Enigma
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“Enigma”… five talented musicians. From left to right they are: back row: Wilf Tudor (bass), Phil Bates (lead), Front: Joy Strachan, Mike Smith, Lesley Creed
Gallery |
Wilf Tudor (bass)
Phil Bates (lead) Orchard Close, Dosthill
[Also in: The Teen Beats, Quill, Kwil]
Joy Strachan
Mike Smith
Lesley Creed
12/06/72
Enigma
Susanna’s
Tamworth Herald - 17/12/71
Next year could see a major breakthrough for a Midland group – whose lead guitarist hails from Dosthill.
“Enigma” which draws its other members from the Great Barr area is set to release a first single in the New year followed by a L.P. in March.
Says 18-year-old Phil Bates of Orchard Close, Dosthill: “It is hard to describe our music because we want to appeal to a wide audience – from the old to the young.”
Basically, the group concentrates on vocal and instrumental harmony songs, both of their own composition and by other writers. London’s Morgan Studios with whom they are contracted, have high hopes for the group in a bid for the charts.
Phil, Himself, started playing guitar when eh was 11, and made his first public appearance with a group of Dosthill lads known as the “Wild Four” – later the “Teenbeats” – when he was only 12. They played the local scene for about four years with Phil on lead guitar and vocals.
After a spell with the “Source of Power” playing leading Midland ballrooms, Phil teamed up with Wolverhampton-based outfit “Jug” who made several tours of Scotland and played all over the country as semi-professionals.
A difference in musical policy led to Phil starting as a solo performer before joining “Enigma” a few months ago. This five piece includes two girl vocalists but on stage everyone takes part in solo items.
And Phil’s interest in music does not stop there for he is currently working in Birmingham for Ringway music.
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| “Enigma”… five talented musicians. From left to right they are: back row: Wilf Tudor (bass), Phil Bates (lead), Front: Joy Strachan, Mike Smith, Lesley Creed. |
Tamworth Herald – 19/05/72
Highlight of Atherstone Town Football Club’s annual supper was the appearance of the “Enigma” group – five talented artists set to release a first single later this year.
The band’s lead guitarist is Phil Bates of Orchard Close, Dosthill, and other members are: Wilf Tudor, Mike Smith, Joy Strachen and Lesley Creed.
Says 19-year-old Phil: “It is hard to describe our music because we want to appeal to a wide audience – from the old to the young.”
“Enigma” have great potential as they showed at the Atherstone event last Friday night. Their true professionalism clearly shows and their musical interpretation together with the fine guitar playing of Phil Bates will take them a long way.
All five members perform solo spots and their harmonies sometimes remind one of the “Carpenters” or “Momas and Papas.”
Although billed as a folk group, “Enigma” play a wide range of material and incorporate several of their own compositions in their act.
One such song – written by Phil Bates – is called “Season of Sunshine” and is expected to be released on a ‘B’ side of a proposed single. It is a happy and attractive song and without a doubt will sell many copies.
Phil Bates writes most of the material and is helped by Mike Smith. Phil, himself, started playing guitar when he was 11, and made his first public appearance with a group of Dosthill lads known as the ‘Wild Four’.”
After a spell with “Source of Power”, Phil teamed up with Wolverhampton-based “Jug” but split after a difference in musical policy. He joined “Enigma” a few months ago.
Several recordings are awaiting release either in single or LP form following the band’s session at the Morgan Studios, where such artists as Cat Stevens, Blue Mink, New Seekers, Kinks and Faces have recorded.
The future looks rosy for “Enigma” and at the moment several of their tapes are in America with their recording manager Monty Babson. They are turning pro in July when they will be touring this country and abroad.
A BBC recording session has been arranged for the band in June and they are returning to the Tamworth area on June 12 when they play until June 17th at Susanna’s. It would be well worth a visit to see such a talented band called “Enigma.”
The full profile and history of Enigma has yet to be added to TamworthBands.com Call back soon to read the full band details.
If you have any further information about this band please email: info@tamworthbands.com |
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