Solo album of the British guitarist, member of the group “Freedom” and other bands. In the framework of these projects, Roger performed heavy electric guitar music, but he recorded a solo record in soft pop-rock tunes……..
From 1972, out of the UK, comes Roger Saunders with his album The Roger Saunders Rush Album, also known as Thanks on Warner Bros BS2601 DJ white label promo. Scarce eleven track album by Roger Saunders, who is also known as the primary force behind the hard rock group Freedom. They were formed from Procol Harum members just after the hit A Whiter Shade Of Pale. This record is unusual as it shows a picture of some film canisters on the front cover, while on the rear cover is a promotional insert under the shrink giving the title of the album as Thanks with a picture of Roger Saunders on the front cover! Maybe WB was in a hurry to release this to DJs and gave them a different album cover…………. (by johnkatsmc5.blogspot)
Attention: This album has nothing to do with the powerlful rock of “Freedom” … this is more a singer/songwriter album with lot´s of strings ! A real strange musical development….
Promotion info
“I did this album called “Roger Saunders’ Rush Album”,” he said. “That was quite an ironic title, since it took such a long time to make and there was a hell of a lot of work done on the production and arrangements.”
A consequence of this was, the Freedom’s management now demanded more focus on Saunders, who was given long solo spots during the band’s gigs, playing piano and singing on his own. “They had this vision of me being a new Elton John or something. I’d rather have been James Taylor if I’d had the choice!” More changes occurred when the management demanded the bass player be sacked and replaced by Pete Dennis. Some time after, an extra guitarist, Steve Jolly, joined in order to make more space for Saunders’ keyboard playing. Around this time, the style of the band seemed to become increasingly “progressive”, with a hint of country-rock thrown in for good measure.
After Freedom disbanded in late 1972, Roger Saunders turned to working as a session guitarist. When I talked to him, he could no longer remember all the numerous sessions he had participated in; he’d be often called in and presented with the job on the spot with no time for rehearsal. Nevertheless, he found pleasure in this kind of work which at least provided him with a steady salary, unlike the many years of touring with rock groups. “For the first time in my career as a musician I didn’t get any hopes crushed and didn’t have to starve!”
During this time, Saunders kept his creative juices flowing by striking up a partnership with Scott English, the famous songwriter. Via this collaboration, Saunders was invited to work with people who were all-time heroes of his, such as The Crusaders, The Three Degrees and The Drifters. Following that, he joined Medicine Head. Throughout most of the eighties, Roger Saunders was to be seen as a member of Gary Glitter’s band. (by http://alexgitlin.com)
Personnel:
Roger Saunders (vocals, piano, guitar)
+
a bunch of unknown studio musicians
Tracklist:
01. Gentian Violet (Saunders/Frost) 3.29
02. Hard To Love (Saunders/Frost) 4.07
03. Darkness (Saunders/Frost) 3.23
04. Where Are You Loving For (Saunders) 3.29
05. Little Old Lady (Saunders/Frost) 2.33
06. Who Knows (Saunders) 1.55
07. No Better Place (Saunders/Pajunen) 4.18
08. Direction (Saunders) 5.12
09. Unanswered Question (Saunders) 3.11
10. Loving You (Saunders) 4.18
11. Thanks (Saunders/Harrison) 4.27
The inlets
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