| SPOILER (The article on the album cover): | Meanwhile, back in these here United States – caught in the current tide of rampant isolationism – we often go through our lives believing that America is it – we produce our own wheat, our own oil (sometimes) our own movies, and our own music.
But The Beatles and subsequent invaders have made it clear that on the other side of the waters, people on the continent are doing more than just The Continental.
Paul Vigrass and Gary Osborne have been involved in the British pop scene for some years now and in various different guises, have been one of the chief contributing factors in making English rock as vital and exciting as it is today.
Remember The Chocolate Watchband – a West London troupe of ultra-psychedelicats from the mid-sixties? That was one of Gary Osborne’s first bouts with the music biz – and while it certainly didn’t make him a star, it gave him a couple of good ideas about the music he ultimately wanted to do. As the son of famous composer/arranger Tony Osborn? He had been into music since he hit the planet. After Chocolate Watchband, Garry went on to manage his own publishing firm, and work on BBC Overseas Broadcast. As songwriter, he had dubious distinction of winning the Bulgarian Song Festival for two years running.
Paul Vigrass – also from a West London background – studied at the same art college as famed Face Ronnie Wood, Pete Townshend, and everyone in Savoy Brown. After a stint with the Superstar team of Tim Rice and Anthony Lloyd Webber, he tried acting for a while, only to zero in on singing as his life’s work. It was as a sessions performer that Paul got together with Gary, and Vigrass & Osborne was born. Gary had been writing songs for Georgie Fame and Anne Murray and decided he ought to write a few for himself, and Paul was certainly ready to put the whole thing together.
At this point, Vigrass & Osborne came into contact with producer Jeff Wayn – who recently topped the International charts with the smash, "Rock On" by David Essex. But this album isn’t one about Rockin’ On. Instead, it’s about Steppin’ Out. And it’s a happy, impeccably conceived and styled sound that is Vigrass & Osborne combining their many talents. A harmony that has few equals, a variety and range of songwriting that is truly unique, and a musical finesse rare even for the best English pop stars are their trademarks.
So, our own wheat – sure. Our own oil (sometimes) – why not? Our own movies – well, The Ten Commandments wasn’t bad. But our own music – OK, but let’s not forget the V&O’s of the world. After all the British charts.
- BRUCE HARRIS |
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