Jadis
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Jadis is a U.K. neo-progressive rock group. They play guitar-driven rock with the use of synthesizers to add depth and atmosphere, and an emphasis on melody. They are currently signed to InsideOut Music.
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[edit] Etymology
The word Jadis comes from French. It means "yesteryear" in that language. An alternate translation is, "bygone." Please refer to the medieval poem by French poet Francois Villon, the Ballade des Dames du Temps Jadis, or the Ballad of the Ladies of Bygone Times, whose most famous refrain is, "But where are the Women of Yesteryear?" This poem mentions famous women (real and fictional) of history and literature such as Beatrice, Joan of Arc, etc.. It is the most famous of the poems written by Francois Villon, who---for all his fame---died in obscurity.
[edit] History
Jadis was formed in the 1980s and released their first album, More Than Meets the Eye, in 1992. They are led by Gary Chandler (vocals, electric guitar), although generally the whole group is given songwriting credit.
Other original members of the band were Trev Dawkins (bass) and Pete Salmon (keyboards).
The band was originally based in Milton Keynes before moving to London.
Later members were Martin Orford (keyboards), John Jowitt (bass) and Steve Christey (drums). Orford and Jowitt are also members of IQ.
In the late 1990s, Orford and Jowitt left the band for a while and were replaced by Mike Torr (keyboards) and Steve Hunt (bass), but they returned for 2000's Understand. Shortly after completing their album Photoplay in early 2006, Orford left the band for a second time due to musical differences. He was replaced with Giulio Risi, who is not a full member, but joins the band on a session basis. In late 2006, Jowitt also left the band again, and was replaced with session player Andy Marlow for some live gigs. Since that year, the band has also featured Steve Thorne on 2nd guitar.
[edit] Discography
- More Than Meets the Eye (album) (1992)
- Once Upon a Time (Jadis E.P.) (1993)
- Across the Water (1994)
- Once or Twice (album) (6)
- Somersault (1997)
- As Daylight Fades (1998) (live)
- Understand (2000)
- Medium Rare (2001) (compilation of two earlier EPs, Once Upon a Time and Once or Twice, plus some additional tracks)
- Alive Outside (2001) (live)
- Fanatic (2003)
- Photoplay (2006)
