Jamie Rubinstein. Guitarist/singer Chas Jankel later served as the keyboardist and musical director of Ian Dury and the Blockheads and issued a […]
Byzantium is the debut album by the namesake English quartet, released in 1972 on A&M. Across the album’s eight tracks — mostly written by manager Jamie Rubinstein — the young members prove competent on a range of sundry instruments. The scratching licks and fold-out vocal refrain of “What Is Happening” segues into the standstill strum and […]
Chazablanca is the third solo album by English jazz-funk keyboardist/songwriter Chaz Jankel, released in 1983 on A&M. Tracklist: A1. “Without You” (5:12) A2. “I Want You Back (Thank You Very Much)” (3:22) A3. “Pretty Thing” (5:25) B1. “I Can Get Over It (If You Can Get Over Here)” (4:35) B2. “Whisper” (4:18) B3. “All I Want […]
Questionnaire is the second solo album by English jazz-funk keyboardist/songwriter Chaz Jankel, released in 1981 on A&M. Tracklist: A1. “109” (3:53) A2. “Johnny Funk” (4:57) A3. “Now You’re Dancing” (3:93) A4. “Magic of Music” (4:53) B1. “Glad to Know You” (3:40) B2. “Boy” (3:53) B3. “Questionnaire” (5:18) B4. “3,000,000 Synths” (6:27) Credits: Chaz Jankel – lead […]
Seasons Changing is the second and final proper album by English symphonic/rustic rockers Byzantium, released in 1973 on A&M. Tracklist: A1. “What a Coincidence” (3:55) A2. “My Season’s Changing With the Sun” (2:37) A3. “Show Me the Way” (4:03) A4. “I’ll Always Be Your Friend” (4:08) A5. “October Andy” (5:22) B. “Something You Said – […]
Say It Ain’t So is the second album by English singer/songwriter Murray Head, released in 1975 on Island/A&M. Several songs from the album have been interpreted by other singers, including Roger Daltery (“Say It Ain’t So, Joe”) and Cliff Richard (“Never Even Thought“). Tracklist: A1. “Say It Ain’t So, Joe” (4:36) A2. “Boy on the […]
New Boots and Panties!! is the debut solo album by English vocalist Ian Dury, released in 1977 on Stiff. The track “Blockheads” would inspire the name for his backing band on this and future releases. Tracklist: A1. “Wake Up and Make Love With Me” (4:19) A2. “Sweet Gene Vincent” (3:30) A3. “I’m Partial to Your […]
Chas Jankel is the debut solo album by English jazz-funk keyboardist/songwriter Chaz Jankel, released in 1980 on A&M. Tracklist: A1. “Ai No Corrida” (9:10) A2. “Peace, at Last” (2:50) A3. “Just a Thought” (5:16) A4. “Lenta Latina” (3:53) B1. “Fuse” (0:35) B2. “Am I Honest With Myself Really?” (14:51) B3. “Reverie” (3:46) Credits: Chaz Jankel […]
Chaz Jankel (born April 16, 1952) is an English keyboardist, songwriter, and vocalist from Stanmore, Middlesex, who recorded three albums with rustic-rockers Byzantium circa 1972/73. Between 1974 and 1979, he held slots in Jonathan Kelly’s Outside and Ian Dury’s Blockheads, musically guiding the latter act to chart success on the albums New Bootes and Panties!!! […]
