John Helliwell, English saxophonist and keyboard player

John Anthony Helliwell: The Enduring Multi-Instrumentalist and Voice of Supertramp

Born on February 15, 1945, John Anthony Helliwell is an acclaimed English musician, renowned for his pivotal role in the iconic rock band Supertramp. While primarily recognized as the band's distinctive saxophonist, his multifaceted contributions extended to occasional keyboard duties, various woodwind instruments, and providing essential background vocals. Beyond his instrumental prowess, Helliwell brought a unique theatrical element to Supertramp's live performances, famously serving as the Master of Ceremonies (MC). During concerts, he would engage the audience with witty banter and jokes between songs, fostering an intimate connection and adding a memorable, personal touch that became a signature aspect of their shows, making each performance more dynamic and engaging for fans worldwide.

Early Influences and Joining Supertramp's Legendary Line-up

Helliwell's musical journey began well before his Supertramp tenure. In January 1966, he joined The Alan Bown Set, a respected horn-driven R&B and jazz-rock outfit on the UK music scene, replacing their former saxophonist Dave Green. This early experience honed his instrumental skills and stage presence. The pivotal moment in his career arrived in 1973 when he was convinced by bassist Dougie Thomson to join Supertramp. This decision proved transformational, not just for Helliwell but for Supertramp itself. His saxophone became an indelible part of their progressive rock sound, contributing iconic solos and melodic lines that helped define hits and propel the band to international fame with albums like "Crime of the Century" and "Breakfast in America," where his saxophone solos are instantly recognizable.

A Versatile Collaborator and Solo Artist

High-Profile Session Work and Diverse Collaborations

John Helliwell's talent extended beyond Supertramp, leading to a rich history of collaborations with other celebrated artists. In 1987, he lent his distinctive saxophone to Pink Floyd's critically acclaimed album, "A Momentary Lapse of Reason," which marked a significant comeback for the legendary progressive rock band. Interestingly, his name was misspelled as "Halliwell" on the album credits. This collaboration perhaps reciprocated an earlier musical exchange, as Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour had previously lent his talents to Roger Hodgson's 1987 solo album "Hai Hai," performing on the track "Brother Where You Bound" – Roger Hodgson being a co-founder and former lead singer of Supertramp, though this was a solo effort. Helliwell's versatility also saw him contribute to French music, playing on Jean-Jacques Goldman's highly successful 1985 album "Positif," showcasing his adaptability to pop sensibilities. Further demonstrating his broad musical palette, he contributed clarinet work to Sara Hickman's 1990 album "Shortstop." In more recent times, Helliwell continued his collaborative efforts, providing saxophone for the Simon Apple album "River to the Sea" in 2004 and contributing clarinet to "Fend For Yourself," a track from The Pineapple Thief's 2016 progressive rock album "Your Wilderness," underscoring his enduring relevance and ability to adapt to contemporary sounds.

Crème Anglaise: A New Musical Chapter

In 2004, Helliwell embarked on a new musical venture, forming the band Crème Anglaise with fellow musician Mark Hart. Hart, a talented guitarist and keyboardist, had joined Supertramp in 1985, creating a natural musical synergy between the two. This collaboration allowed them to explore new creative avenues, leading to the recording of their eponymous debut album in 2005, which presented a fresh perspective on their collective musical experiences.

Academic Pursuits During a Professional Interlude

During a period of reduced Supertramp activity in the 1990s, John Helliwell demonstrated his commitment to continuous learning and musical growth by enrolling in the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester to pursue a music degree. This academic pursuit showcased his dedication to formal musical education. However, his studies were temporarily put on hold when Supertramp reformed for a tour to support their 1997 album "Some Things Never Change," highlighting his unwavering loyalty and commitment to his primary band.

The Super Big Tramp Band: Reimagining Supertramp in Jazz

A testament to his innovative spirit, Helliwell fronts the Super Big Tramp Band, a unique project that reinterprets Supertramp's classic repertoire through the lens of a jazz big band. This ensemble features a full complement of trumpets, trombones, saxophones, and a dynamic rhythm section. The band delivers instrumental versions of Supertramp's iconic tunes, meticulously arranged by its talented members, with Helliwell taking center stage as the chief soloist. This project allows him to explore the melodic and harmonic complexities of Supertramp's music in a fresh, improvisational jazz context, appealing to both longtime fans and jazz enthusiasts. The Super Big Tramp Band debuted in Manchester in June 2013, and their performances have since gained recognition, including a notable appearance at the Manchester Jazz Festival in May 2019, with subsequent engagements planned in cities like Hull and Hamburg later that year.

Ever Open Door: A Melodic Solo Offering

In October 2020, John Helliwell further showcased his artistic breadth with the release of "Ever Open Door," a captivating CD album of ballads. This solo offering features Helliwell's lyrical saxophone and clarinet work at its core, beautifully complemented by the rich textures of a string quartet and the soulful warmth of a Hammond organ. The album provides a more intimate and reflective side of his musical persona, highlighting his mastery of melody and his ability to convey deep emotion through instrumental storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions About John Anthony Helliwell

Who is John Anthony Helliwell?
John Anthony Helliwell, born February 15, 1945, is an acclaimed English musician, best known as the iconic saxophonist, keyboardist, woodwind player, and background vocalist for the legendary rock band Supertramp. He was also instrumental in engaging audiences as the band's on-stage MC.
What instruments does John Helliwell play?
Helliwell is primarily recognized for his saxophone work, but his versatility extends to keyboards, various woodwind instruments (including clarinet), and background vocals.
Was John Helliwell an MC for Supertramp?
Yes, he famously served as the Master of Ceremonies (MC) during Supertramp's concerts, entertaining the audience with jokes and banter between songs, adding a unique and engaging dimension to their live shows.
What is the Super Big Tramp Band?
The Super Big Tramp Band is John Helliwell's jazz big band project, which features a full horn section and rhythm section. They perform instrumental, jazz-infused versions of classic Supertramp songs, with Helliwell often taking the lead as chief soloist.
What is John Helliwell's most recent solo album?
His most recent solo album, "Ever Open Door," was released in October 2020. It features a collection of ballads with Helliwell on saxophone and clarinet, accompanied by a string quartet and Hammond organ.

John Anthony Helliwell's illustrious career exemplifies a remarkable blend of versatility, collaborative spirit, and enduring musical passion, leaving an indelible mark on rock history while continuously exploring and enriching new sonic landscapes.