Biography
Flash was formed in London in 1971 when ex-Peter Bardens Camel singer Colin Carter sought out ex-Yes guitarist Peter Banks with the idea of forming a new band. Ray Bennett, who had known Banks since early Yes days, heard the news via his old friend and former bandmate, Yes drummer, Bill Bruford and was quickly recruited on bass. To complete the line-up Flash drummer Mike Hough was found through an ad placed in the London weekly music paper The Melody Maker. Original Yes keyboard player Tony Kaye was a session player on the first album—FLASH, and not a member of the band as is often reported. After the first album, Flash decided to tour, and continue, as a four piece. The band was signed to Sovereign Records in London, distributed by EMI/Capitol, and managed by music publisher Ben Nisbet. Deep Purple producer Derek Lawrence guided the band through the first two albums and helped launch Flash in the USA. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_(band)
Album & Cover
Flash is the self-titled debut studio album by Flash, released in February 1972 by Sovereign Records.
The idea for this cover came from the name of the band and the not very legal act of ‘flashing’. Aubrey Powell say that the floral dress and knickers were purchased in a Marks & Spencer store, a lingerie model hired and with a wind machine the photograph was taken. The cover was a gatefold so the photograph had to work when closed and then when spread to its fullest.
Cover Location: Hipgnosis Studio, London, UK
Who Did What: Photography – A. Powell. Hand Tinting – M. Tate
Label: Sovereign SMAS 11040(US), Sovereign SVNA 7251(UK)
Source: Vinyl. Album. Cover. Art, The Complete Hipgnosis Catalogue: Aubrey Powell
Tracklist
| Side One Small Beginnings Morning Haze Children Of The Universe |
Side Two Dreams Of Heaven The Time It Takes |
Credits
Bass, Backing Vocals – Ray Bennett
Drums, Cymbal, Percussion – Mike Hough
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Synthesizer [ARP Synthesizer], Backing Vocals – Peter Banks
Lead Vocals, Percussion – Colin Carter
Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar – Ray Bennett (tracks: 2)
Organ, Piano, Synthesizer [ARP Synthesizer] – Tony Kaye
Engineer – Martin Birch
Producer – Derek Lawrence
Recorded at De Lane Lea Studios, Wembley
