Gary Boyle

Gary Boyle - The Dancer - 1977 - Gull

"Boyle's guitar is a weightless marvel, so sharp, clean and delicate is his picking." © Mike Butler, Manchester CityLife

Hearing Isotope guitarist Gary Boyle's debut solo album for the first time way back when, the album seemed like a bold and daring progressive guitar showcase — and it's aged exceptionally well across three decades. Boyle plays like a cross between Steve Hackett and John McLaughlin, and his backing band — including Rod Argent on organ and Morris Pert and Simon Phillips on percussion and drums — is just as good at the same level of playing. Boyle has a great bag of songs and tricks that he parades out here in full glory. The 2006 CD reissue only enhances the crispness of the sound and, in the process, the precision of the playing and the detail of what all of these musicians are doing. This is a very busy record, encompassing elements of progressive rock and jazz, and even a little tribute to Brian Auger in "Maiden Voyage." © Bruce Eder, allmusic.com

In 1973, Gary Boyle formed the brilliant jazz-rock band, Isotope. He engaged three other superb jazz musicians; Nigel Morris, Brian Miller & Jeff Clyne (ex Nucleus). Gary and Nigel had previously been in Stomu Yamash'ta's East Wind band. Before that ,Gary had worked with artists as varied as Dusty Springfield, and Brian Auger & Julie Driscoll. During the mid '70s, Isotope released three albums which earned the band global acclaim. After Isotope disbanded, Gary went solo, and his debut album, posted here, "The Dancer", deservedly won the prestigious 1978 Montreux Jazz/Pop Award. Gary is an adventurous and fluid fusion guitarist. Here, he’s joined by members of the fusion outfit Brand X and Phil Manzanera’s 801. Musicians include Rod Argent , Simon Phillips, Morris Pert, and Robin Lumley. Try and find Gary's "Step Out" album, and listen to the superb "Isotope & Gary Boyle Live At The BBC" album. Gary's great "Electric Glide " album can also be found on this blog. For music of a similar genre, listen to Brand X's great "Livestock" album

TRACKS

A1 Crowshed Shuffle 5:08
A2 The Dancer 7:30
A3 Now That We're Alone 1:30
A4 Lullaby For A Sleepy Dormouse (For Georgie) 5:25

B1 Almond Burfi 5:02
B2 Pendle Mist 5:40
B3 Apple Crumble 3:18
B4 Maiden Voyage (For Brian Auger) 4:15

MUSICIANS

Gary Boyle Guitar
Steve Shone, Doni Harvey Bass
Rod Argent, Zoe Kronberger, Dave MacRae, Robin Lumley Keyboards
Jeff Seopardie, Simon Phillips Drums
Morris Pert Percussion
Maggie Pert Vocals

BIO

b. 24 November 1941, Patna, India. After learning to play the guitar during childhood, Boyle attended the Leeds College of Music in the north of England in the early 60s. He then joined Eclection, a folk rock band. His first high-profile engagement was a mid-60s spell with singer Dusty Springfield. He then made concert tours of the UK, Europe and the USA, and also sometimes recorded, backing artists such as Brian Auger and Julie Driscoll. In the early 70s he was a London-based session musician, appearing on numerous albums as well as playing on radio, television and on film scores, together with a stint composing jingles. Among artists with whom he recorded during this period are Mike Gibbs, Bert Jansch, Keith Tippett, Mike Westbrook, Norma Winstone and Stomu Yamash'ta. He also backed saxophonist Eddie Harris for a gig at Ronnie Scott's club. Despite all this activity, Boyle was eager to lead his own band and in 1973 he formed Isotope with, initially, Jeff Clyne (bass), Brian Miller (keyboards) and Nigel Norris (drums). During the two years of this jazz-fusion band's existence there were national and international tours and a number of albums. In the late 70s, now a solo artist, Boyle was voted New Star in the Melody Maker Poll and his first solo album, The Dancer, won the Pop/Jazz Award at the Montreux International Jazz Festival. In the early 80s Boyle was resident for a while in Denmark, where he recorded further albums. Back in the UK, he formed a trio he named Triple Echo with which group he featured the Roland Guitar Synthesizer. He also became deeply involved in education and has taught at several establishments, chiefly in the north west of England, including Wigan & Leigh College and the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. In addition to jazz rock fusion, Boyle has also sustained an interest in traditional folk music. Other artists with whom Boyle appeared over the years are John Etheridge, Jim Mullen and Eberhard Weber. In the early 00s, in addition to leading his own trio, he was also co-leader of the Gary Boyle/Nat Birchall Quartet and sometimes worked in duo with singer Brigitte Escobar. © IPC MEDIA 1996-2009, All rights reserved

MORE ABOUT GARY BOYLE [ Issued May 2005 by Singsong Entertainment Publicity ]

Gary Boyle's career began in the 1960's working with top British Singer Dusty Springfield. His 'first big gig' with Dusty was soon followed by the first of two stints with Brian Auger and Julie Driscoll (best known for their 60s hit, 'Wheel's On Fire'), with Gary playing on the act's two albums and touring the UK, Europe and the USA. Gary attended the Leeds College of Music and on leaving joined cult folk/rock band Eclection with Gerry Conway (Fairport Convention) and the late Trevor Lucas (Fotheringay). During the 1970s, Gary began three years of highly productive studio work in London, which included recording albums, radio and television jingles and film music. During this period Gary contributed to album releases by Mike Westbrook, Mike Gibbs, Norma Winstone and Keith Tippett. Other highlights included a season at Ronnie Scott 's in London with American sax player Eddie Harris, four albums with Japanese percussionist Stomu Yamashta, and an album with folk legend, Bert Jansch. In 1973 Gary formed jazz-fusion band Isotope recording three albums and touring extensively in the UK, Europe and the USA. After Isotope disbanded in 1975, Gary recorded several solo albums, "The Dancer" and "Electric Glide" with engineer/producer Martin Levan (with whom he was to renew a working relationship years later with his new release, 'Games'.) During the 70s, Gary was voted New Star in the Melody Maker Poll while 'The Dancer' won the Pop/Jazz Award at Montreaux Jazz Festival. From 1980-81, Gary lived in Copenhagen where he recorded two albums, one of which 'Stepout' was also produced by Martin Levan. On returning to the UK, Gary formed the trio Triple Echo featuring the Roland Guitar Synth. Gary has toured the UK with artists such as guitarists Jim Mullen, John Etheridge, German bass player Eberhard Weber and double bass supremo, Danny Thompson. Gary currently teaches guitar at Wigan and Leigh College and the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (known as the Paul McCartney school). While regularly working with his own trio, Gary also co-fronts the Gary Boyle/Nat Birchall Quartet as well as working in duo and band format with fellow Red Kite Artist, Brigitte Escobar.