Saga (band)

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Saga is a Progressive rock quintet, formed in Canada. Bassist-keyboardist Jim Crichton (b.February 26th, 1953) and Welsh-born vocalist Michael Sadler (b. 1954) have been the principal songwriters for Saga. Ian Crichton (b. August 3rd,1956) is the band's guitarist. Apart from his work with Saga, he has recorded several solo albums as well as sessions with Asia. The band's keyboardist, Jim "Daryl" Gilmour (b. 1958), replaced Peter Rochon in 1980. After the 2003 "Marathon" tour, Steve Negus (b.February 19th, 1952) announced his retirement as Saga's original drummer. Christian Simpson, a Canadian-American, replaced Negus for 2004's "Network" album, until sidelined by a neurological condition that affected his drumming. In late 2005, former Helix member Brian Doerner became Saga's third drummer in as many years.

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History

Formerly known as Pockets, the band re-named itself to Saga in 1977. Their self-titled debut album was released in June 1978. The next two albums, Images at Twilight (1979) and Silent Knight (1980) saw the group climb in the European album charts. They opened for Styx during their tours of France and Germany. "It's Time" became their first domestic chart single, reaching the Top 10 after its release. In Canada, touring with Rush helped to promote them in their native land. In 1981, the group enlisted Rupert Hine to produce their next release, Worlds Apart, which would be their American debut release. World's Apart generated some MTV video exposure. Their best-known single, "On The Loose," became a Top-40 hit, while "Wind Him Up", a song about compulsive gambling, also received some rotation. In spite of unlikely pairings with Quiet Riot and Pat Benatar, Saga's U.S.tours as an opening act were well-received. Worlds Apart charted as a gold album within one year of its American release on Portrait, a subsidiary of Epic.

Saga's following albums failed to solidify the following developed from the earlier albums. Shifting musical tastes and the band's constant switching between labels perhaps undermining Saga's promising foothold in the U.S. Despite losing some momentum, 1983's Heads or Tales was well received by their fans. One highlight being Jim Gilmour's unique lead vocals on the concert staple, Scratching the Surface. As a single, The Flyer received modest exposure in 1984, but failed to match the popularity of On The Loose. 1985's Behaviour reflected an even more commercial direction, although the rollicking Take a Chance has remained another fan favorite well into the band's career. A Pop single, What Do I Know? fared even worse than the previous single, The Flyer. Behaviour barely dented the album charts, with the band touring the United States for the last time.

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Separation and Reunion

In 1986, Steve Negus and Jim Gilmour left Saga amicably, recording one album as the Gilmour-Negus Project (GNP). Meanwhile, Saga continued with Michael Sadler and the Crichton brothers augmented by session musicians. Their 1987 release Wildest Dreams enjoyed better distribution under new label, Atlantic Records, but it failed to match expectations. The Police- inspired single, "Only Time Will Tell," marked Saga's last appearance on American Top-40 charts. Saga refocused on their earlier European popularity starting with 1989's The Beginner's Guide to Throwing Shapes which marked a return to their earlier Progressive style. In 1993, Steve Negus and Jim Gilmour returned to Saga. The band's next album, The Security of Illusion, was well received by Saga fans in Canada and Europe. The 1994 followup, Steel Umbrellas, was considered uneven when compared to their previous release perhaps due to some of its material originally designed for the soundtrack to the short-lived television series, Cobras. However, despite lackluster album sales, Saga's 1993 and 1994 tours helped maintain some of the band's early popularity their reputation as live performers was not lost among the band's long time fans.

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Comeback

In 1995, Jim Crichton composed and produced the majority of Saga's next album, the conceptual Generation 13. Inspired by a popular political treatise by the same name, the story follows main character Jeremy's troubled search for his real father. The concept is somewhat reminiscent of the storyline in The Who's Quadrophenia. The album's heavier compositions have a sound similar to fellow Canadians, Prog legends Rush and even early Kansas. Michael Sadler's vocal performances on the more softer tracks were another album highlight. Saga's next release, Pleasure and the Pain was released on the eve of their 20th anniversary tour in 1997. The album failed to maintain the interest created by the previous release.

Their 1998 tour was captured on the next album, Detours, a double-live album released worldwide. Saga's first albums were recorded at Phase One Studios. In 1998, Jim Crichton released their 1979 sessions on the next album, Phase 1 which were produced by Paul Gross, who would go on to work with Queensr˜che. Saga's next three albums, 1999's Full Circle, 2001's House of Cards and Marathon released in 2003 have been all been popular with the band's longtime and loyal fanbase. House of Cards, in particular enjoyed renewed interest. Its acoustic-flavored single, "Money Talks" received Top 5 video airplay in Canada. All three albums have included new "chapters" representing a return to the progressive rock of the band's early days when their albums contained the orginal "chapters" themes linked from one album to the next. Saga released a new studio album, Network, in the fall of 2004. Their next album, "Trust," is due to emerge in 2006, featuring Brian Doerner as their new drummer. Doerner made his debut on a live Canadian television Broadcast in late 2005.

Even though Jim Crichton and Michael Sadler both live in Los Angeles, they have not committed Saga to any American tour dates However, in late 2005, Michael Sadler announced a limited tour on the West Coast to promote his solo album, Clear. The trek featured Ian Crichton as touring guitarist.

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Legacy and Future plans

Despite their fluctuating musical styles and limited commercial success, Saga fans have remained extremely loyal over the decades. Their unique use of keyboards often involves three members playing synthesizers onstage. The band's multi-song cycle "the Chapters" which appeared on their first four albums and were revisited on the band's newer albums starting in 1999, have been performed live throughout the band's extensive career.

Saga released their newest studio album, Trust in 2006. The album is to be supported by a world tour commencing in Germany in April.

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Discography

see here:For more detailed Saga Discography information

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Studio albums

Saga (1978)</br> Images At Twilight (1979)</br> Silent Knight (1980)</br> Worlds Apart (1981)</br> Heads or Tales (1983)</br> Behaviour (1985)</br> Wildest Dreams (1987)</br> The Beginner's Guide to Throwing Shapes (1989)</br> The Security of Illusion (1993)</br> Steel Umbrellas (1994)</br> Generation 13 (1995)</br> Pleasure & The Pain (1997)</br> Phase One (1998)</br> Full Circle (1999)</br> House of Cards (2001)</br> Marathon (2003)</br> Network (2004)</br> Trust (2006)</br>

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Live albums

In Transit - Live (1982)</br> How Do I Look (1998)</br> Detours - Live (1998)</br> The Official Bootleg (2003)</br> All Areas - Live In Bonn (2004)</br> Chapters Live (2005)</br>

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Compilations

The Works (1990)</br> All The Best (1993)</br> The Very Best Of (1994)</br> Defining Moments (1994)</br>

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External links

nl:Saga (band) sv:Saga (musikgrupp)

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