4 Stars
Arriving out of a band called Sisyphus, with the addition of singer Sonja Kristina, the band Curved Air rose to prominence in the early seventies.
The band consisted of the aforementioned Sonja Kristina, who immediately captured the attention of both the British press and the growing rock audience. But alongside her were some of the great musicians of the age.
Francis Monkman, who fulfilled the role of multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, was a member of the Royal Academy of Music, London.
Darryl Way, a young flamboyant violinist who had studied at the Royal College of Music, London.
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in the 70’s before returning in the 2000’s.
Florian Pilkington-Miksa was one of the new breed of extrovert young drummers.
They had a bass player, too, Rob Martin, but after a gardening accident, he left Curved Air, which began a succession of bass players that made the drum stool in Spinal Tap look secure. The ever-present Francis Monkman filled in during the recording sessions for Air Conditioning.
Curved Air had very strong management and record label support. So, upon the album’s release, they were everywhere to be seen and heard.
talented musicians of his era.
Using all the latest technology of the time, Air Conditioning was given a first press of 10,000 as a vinyl picture disc upon its release in November 1970.
Wonderful publicity, but a bit hard on the paying customer as the sound quality could have been better, and both picture and sound deteriorated further upon playing the album. This, of course, ultimately boosted sales, as when a normal black vinyl version of the album was released soon after with the vinyl artwork transferred to the album cover, this brought things back to normal. With massive paid-for advertising in the powerful British press, they had a wonderful head start.
another college gig.
The buzz generated pushed the album to Number 8 in the UK album charts. Job done. When the single from the next collection (the second album, released a year later), “Back Street Luv” reached Number 4 in the charts. Curved Air was almost a household name.
But was the music any good?
On this, their first album, it was superb. Like a breath of fresh air, it was something new and welcome.
Album opener, ‘It Happened Today,’ was a strong beginning, showing off all the band’s assets on a fine tune.
Darryl Ways’ electric violin holds center court, Florian Pilkington-Miksa solidly holds down the beat, whilst Francis Monkman covers all other bases. His lead guitar work is so sharp.
Over this is Sonja Kristina’s superb vocals. By the time she reaches the second verse and chorus, she has stolen your rock’n’roll heart and soul.
Every track is equally as strong without any filler coming into play. Perhaps the highlight, as it was in their live set, is ‘Vivaldi,’ a tribute to the composer, whilst ripping the guts out of his themes. Darryl Way’s violin tour de force must have been responsible for thousands of children taking up playing the violin. Curved Air also lays down the path for so many to follow.
This album’s influence can still be heard today on many new releases.
Sadly, it could not last—too much talent, ego, and intentions in-amongst five people. By 1972, two years after the release of this album, only Sonja Kristina was left from the originals. The band reformed and paid old tax bills, etc., but the magic had gone.
None of their following albums were as successful as the first; more importantly, they never rose above cult status in the US of A, despite three lengthy tours.
Sonja Kristina still fronts a band called Curved Air, popular on the British Festival circuit, but predictably still having to play the songs from their debut album.
While it lasted, the Air was Curved.
Written by Mott the Dog
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