Upp was a British rock-jazz fusion band, active in the 1970s. The group was originally going to be called 3 UPP, and consisted of Stephen Amazing (bass guitar), Andy Clark (keyboards) and Jim Copley (drums). David Bunce (guitar) joined on guitar for the second album. The band was heavily influenced by other acts like Otis Redding, Sly & The Family Stone, Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway.
According to Jim Copley, Jeff Beck came to the studio where the band were rehearsing and heard them playing James Brown and some very funky stuff. Beck was at the studio to play with David Bowie who was doing his Hammersmith Odeon farewell concert in 1973, but he liked it so much he ended up producing and playing on the album.
"This Way Upp" was released with Beck again producing and playing guitar solos on "Dance Your Troubles Away" and "Don't Want Nothing to Change”. Recording moved from Kent to LA, and the sound to slickly conventional, string-laden disco, only nodding back to prog with propulsive, jazzy instrumental There’s Still Hope. There wasn’t, so they split.
by Nick Hasted, November 2018
Tracks
1. Never Turn My Back On You - 8:22
2. Say Goodbye - 5:09
3. Nitto - 3:53
4. Dance Your Troubles Away - 3:53
5. I Don't Want Nothing (To Change) - 3:45
6. Groovin' Mood - 3:33
7. There's Still Hope - 3:27
8. Get To The Bottom - 3:33
All compositions by Andy Clark, Stephen Amazing, James Copley
Upp
*Andy Clark - Keyboards, Vocals
*Stephen Amazing - Bass
*Jim Copley - Drums, Percussion
With
*Jeff Beck - Guitar (Track 5)
*David Bunce - Guitar
*Gary Coleman - Percussion, Vibraphone
*Tom Scott - Saxophone
*Christy Thompson, Jeanie Arnold - Backing Vocals
Related Acts
