1976
Albums:
Paris
- 1976
Big
Towne - 1976
History:
Californian Bob Welch, better known for the wistful romanticism of
such songs as "Sentimental Lady," with Fleetwood Mac, shattered any stereotyping
by composing all of the hard-rocking tunes performed on the debut album
by this short-lived power trio. His bandmates were former Jethro Tull bassist
Glenn Cornick and former Nazz drummer Thom Mooney. After leaving Fleetwood
Mac due to several uncertain years with the band's ever-changing personnel,
Welch formed Paris, as well as playing on Bill Wyman's solo album, Stone
Alone, in 1976. Paris' first, self-titled album sold modestly. The follow-up,
released later in the year with Hunt Sales at the drum kit, did not. When
the new drummer fell ill, Welch pulled the plug late in 1976. With the
help of musical friends Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood and Christine
McVie, Welch got his smash hit the following year with French Kiss. It
featured a hit remake of "Sentimental Lady, originally recorded for the
Mac album Bare Trees back in 1972. "Ebony Eyes" and "Hot Love, Cold World"
were other singles from the platinum album Welch wanted so badly and would
not repeat. After Paris, Cornick left the music business for a decade,
becoming sales manager with a food company.
History Source: UBL, Mark Allan