Armada - Beyond The Morning (Unreleased Recordings 1972-1974) (2011)

· 72 mins worth of prime prog jazz rock all previously unreleased.

Armada were led by legendary jazz multi instrumentalist Sammy Rimington. Today known as one of the great New Orleans jazz style Clarinettists.

Original material written by Sammy and wife Nina was recorded at RG Jones studio through 1972,1973 and 1974. However, despite a follow up deal with the MAM label only two singles were released, and both of those newly recorded pop songs which bore little relation to the parent group. Thus all original session tapes have remained on the shelf until now.

The concept was progressive music under the influence of King Crimson, early Genesis, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Zappa and jazz. They mixed jazz with classical music stylings such as those of Villa Lobos.

Armada played regularly at the Marquee and Lyceum in London, toured with Wishbone Ash and Rare Bird, and were written about in Melody Maker.

Early live band members later joined Roxy Music, Curved Air and included Elmer Gantry. Sammy's band members on the recordings included bassist Brian Stanley later to back many from the Beach Boys to the Waterboys , and vocalist Terry Cooke of The Monks Nice Legs... fame.