Mandrake Paddle Steamer - Mandrake Paddle Steamer 1971

Comprising Brian Engel (vocals), Martin Briley (b. London, England; guitar/vocals), Barry Nightingale (drums), Martin Hooker (keyboards) and Paul Riordan (bass/vocals), Mandrake Paddle Steamer were responsible for recording one of the most cherished singles of the psychedelic era - ‘Strange Walking Man’. Subsequently reissued by Bam Caruso in 1988, the song’s popularity has continued to revive interest in the band, and was eventually featured on a compilation CD issued by Forgotten Jewels Records in 1991. Unfortunately, Mandrake Paddle Steamer never received a similar level of acclaim in their era, and issued only one further single, ‘Sunlight Glide’, which was released on Parlophone Records in 1969 but only for the Swedish market. Engel left in August 1970, leaving Riordan and Briley to take over on vocals. David Potts subsequently replaced Nightingale on drums as the band shortened their name to Mandrake, but the departure of Briley hastened their demise. Engel and Briley joined up again in the less celebrated Prowler and Liverpool Echo, the latter recording a single and an unreleased album, Liverpool Echo, for Spark Records in 1973. Briley then went on to play with Greenslade and enjoy a minor hit with the solo ‘Salt In My Tears’, before establishing himself as an in-demand session player and songwriter. Engel recorded two albums with Limey before joining the New Seekers. AMG.

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