sunn creative released Bram Stoker’s new CD, ‘Cold Reading’, 8th, November 2013, their first official band release since ‘Heavy Rock Spectacular’ (Windmill Records) in 1972. The album line-up features Tony Bronsdon, Tony Lowe & Will Hack.
Bram Stoker was one of the first prog rock bands on the music scene in the 1970s, often compared to early Genesis and Yes. The band was formed by Keyboard player Tony Bronsdon in 1969; they soon built up a strong and devoted following at live shows. Playing the Marquee in London, they were supported by a little known band called ‘Queen’. They played regularly in London at The Roundhouse, The Marquee, The Greyhound – Croydon and The Speakeasy. Touring clubs, colleges and University in the UK and Holland they were appreciated by many well known artists of the time and their bootlegged releases became collector’s items.
Bram Stoker’s ‘Cold Reading’ is pure, classic, symphonic prog composed and played by some of the first original artists of the time. Two original band members – keyboard player Tony Bronsdon, whose classically influenced Hammond organ led Bram Stoker’s trademark sound, and guitarist / bassist Tony Lowe – recruited talented drummer / vocalist Will Hack to co-write and record ‘Cold Reading’. Original bassist Jon Bavin also collaborated in writing two of the new compositions. ‘Cold Reading’ was produced by Tony Lowe, who subsequently worked as a musician with the likes of Roger Daltrey, Julian Lennon, Simon Townshend, Visage, Pet Shop Boys, Modern English, and Phil Ramone, and has produced artists such as Flying Colours, Toyah, and John Foxx since the band broke up in 1972. Producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist for all the ESP Project albums featuring Peter Coyle, Mark Brzezicki, David Cross, David Jackson, John Young, Steve Gee, Phil Spalding, Yumi Hara, Alison Fleming, and many more. Producer to; David Cross & Peter Banks tribute album – ‘Crossover’ featuring David Cross and members of King Crimson and Yes, and producer of David Cross & Robert Fripp – ‘Starless Starlight’.
Songs from ‘Cold Reading’ include a re-recording of Fast Decay and Fingal’s Cave along with eight new compositions.
Bram Stoker enjoyed significant interest from the music industry during the period from 1969 to 1972 and this is shown in the wake of album “Heavy Rock Spectacular” – from its original vinyl release by Windmill Records in 1972, the album became a collector’s item.
Inevitable bootlegging ensued and CD copies of “Heavy Rock Spectacular” appeared on various labels world-wide.
*** Sunn Creative and Tony Lowe were involved with the ‘Cold Reading’ 2013 release as described above. The current line-up/band includes original founder – Tony Bronsdon – Keyboards & Vocals; Barry Lines – Bass Guitar & Vocals; Neil Richardson – Guitar & Backing Vocals; Stephen Underhill – Drums and still features songs from ‘Cold Reading’. Please go to the Bram Stoker website for updates on Live Gigs and more.
For more information on the original line-up on Heavy Rock Spectacular and for contact details on licensing the original music from that album please visit, Digimix Records.
*Tony Lowe, is the founder of the ESP Project.
*Album art – Cheryl Stringall – Album Design – Chris Taesali
Original promo video from 2013