Taken from the forthcoming brand new album 'Blue Crystal', released via Wienerworld on 10th September 2021. 'Faith' by Al Ross & The Planets was recorded at Abbey Road Studios.

Al Ross: "We are huge fans of The Beatles and Roxy Music so they were a definite influence. We also admire the Stanley Getz/Charlie Byrd album 'Jazz Samba' and were keen to introduce jazz elements into our repertoire, hence the use of saxophone and double bass."

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Faith (Radio Edit)

Recorded at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios, Blue Crystal is augmented by a stellar array of session players, including guitarist Norman Beaker (Jack Bruce, Chris Farlowe, Van Morrison) and keyboardist Lyndon Connah (Level 42, George Michael, Joe Cocker)

When the band entered the world famous Abbey Road Studios to commence recording in January 2020, they never guessed that a pandemic was about to turn their plans upside down. The virus would soon sideline members, travel around London became forbidden, and – when sessions did finally resume in May – there was a long list of safety measures.

As band members became unable to take part, Ross realised that he would need to hire session players to fill the gaps. He asked his long-time friend Lyndon Connah to play keyboards and assist with production. Connah’s extensive resume includes work with Level 42, George Michael, Squeeze, Joe Cocker, Thomas Dolby, Nik Kershaw and Go West. Next, Wienerworld’s Anthony Broza suggested blues guitarist Norman Beaker. A native of Manchester, Beaker has been involved with the British blues scene since the 1960s and has toured and/or recorded with Jack Bruce, Chris Farlowe, Van Morrison, Chuck Berry and B.B. King among many others.

The wide array of talent involved in the collaboration yielded spectacular results. The warm and lustrous ‘Faith’ is a radio-friendly standout; a love song caressed by piano and light samba rhythms. ‘All The Things We Started’ shares a similar glow, featuring a soaring, emotive vocal by Ross. ‘Crossroads’ and ‘In The Middle Of The Night’ venture into gospel territory, slowly building in intensity in a manner that recalls vintage sides on Apple Records, as well as more current artists like Primal Scream and Spiritualized. ‘Sweet Memories Of You’ has echoes of Pink Floyd. ‘Blue Crystal’ is another slow build with a melody worthy of Noel Gallagher. And finally, ‘Something Changed My Mind’ says farewell to a lover as the Hammond organ adds charms to an up-tempo country stroll.

“Facing huge obstacles in a horrendous year – with two members getting Covid – we managed to produce a truly great album,” said Ross. “It was a great way to pass the hours rather than staying at home feeling depressed! We were able to create something positive out of 2020.”

Sweet Memories Of You

Checkin' Out The Vibe

All The Things We Started

In The Middle Of The Night

Blue Crystal

Faith

Something Changed My Mind

Crossroads

New album 'Blue Crystal' out now via Wienerworld!

Al Ross & The Planets are a London-based rock band. Their biggest influences are The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Band and Led Zeppelin.

In the early 90s, Al Ross & The Planets were one of the most popular live bands in London. Laura Lee Davies (Time Out Magazine Music critic) claimed that seeing a live Planets gig was “one of the best nights out in London”.

In 2018, the band got back together to record a number of their original songs at Abbey Road Studios, and to start performing again at venues across the UK. Their debut album 'The Planets One' was released to critical acclaim. Just some of the reviews:

“The Planets One is fantastic” – Janice Long – BBC Radio

“I cannot believe this is a debut album – it is that good. If you love good music, then I can highly recommend this album” – Chris Hawkins – BBC 6Music

“Really nice album – some great tracks recorded at Studio 2 Abbey Road” – Barry James - DJ Radio Caroline

“New album is great…Excellent music…brilliant…love it!” – Geoff Dorset – Express FM Portsmouth

In January 2020, the band returned to Abbey Road to record a new batch of songs. Halfway through recording, COVID19 struck and despite the many obstacles, new album 'Blue Crystal' is out on 10th September 2021!

Al Ross & The Planets

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