Alan Tarney
An English songwriter, record producer and bass guitarist.
He migrated to Adelaide, Australia with his parents from England where he spent his teen age years.
Brother of guitarist Frank Tarney who still resides in Adelaide.
Formed several bands in Adeleiade during the sixties.
Groups include.
JOHNNY BROOME AND THE HANDELS - 1967
This group was most prominant around the Elizabeth area.
THE JAMES TAYLOR MOVE - 1967
This group could have been recognised as Adelaide’s first
super group. They were a regular fixture at Adelaides 'BIG DADDIES'
Disco.
THE WEIGHT - 1968
KEVIN PEAK TRIO - 1968 TO 1969
In 1969 he moved back to England and after forming his first band he became a session guitarist for many top acts such as Cliff Richard and Olivia Newton John.
Around this time he also joined The Shadows and was a member from 1973 to 1977.
He performed backing all three artists in the Eurovision Song Contest three years running: 1973, 1974 and 1975.
In 1976 he was one half of Tarney-Spencer Band along with Trevor Spencer.
They signed a 10-album deal with A & M Records.
Alan and Trevor gigged regularly with Cliff throught the 1970's (eg the "Cliff Live in Japan 1972" album).
Along with John Farrar, they also backed him live on Eurovision "Power to all our friends" in 1973. ( A little known fact that Alan T and John F are the only 2 Shadows to do 3 consecutive Eurovision song contests Cliff '73; Livvy '74; Shads '75)
In 1976 Alan and Trevor made the "Tarney and Spencer" album on Bradleys records and 3 singles off it. This album is largely accoustic based material a lot of which was recycled to Cliff and Leo. Later they signed to A&M; records with a 10 album contract.
In 1979 they recorded "Run for your life" album again with David Kershenbaum as producer. This last T/S band album has a much harder AOR sound with Alan on full throttle on lead guitar with plenty of blistering guitar solos.
Alan played bass guitar with The Shadows from 1973 to 1977 both in studio or live, covering 4 major albums "Rockin with curly leads"; "Specs appeal"; Live at Paris Olympia"; and "Tasty" with John Farrar. Alan played bass and piano for The Shadows during the BBC Eurovision song contest preliminary rounds and final round.
A major next big turning point was the "We dont talk anymore" session with Bruce producing which became Cliff's greatest hit of his rejuvinated career. At this point Alan replaced Bruce as Cliff's no 1 choice of producer for a while including 2 more big selling albums with Cliff "Always Guaranteed" and "Stronger" and more giant hits inc "Some people" etc.
Albums include.
Rockin with Curly Leads" - "Specs Appeal" - "Live at The Olympia" - "Tasty".
Forming "TARNEY AND SPENCER" in 1976 with their self titled album.
They recorded "Run For Your Life" album in America in 1979.
Alan came up with the song "We Don't Talk Anymore" for Cliff Richard, this was the turning point for both Alan and refreshed the career of Cliff's,if that need be.
Tarney and Spencer albums include.
LPs/cassettes/CD
1.Tarney & Spencer "Tarney & Spencer" Bradleys UK 1976 2.Tarney/Spencer Band "Threes a crowd" A&M; UK 1978
3.Tarney/Spencer Band "Run for your life" A&M; UK 1979
4.Tarney/Spencer band "Run for your life" A&M; Germany
Singles include.
I'm your man Rock n roll/Gunslinger Bradleys
If you knew/It's really you Bradleys
I can hear love (edit version)/The real thing Bradleys
Takin me back/Set the minstrel free
Easier for you/magic still runs...
It's really you/Bye bye my sweet love
No time to lose/Live again
Cathys clown/Anthing I can do
Three's a crowd flexi disc 33.3 rpm
Alan Tarney Production credits:
Charlie Dore "Where to now" LP (+B Welch prod). backing 7 tracks T/S.Band.
Barbara Dickson "The Barbara Dickson album" LP. backing by T/S Band.
Barbara Dickson "You know it's me" LP. backing by T/S Band.
Leo Sayer "Living in a fanasy" LP. backing by T/S Band.
David Cassidy "Romance" LP. backing by T/S Band.
Leo Sayer "Cool Touch" LP.
Cliff Richard "I'm no hero" LP. backing by T/S Band.
Cliff Richard "Wired for sound" LP. backing by T/S Band.
Cliff Richard "Always guaranteed" LP
Cliff Richard "Stronger" LP.
Aha "Hunting high and low" LP
Aha "Stay on these roads" LP
Aha "Scoundrell days" LP
SOME PEOPLE: 1987
WIRED FOR SOUND: 1981
DREAMIN’: 1980
A LITTLE IN LOVE: 1980
WE DON’T TALK ANYMORE: 1979
MY PRETTY ONE: 1987
Alan Tarney it could be said to have given Cliff Richard a new lift to Richard's career as did Terry Britten.
Alan Tarney is a name now known for his compositions and production which he rightly deserves all the recognition.
Alan now resides in England.
Trevor Spencer contactable via SH-Boom (studios), Tiverton Rd, Northbridge, Perth, West Australia.
All information may be obtained at the web address above if listed.
Thank you. |
