Dave Anthony's Moods

Dave Anthony’s Moods formed in 1965 (originally from Bournemouth) by Hammond Organist Robert Michaels.The group’s name was based around the adopted stage name of lead singer, Tony Head, who later joined The Fleur De Lys and recorded with the legend that is Sharon Tandy, as Tony & Tandy.

The line-up also featured guitarist Tim Large, bassist Bill Jacobs, drummer John DeVekey and Chris Dennis on keys. The horn section featured Bob Downes (tenor sax) Graham Livemore (trombone) and Andy Kirk (trumpet).

The band moved to London early in 1966 and played regualy at such famous swinging venues as the Flamingo, The Marquee, The 100 Club and The Bag O’ Nails. They recorded a single for Parlophone in 1966, New Directions c/w Give It To Me, both featured on this Acid Jazz Records release as part of the seminal Rare Mod series.

 

The band relocated to Milan in 1967 where the other two tracks, My Baby and Fading Away were recorded. They feature a new vocalist, Roger Peacock (originally from the Mark Leeman Five). Their blend of psychedelic R&B, soul and jazz had critics acclaim them as ‘Italy’s Beatles’. A notable cover version of Procol Harum's Whiter Shade Of Pale is well worth hunting down, but the band felt that their live sound was never fully realised on record and, despite this success on the live circuit, Dave Anthony’s Moods split in 1969.  

Part of the second series of Rare Mod 45s, The New Direction EP will not disappoint.