Brand X – Unorthodox Behaviour(1976)

Biography
Brand X is a jazz fusion band, originally active between 1975–1980 and 1992–1999. Noted members included John Goodsall (guitar), Percy Jones (bass), Robin Lumley (keyboards), Kenwood Dennard (drums) and Phil Collins (drums). Goodsall and Jones were the sole constant members throughout the band’s existence. In 2016, Goodsall, Jones and Dennard reunited with new musicians Chris Clark on keyboards and Scott Weinberger on percussion. Genesis drummer Phil Collins replaced Spinelli and in early 1976 Unorthodox Behaviour was released to coincide with an extensive UK tour. Collins had previously taken over lead vocals from Peter Gabriel in Genesis starting with the 1976 album A Trick of the Tail. Due to Genesis schedules conflicting with those of Brand X, Collins would depart the band on several occasions, before departing permanently in 1979. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brand_X

Album & Cover
Unorthodox Behaviour is the first album by British jazz fusion group Brand X. It peaked at 191 on the Billboard 200 in 1976, the same year it was released. This album combines jazz fusion with progressive rock, influenced by their drummer Phil Collins of Genesis. It shows extensive use of improvisation in the extended pieces, which is common in both genres of music. The melody is mainly supported by guitar and bass, most notably on the opening track. Collins’ drum work is very fast shows a difference in his style from his main band. Tracks like “Nuclear Burn” and “Smacks of Euphoric Hysteria” are often cited as a showcase for his drum work. The original edition of the LP excluded the names of the band members, hence the name Brand X. It was not until their second album, Moroccan Roll in 1977, that the band’s members, instruments, and other credits were included. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unorthodox_Behaviour

This cover image was a Peter Christopherson concept, he was as Aubrey Powell says an expert in unorthodox behaviour and this cover shows him at his best. The lighting makes the shadowy world where no one is safe from prying eyes. The individual behind the blind is none other than Storm Thorgerson…

Cover Location: Hipgnosis Studio, London, UK
Who Did What: Photography – A. Powell
Label: Passport PPSD-98019(US), Charisma CAS1117(UK)
Source: Vinyl. Album. Cover. Art, The Complete Hipgnosis Catalogue: Aubrey Powell

Tracklist

Credits
Bass – Percy Jones
Composed By – Goodsall, Jones, Collins, Lumley
Engineer, Mixed By – Dennis Mackay
Guitar – John Goodsall
Keyboards – Robin Lumley
Mixed By – Robin Lumley
Percussion – Philip Collins
Producer – Brand X , Dennis Mackay