Mandalaband IV

MANDALABAND is the third reincarnation of an extraordinary symphonic rock band with a long history. The first and original album 'MANDALABAND' was released by Chrysalis in 1975 and created quite a stir with its bombastic 'Om Mani Padme Hum' – a four-movement work for rock band and choir, the lyrics of which form the basis of the Tibetan national anthem. These Tibetan lyrics were 'performed' by lead singer Dave Durant and the London Chorale, whilst the other members of the band were Vic Emerson (keyboards), Ashley Mulford (guitars), Tony Cresswell (drums) and John Stimpson (bass), with David Rohl as founder, writer and studio engineer for the band.

Chrysalis then asked David to write and produce a second Mandalaband album, making use of all the singers and fellow musicians he had befriended during his time as engineer and producer during the 70s. The result was 'THE EYE OF WENDOR' – a concept album based on a Tolkienesque fantasy set in a world of warlocks, witches, battling heroes, and a magical gemstone of supernatural power. Vocalists on this album included: Justin Hayward, Eric Stewart, Maddy Prior, Graham Gouldman, Kevin Godley, Lol Creme, and Paul Young. Musicians included: Ritchie Close, David Rohl and Woolly Wolstenholme on keys; Noel Redding, Les Holroyd, Graham Gouldman on bass; Steve Broomhead and John Lees on guitars; Kim Turner and Mel Pritchard on drums & percussion; plus the Halle orchestra for all the classical bits. THE EYE OF WENDOR was released in 1978 and, over the years, has come to be recognised as one of the classic prog rock albums and the most complete concept album of its genre.

Thirty years later we have MANDALABAND re-launched onto the unsuspecting world – a brotherhood of musicians (some ex-Mandalaband, some new) under the guiding influence of Producer David Rohl.

The musicians and singers who played their part in the Mandalaband IV project were: David Rohl (writer, engineer, producer, vocalist and keyboards; Mandalaband I to IV), Ashley Mulford (guitars and vocals; Mandalaband I & III, Sad Café), Troy Donockley (Uilleann pipes, whistles, guitars and bouzouki; Iona & the Bad Shepherds), Marc Atkinson (acoustic guitar and vocals; Gabriel & Riversea), Jose Manuel Medina (keyboards, Spanish guitar and backing vocals; Last Knight), Sergio Garcia (acoustic guitar; Last Knight), Kim Turner (drums, percussion and mandolin; Mandalaband II & III, Maestoso), David Clements (bass guitar), Craig Fletcher (bass guitar and backing vocals; Mandalaband III, Maestoso & John Lees’ BJH), Morten Vestergaard (bass guitar), Pablo Lato (bass guitar; Last Knight), Alison Carter (backing vocals), Lynda Howard (backing vocals), Barbara Macanas & Briony Macanas (backing vocals). Woolly Wolstenholme (keyboards and vocals; Mandalaband II & III, Barclay James Harvest & Maestoso) sadly passed away during the last stages of recording AD. This album is dedicated to his memory.

Discogrophy

• Mandalaband (1975) 
• The Eye of Wendor (1978)
• BC - Ancestors (2009)
• Resurrection (2010)
• AD Sangreal (2011) Formats available CD & Digital Download

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