Van der Graaf Generator

Van der Graaf Generator is a group known as of progressive Rock British although this name is disputed by Peter Hammill itself. The categories or Free rock'n'roll would undoubtedly be more suitable if the first had left the Anglo-Saxon surface and if the second had not remained a journalistic stylistic device. The group is named according to an electrical appliance designed to produce static electricity, the Générateur of VAN DE GRAAFF.

History

The group was first of all formed in 1967 whereas its members studied at the University of Manchester. The trio was composed of Peter Hammill (guitar and song), Nick Pearne (organ) and Chris Smith (wind battery and instruments). They obtained a contract of recording, but left only one simple (“The People You Were Going To”) before separating semi-1969. During this time, Pearne was replaced by Hugh Banton.

Later in 1969, new Van der Graaf Generator -- Peter Hammill (guitar, piano and song), Keith Elect (low guitar), Hugh Banton (keyboards) and Guy Evans (battery) -- was formed during the recording of an album which was originally intended to be an album solo of Hammill. This album, The Aerosol Grey Machine , had initially only left to the United States.

Other changes in the personnel preceded the second album ( The Least We Can C is Wave to Each Other ). Elect was replaced by David Jackson (saxophone and flute), while NIC Potter (low guitar) was added to the formation. A new sound was established, leaving behind the psychedelic influence of The Aerosol Grey Machine in favor of darker textures influenced by the Jazz and the Classical music. The album was accepted and was quickly followed of H to He, Who Am the Only One . Potter from went away in the middle of the recording and the group decided to continue without bass player, with Banton there substituent thanks to the low pedals of its organ. Robert Fripp of King Crimson contributed to the guitar in “The Emperor in His War-Room”.

The Hammill/Banton/Jackson/Evans four-bit byte which resulted from “H to He” is today regarded as being the “traditional” formation and recorded Pawn Hearts , which is regarded by much as being their best work. The album had much success in Italy, remaining with the head of the sales during 12 weeks. The group turned intensely between 1970 and 1972, but that tested Hammill which left to continue a career solo.

Without Hammill, the three remaining members recorded in 1973 an instrumental album with NIC Potter, Ced Curtis and Piero Messina under the name “The Long Hello”, to which continuation three albums of average quality entitled also made them “Long hello”; a music close to the jazz rock'n'roll.

The separation of Hammill with the group was not acrimoniously and Banton, Jackson and Evans, among others, contributed all to its music solo at various times. In 1975, Hammill was ready to work again with the group and three new albums were recorded in 12 months. Musicalement, the principal difference was that Hammill played from now on of the electric guitar instead of the piano and the sound, in particular in Godbluff , was harder.

Following World Record , Banton then Jackson from went away. NIC Potter returned and Banton was replaced by a violonist, Graham Smith. The group then shortens its name in “Van der Graaf”. Only two albums were recorded, of which one into live, before the group does not separate for the last time in 1978, once again in a friendly way.

An album of “new” compositions left after separation. Time Vaults is a collection of abandoned recordings or repetitions resulting from the pause of 1972-1975. Poor sound quality holds it to the burning fans of the group.

The traditional formation occasionally played since separation. In 1991, they played several songs at the time of the fortieth birthday of the woman of David Jackson. In 1996, the four-bit byte appeared on scene during a concert of Hammill and Evans to play “Lemmings”. In 2003, Banton, Jackson, and Evans rejoignèrent Hammill to play “Still Life” with the Queen Elizabeth Hall with London.

Following this concert, the group met and started to repeat and compose of new pieces during the summer 2004. A Present double album, , leaves in April 2005 and a round in Europe follows during the summer 2005.

2007 see the exit of double Cd, entitled " Real Time" gathering the first concert given by the group in 2005 to the Royal festival Hall of London, as well as a new European round but without date for the moment envisaged in France. For some this is lived like a roof considering the attachment of this country for the group and this since its beginnings. For others this is alas the consequence of the defect of renewal of its public and each arrival in France is lived with emotion like the proof of the persistence of a certain fidelity with respect to its French public.

Discography

1969: The Aerosol Grey Machine
1970: The Least We Can C is Wave to Each Other
1970: H to He, Who Am the Only One
1971: Pawn Hearts
1975 : Godbluff
1976 : Still Life

1976 : World Record

1977: Calm The Zone, the Pleasure Dome

1978: Vital (live)

1982: Time Vaults

1986 : First Generation (compilation)

1986: Second Generation (compilation)

1988: Now and Then (compilation)

1993: I Prophesy Disaster (compilation)

1994: Maida Vale (BBC sessions)

2000: The Box (compilation)

2000: Year Introduction (compilation)

2005: Present

2007: " Real Time" (live)

Videotex

2003 : Masters From the Vaults (DVD)
2003: Godbluff Live (DVD)

(The 2nd DVD contains all the contents of the first, which is not available any more.)

See too

Peter Hammill

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