|
Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZSAILORKeyboard-based pop quartet formed '74 by guitarist-vocalist Georg Kajanus (real name Georg Hultgren), former member of Australian folk-rockers Eclection, whose eponymous Elektra LP '68 incl. vocalist Kerrilee Male, guitarist Trevor Lucas (later with Fairport Convention). Kajanus recruited Phil Pickett initially for guitar-keyboard duo, but acquired Henry Marsh (keyboards), Grant Serpell (drums) for an unusual group with no bass or electric guitar (Kajanus played acoustic). Sailor '74 was a concept LP based on the seafarer's life, flopped in UK but did well in Europe, as did single "Traffic Jam'. Stage act featured nickelodeon, double keyboard like two pianos back-to-back, with red-light district backdrop, lamp post on street corner; songs often accordion-led, high on nostalgia ("Josephine Baker'). Trouble '75 was more lively, with Kajanus affecting a Brian Ferry drawl. "Glass Of Champagne' was no. 2 single UK, "Girls Girls Girls' no. 7 '76. The Third Step, Checkpoint, Greatest Hits '76-8 sold well, with one more top 40 hit in "One Drink Too Many' '77; but punk boom hurt UK success and Kajanus left. Marsh and Pickett carried on as Sailor with Dressed To Drown '81 before splitting. Pickett resurfaced as keyboardist/songwriter with Culture Club (co-wrote megahit "Karma Chameleon' '83); Kajanus formed duo Data with Frankie Boulter with less success. |