Description
When you contact this Artist please tell them you found them on South Yorkshire Entertainment .com
The first recording venture with the current set up was as TRIBUTE with their release of a 14 track CD “…and now for something completely different”. The collection of songs shows their talents off and covers a considerable spectrum of music.
Having played in this format for some time and gigs for Hard Rock Café, Leeds and Nottingham, opening night for West Street Live in Sheffield music venue as well as The Boardwalk, supporting The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. Given the success of the latter gig a second slot with them was arranged in December 2008. They discussed a name change and eventually came up with MANTRA. Given the rise in popularity of tribute bands etc Martin and Paul thought it wise to make a clear statement that paying homage was a good thing but they wanted to distinguish a clear difference in what they were doing. Currently Martin and Paul are working on new interpretations of songs from the likes of Black Sabbath, Gnarls Barkley, Hot Chocolate, Motorhead to name but a few. A fairly eclectic range heavily stylised to give them a new feel in the style of Radio 1s Live Lounge broadcasts. These are
proving very popular with a release of a 2nd Live Lounge album. The title for the new MANTRA CD is 'Standing Room Only' and will be available at gigs from 2008.
Martin Dawson
Vocals, Lead Electric & Acoustic Guitars, (Bass Guitar & Drum Sampling Demo)
Classically trained Sheffield born lead guitarist Martin has worked with various bands over the last 25 years. For several years Martin was a member of rock band Deeta in partnership with his brother who played rhythm guitar and keyboards in the group. MANTRA co-founder Paul joining the Deeta in 82 and the band played many venues locally and a stint abroad in 84. After Deetas break up in 86, Martin and Paul formed another band but after one year of writing/rehearsal and one gig the band broke up.
Martin Played with band 'USA' performing cover numbers for 2 years on the club circuit but grew tired of performing straight copies of songs as he didn't feel this stretched his performing to a level he desired. After another short venture with Paul and Martin's Brother Gary in 1989, Martin made the decision to move on and try pastures new. A stint with southern-based group 'December Rose' ensued, with keyboard player Verdan Allen a former member of 70's legendary band Mott the Hoople.
In 1991 began writing with keyboard player Mathew Moody and tried for a publishing deal by writing songs for other artists, some of these were subsequently accepted. Working with home based computer software the resulting musical experiment progressed into a full-blown working venture. Computer artist and midi programmer Paul Balfour completed the line up, calling themselves Dawson Moody Project.
Three albums were produced and the projects style was technical in the main focused on the instruments played, influences ranged from dance, rock and even classical. An approach was made to provide a track for a worldwide selling compilation album, which was backed by former 'Yes' keyboard legend Rick Wakeman. Following on from this DMP did the opening gig at Rotherham's Classic Rock Society's 'UK Spring Prog' Rock Festival' alongside several UK and International bands, notably Marillion front man Fish who headlined the show.
Coinciding with the second album the project performed at the Classic Rock Society's 2nd festival. Included in the list were Mexican band 'Cast' and cult band 'The Enid'. Interest was generated from radio, television and film companies.
Martin traced his old friend and former band mate Paul Clark, and after finding that the old magic was still there muted at another musical enterprise together. Due to domestic commitments and similar circumstances this seemed the way to go, the outline was to play unplugged style and with emphasise on having fun as an acoustic set up.
Paul Clark:
Vocals, Rhythm Acoustic Guitars
Started playing guitar at 17 and in 1982 joined Martin in 'Deeta' playing original music in venues in Sheffield and the local area. Completed several demos and a single for the Band Aid charity and as a result met Sir Bob Geldof during their efforts to promote it. Sessions on Radio Hallam were recorded and the band undertook a short tour in Germany in 1985 but disbanded over musical differences in 86.
|
Sheffield Time
