Torch Song - the early years

The following article is reproduced from the original UK magazine in which it featured.

Chris Bent, July 2001, revised August 2005

Text of article which appeared in September 1982 issue of the UK magazine 'ELECTRONICS & MUSIC MAKER':-

Torch Song: Grant Gilbert, L. S. Mayer and W. Wainwright

CASSETTE REVIEW

Electronic & Music Maker's CASSETTE REVIEWS aim to give an indication of what readers are up to musically, and also include a short appraisal of their work.
To this end we invite home electro-musicians to send in a cassette of their work for possible inclusion in future issues.
The recording method used is, of course, entirely up to you.
The range we seem to get is from sound-on-sound on a stereo tape machine, through bouncing in stereo between two machines, up to small 4-track multi-track recordings. But if your method comes 'above' or 'below' these in technique or application, don't hesitate to send your cassette in as well. It can be a one-off demo-type tape, an independent cassette-only release or anything in between.
You should send one cassette, mono or stereo, clearly marked with your name and address on the cassette itself, information on instruments used and recording method adopted, and a relevant black-and-white photograph.
Subjective 'scores' given at the end.......... are out of a maximum 10 for each category; tapes are generally given 4 for basic ferric types (e.g. TDK D, AD, etc), 5 for chrome, and 6 for metal, with sometimes a point either way for variations. Tony Bacon

EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY FOR E&MM READERS!

Each month our Tape of the Month Winner will have the chance to discuss their music with Martin Rushent, top producer for Human League, Altered Images etc. at his Genetic Sound Studio!

This Month our Tape of the Month winner is:

Torch Song: W. Wainwright, L. S. Mayer and Grant Gilbert

TORCH SONG (London W9). 8 tracks.
L. S. Mayer: Roland SH2 synth + Dod flanger; Roland CSQ600 sequencer; Roland CR8000 drum machine; Olds Bb trumpet; vocals.
W. Wainwright: synth system as Mayer; Fender Jazz Bass + MXR 10-band graphic; Gibson SG Standard + Bell flanger, WEM Copicat, Dod compressor; Simmons Claptrap.
Grant Gilbert: Vega 1919 tenor sax; Conn 1916 alto sax; Yamaha clarinet; Chinese sax; Humdrum drum synth; Vox string machine; synth system as Mayer.

Shure mics, Atlantex DI boxes. Teac A2340SX 4-track recorder; Nakamichi 6702X and 550 cassette machines; Tangent Series 4 12/4/2 mixer; Yamaha EM180 6/2 mixer-amp; Roland RE201 Space Echo; Toshiba Adres AD3 noise reduction; MXR Flanger; Rebis noise gate; Rebis headphone amp; B&W speakers.

"A very accomplished and interesting three-piece unit, primarily recording-based because of equipment limitations and permutations. Dense rhythmic textures are drawn from a starting point of SH2 triggered by the 8000 via the sequencer on one channel, building up voice, bass and the rest over the other three tracks, adding more at the transfer stage. Only non 4-track take is the first version of 'Red Skies' on our tape, a lush and impressive spread accomplished at various 16-track studios. But their own 4-track version later on is better; more investigative, with some beautiful tape-sourced (we guess) chords appearing and further evidence of tape games emerging. The rest is equally good: the fractured rhythms and atmospheric interjections of 'Broken Blossom'; the harder rhythm and ringing drum of 'Tattered Dress'' with Mayer's story-line vocal her best on the tape; the marvellous bass on 'Mister Blue'; the treated guitar of 'Strange Cargo' recalling Heads/Belew; and the panned dub-funk of 'Gato Del Noche'. Everything seems inspired and clever without becoming supercilious. Torch Song tell us that a short tape of two of the tracks is currently doing the rounds of the A&R departments - let's hope their ears are pricked."

Music: 7 Production: 6 Presentation: 6 Tape: 4

Question: Does anyone possess a copy of either of the cassettes mentioned in the above article?

If so, please

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