Births on January 18

Dave Greenslade, English keyboard player and composer

David John Greenslade, born on January 18, 1943, is a highly regarded English composer and keyboard player whose innovative work has spanned progressive rock, jazz fusion, and prolific television scoring. Known for his distinctive keyboard prowess, often incorporating multiple synthesizers and intricate compositions, Greenslade has left an indelible mark on the British music scene over several decades, blending complex arrangements with melodic sensibilities.

A Foundation in Progressive Rock: Colosseum and Early Collaborations

Greenslade’s extensive and influential career began significantly with the pioneering progressive rock and jazz fusion band, Colosseum. He was a foundational member from the band's inception in 1968, contributing significantly to their unique sound, which expertly blended rock energy with jazz improvisation and classical influences. His virtuoso keyboard playing, encompassing organ, Mellotron, and various synthesizers, was central to Colosseum's complex and dynamic arrangements. His tenure with Colosseum continued through various iterations until their poignant farewell concert in 2015, marking a remarkable journey of nearly five decades and cementing his legacy within the progressive rock genre. Beyond Colosseum, Greenslade also lent his talents to other notable groups, including the critically acclaimed jazz-rock outfit If and Chris Farlowe's Thunderbirds, showcasing his remarkable versatility across different musical genres and his adaptability as a session and touring musician.

The Emergence of "Greenslade": A Signature Sound

In 1973, David Greenslade channeled his creative vision into his eponymous band, Greenslade. This quartet, also rooted in progressive rock, provided a dedicated platform for his more elaborate compositional ideas and distinctive keyboard textures, often featuring a unique dual-keyboard setup with fellow keyboardist Dave Lawson. The band released several critically acclaimed albums during its initial run, including "Greenslade" (1973), "Bedside Manners Are Extra" (1973), "Spyglass Guest" (1974), and "Time and Tide" (1975), solidifying David Greenslade's reputation as a bandleader and a formidable composer in his own right, known for his atmospheric soundscapes and intricate melodic lines.

From Solo Works to Television Scores: A Prolific Composer

Greenslade's compositional output extends beyond his band work into a diverse array of solo albums and highly successful television scores. His notable solo works include the album Cactus Choir (1976), which further explored his progressive rock and jazz fusion leanings, and the ambitious The Pentateuch of the Cosmogony (1979). The latter is particularly renowned for its profound conceptual depth, based on a creation myth, and the captivating accompanying artwork by the acclaimed fantasy artist Patrick Woodroffe, creating a holistic artistic and narrative experience. Another significant release, From the Discworld (1994), marked a unique and beloved collaboration, featuring music inspired by the whimsical literary universe of fantasy author Terry Pratchett.

His significant contributions to television are equally impressive. David Greenslade became a highly sought-after composer for British television series, demonstrating his remarkable ability to craft evocative and memorable theme music and incidental scores that perfectly captured the mood of each production. His extensive portfolio includes the music for the gritty BBC series Gangsters (1975–1978), the suspenseful drama Bird of Prey (1982–1984), and the cult classic satirical comedy-drama A Very Peculiar Practice (1986). His compositions for these shows are often cited for their distinctive sound and ability to enhance the narrative.

During this period of intense television work, despite his prolific output, Greenslade "virtually vanished from sight" in terms of public performance and band activities. As famously declared by his friend and collaborator, the late author Terry Pratchett, Greenslade became "the man every TV producer in England would call when a new TV theme was needed." This highlights his quiet but immense influence behind the scenes of British television during the late 20th century, where his musical signature became synonymous with quality drama and comedy.

A Return to the Limelight: Pratchett, Colosseum, and Later Albums

David Greenslade's association with the celebrated fantasy author Terry Pratchett played a pivotal role in bringing him back into the public eye. The 1994 release of From the Discworld, an album of original music profoundly inspired by Pratchett's beloved Discworld novels, re-introduced Greenslade to a broader audience and rekindled interest in his unique musical vision. This renewed visibility coincided with the highly anticipated re-formation of Colosseum in 1994, with Greenslade once again at the keyboards, ensuring his active presence in the live music scene and studio recordings between 1994 and their final performances in 2015.

In addition to his Colosseum activities, Greenslade continued to release solo material, further enriching his diverse discography. Two more solo albums, Going South and Routes/Roots, were released in 1999 and 2011 respectively, showcasing his ongoing evolution as a composer and performer, and continuing his exploration of instrumental music that blends progressive rock, jazz, and ambient elements.

Early Life and Musical Roots

Born in Woking, Surrey, England, David Greenslade's musical inclinations were perhaps influenced by his familial background and early exposure to a rich musical environment. He is the son of Arthur Greenslade, a respected orchestral arranger whose extensive work in film, television, and popular music undoubtedly provided an early inspiration and foundational understanding of musical composition and arrangement for David.

Frequently Asked Questions About David Greenslade

Who is David Greenslade?

David John Greenslade is an acclaimed English composer and keyboard player, renowned for his extensive work in progressive rock and jazz fusion bands, as well as being a prolific composer of iconic television scores.

Which bands has David Greenslade played with?

He is most famous for his long tenure with the pioneering progressive rock and jazz fusion band Colosseum. He also led his own eponymous band, Greenslade, and contributed his talents to groups like If and Chris Farlowe's Thunderbirds.

What are some of David Greenslade's notable solo albums?

Key solo albums include Cactus Choir, the conceptual The Pentateuch of the Cosmogony (featuring art by Patrick Woodroffe), From the Discworld (inspired by Terry Pratchett's novels), Going South, and Routes/Roots.

What TV shows did David Greenslade compose music for?

His extensive television work includes creating memorable themes and scores for popular BBC series such as the crime drama Gangsters (1975–1978), the thriller Bird of Prey (1982–1984), and the satirical comedy-drama A Very Peculiar Practice (1986), among many others.

What is David Greenslade's connection to Terry Pratchett?

David Greenslade was a personal friend of the celebrated fantasy author Terry Pratchett. Their collaboration resulted in the 1994 album From the Discworld, which featured original music composed by Greenslade, profoundly inspired by Pratchett's beloved Discworld novels.