About Me
The groundbreaking British progressive rock band featuring original members Sonja Kristina on vocals, Francis Monkman on keyboards and guitar, Darryl Way on electric violin and vocals, Florian Pilkington-Miksa on drums, and Rob Martin on bass. The band was a unique and powerful combination of a remarkable female vocalist and virtuoso musicians. Each member was an innovative artist who inspired a generation with their renowned live performances. Early in 1968, drummer Florian Pilkington-Miksa and bassist friend Rob Martin were introduced to guitarist and keyboard virtuoso Francis Monkman, who was studying at the Royal Academy of Music. The trio jammed together and played cover tunes at local parties.Soon afterwards, Francis met Royal College of Music student Darryl Way in a London music shop. Recognizing a kindred musical spirit, Darryl introduced Francis to a pianist friend named Nick Simon, and along with Florian and Rob, the band Sisyphus was formed. Shortly thereafter Simon left, and Francis began doubling on keyboards and guitar. The group decided a new name was in order and Francis suggested using a shortened version of Terry Riley's composition "A Rainbow in Curved Air."That same year, folksinger Sonja Kristina was performing in the London production of "Hair." The producer, Galt McDermott, had a second play, "Who the Murderer Was," running concurrently in Notting Hill Gate. The pit band for "Murderer..." was Curved Air. It was suggested that Sonja audition as the new singer for the band. The sound came together quickly, and the new group soon became the first British band signed by Warner Brothers.Their inaugural album, "Airconditioning," was the first rock picture disc, and included the single "It Happened Today," and the live favorite "Vivaldi." An intriguing blend of electronics, progressive rock, acoustic folk, classical flourishes, and a bit of jazz fusion, the album reached number 8 in the British charts.The personnel changes that were to plague the band began in April of 1970, as Rob Martin left and was replaced by Ian Eyre. Between concert tours, the new lineup recorded the "Second Album." This record included their only Top 5 hit, "Back Street Luv." Ian Eyre soon departed and was replaced by Mike Wedgwood. Their next single, "Sarah's Concern," while a worthy effort, made little impact. "Phantasmagoria," their third successive Top 20 album, was released in the spring of 1972. Unfortunately, following tours of the UK and USA, the band fell apart, citing the usual "musical differences and personality clashes." Only Sonja and Mike remained to rebuild the band.Teenage prodigies Kirby Gregory and Eddie Jobson along with drummer Jim Russell were recruited and the "Air Cut" album was released in 1973. However, this version of the band lasted only a few months. The original band members, along with new American bassist Phil Kohn, temporarily reunited for a UK tour in December, 1974. The tour yielded a lovely souvenir — the critically acclaimed Curved Air "Live" album. Sonja and Darryl decided to soldier on and brought in guitarist Mick Jacques, drummer Stewart Copeland and bassist Tony Reeves. This quintet was on the road almost continuously throughout 1975 and 1976, but found time to produce the final two Curved Air studio albums, "Midnight Wire" and "Airborne."Curved Air regrouped occasionally in the 80's and 90's — the last such reunion resulted in the recently released CD, "Alive, 1990."Curved Air were a truly unique band which synthesized an eclectic blend of musical styles into an instantly identifiable sound. Those who were there in person to witness the violin pyrotechnics of Darryl Way, the soaring guitar and virtuosic keyboards of Francis Monkman, the nimble percussion of Florian Pilkington-Miksa, and the sultry, silken vocals of Sonja Kristina are fortunate, indeed. by Richard Wynne
