The Tandy Morgan band was born out of a friendship that goes back to the 1960's in Birmingham. In those days there were many groups starting up, and the musicians all sort of knew each other. I can't remember exactly when I first met Dave, maybe it was at the famous "Alex's" pie stand, but we've known each other since then.

The first group we played in together was the Ugly's, with Steve Gibbons as front man (which went on to form the basis of "Balls" with Trevor Burton). Some musicians at that time, inspired by the Beatles no doubt, tried to write songs, and it was clear that Dave was particularly talented.

The advent of a tape-recorder (from B&O.) on which it was possible to do simple multi-tracking, enabled musicians to record their tunes at home, and to learn about production. At around that time, Carl Wayne and Trevor Burton, from the Move, we're doing some recording at Johnnie Hayne's studio, and Dave and I went along to join in.

The sessions were great fun (Keith Smart was on the drums), and we recorded many tunes, including five or six of Dave's and two of mine. This led to Dave's song "Something" being on the B-side of "Blackberry Way", and also to the formation of "Balls" a little later.

It was in vogue at this time to form a group and move to a cottage in the country, (Traffic, Spooky Tooth) and this was the idea for "Balls". It didn't go to plan, and after that we didn't see so much of each other for a few years. I joined E.L.O. and started travelling a lot, but kept in touch with Dave, and heard his latest songs when I was back in Birmingham.

One day in the late 70's he played me a collection of songs that he'd recorded on a 4-track Teac in his front room. I was astounded. This was "Earthrise". Dave did not have a recording deal at that time and so, like many of Dave's songs, I knew that not many people would get to hear these great songs.

I had moved to Los Angeles by now, and was living just a television's throw from the Hyatt on Sunset boulevard. I met a guy in the record business, named Brian Leahy, and when I played him a tape of "Earthrise" he liked it and agreed to finance the recording of an album.

The album was recorded mainly at Ridge Farm studios in England, with Steve Lipson as engineer\ mentor. Also this was the first time I met Jim Simpson, the drummer I now work with in Trevor's band, as Jim played drums on most of the tracks. Many of Dave's original 4- track recordings were used, as the "feel" on them was so good, and working with Steve in a top class studio was a great experience.

The record was released, with not much publicity, but at least it was out there. I had by now moved back to England, and Dave and I continued working together, mainly recording Dave's songs in his front room. Another friend was now helping us; Martin Smith worked with Brian and played a few notes on "Earthrise". Martin is a fine guitar player who also played bass on E.L.O.'s gigs in 1986. He brought a harder edge to the sound, and together we recorded over 20 new songs.

By now CD technology was with us and Dave decided to make his own CD. 500 copies were pressed and it was called "The B.C. Collection". It was sold through the E.L.O. fan magazine called "Face the Music", and there are a few copies left......

Richard Tandy 25/08/96