- East of Eden (rock band)
East of Eden is a 1970s
progressive rock band, who had a Top 10 hit with the single "Jig-a-Jig " in 1971.History
Their professional career began back in 1967 when they were formed in Bristol by Dave Arbus (born David Arbus,
8 October 1941 , inLeicester ) (violin, flute, saxophone, trumpet), Ron Caines (born13 December 1944 , inBristol ) (alto saxophone), Geoff Nicholson (born27 June 1948 , nearBristol ) (guitar, vocals), and Geoff Britton (born1 August 1943 , inLewisham ,South London ) (drums), who later joined Wings.In 1969 they released the "Mercator Projected"
album , followed shortly after by the "SNAFU" and "Jig-a-Jig " albums (both released in 1970). Although some might consider this group as being a symphonic progressive band, others state that their style is mostlyjazz oriented. Combining flutes, violins and tape loops to folk, gypsy andpsychedelic music, the East of Eden style was always heavily supported on a pure rock base; strong and experimental.The band broke up in the mid 1970s having undergone various changes in membership. Important members in late line-ups included guitarist Andy Sneddon (born Andrew Sneddon,
8 May 1946 , inAyrshire ,Scotland ), bassist David Jacks (born24 January 1940 ,Glasgow ,Strathclyde ,Scotland ), drummer Jeff Allen (born Jeffrey Allen,23 April 1946 ,Matlock ,Derbyshire ) and violinist Joe O'Donnell.The three core members (Arbus, Caines and Nicholson), reunited in 1999 for the release of their new album "Kalipse". Like most of their earlier work, it was a
cult hit only.Trivia
Arbus was a guest
musician onThe Who 's track "Baba O'Riley ," playing the violin solo. He was a good friend of the band's drummerKeith Moon and was later a member ofFiddler's Dram .References
*
Guinness Book of British Hit Singles - 16th Edition - ISBN 0-85112-190-X
* Guinness Book of British Hit Albums - 7th Edition - ISBN 0-85112-619-7External links
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