A Breath of Fresh Air - warm, classic, rock interviews with musical legends from the 60s, 70s, 80s

Ever wondered what Foreigner's biggest hit was? Or why they were called Foreigner in the first place? Maybe you'd like to know if there are any original members left and what happened to their lead singer?

Did you see the band finally being inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame?

All of these questions and more answered this week as Foreigner co-founder Al Greenwood joins us for a chat.

Al is best known as the keyboardist of the iconic rock band Foreigner, formed in 1976 alongside Mick Jones, Lou Gramm, Ian McDonald, Ed Gagliardi, and Dennis Elliott.

His classical training and experience in jazz and progressive rock were essential in crafting the band's sound, which blended hard rock with sophisticated keyboard arrangements.

During his time with Foreigner, Al contributed to the band's first three multi-platinum albums: "Foreigner" (1977), "Double Vision" (1978), and "Head Games" (1979).

He co-wrote several of the band's hit songs, including the classic tracks "Cold As Ice" and "Blue Morning, Blue Day."

After parting ways with Foreigner in 1980, Al didn't step away from the music scene. He went on to co-found the band Spys in 1981, a group known for their blend of rock, pop, and new wave influences. With Spys, Al continued to showcase his skills as a songwriter and keyboardist, releasing two albums that received critical acclaim for their innovative sound. Beyond his work with that band, he became a sought-after session musician, arranger, and producer, contributing to various artists across different genres.

Al's work in the music industry also expanded into composing for film and television, where his versatility allowed him to create scores that resonated with a wide audience.

His legacy with Foreigner, combined with his later projects, has cemented his reputation as a pioneering figure in rock music, particularly in integrating synthesizers into the genre.

Today he plays with the 'new' Foreigner with singer Kelly Hansen out front. He says they're an act to behold.

Al also tells us that the biggest thrill of his life has been the original band's induction into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame very recently and although it's long overdue, he's incredibly proud to have finally been recognised for the contribution that Foreigner made to the rock sound of the '70s.

I hope you'll enjoy my chat with Al as he unravels much abut one of our best loved band's history.

Chris White is a highly respected British saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his significant contributions to Dire Straits during the band's most commercially successful era.

Born in Bristol, England, Chris's musical journey began at a young age, with a deep appreciation for jazz and blues music.

Inspired by saxophone legends like John Coltrane and Charlie Parker, he honed his craft throughout the '70s and early '80s, becoming a sought-after session musician for both jazz and pop artists. His skill on the saxophone, combined with his ability to play multiple instruments, set him apart in the competitive world of session work.

Chris White's big break came in '85 when he was invited to join Dire Straits, one of the world's most popular rock bands at the time.

He joined the band for the "Brothers in Arms" world tour, a monumental event in rock history that spanned over two years and played to millions of fans across the globe. The tour, which supported the Brothers in Arms album, featured White’s distinctive saxophone playing, adding a rich new layer to Dire Straits’ signature sound.

His solo on "Your Latest Trick" became a fan favourite, showcasing his ability to blend rock with jazz influences seamlessly. The Brothers in Arms album itself went on to sell over 30 million copies, becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time, and Chris's contributions were central to its success.

In '91, Chris White was a key figure on Dire Straits' final studio album, On Every Street. His multi-instrumental talents were fully utilised, as he played saxophone, flute, and provided backing vocals, further solidifying his place within the band's sound. The subsequent world tour, supporting On Every Street, once again saw him playing a pivotal role in live performances, where his versatility and dynamic stage presence shone.

Despite Dire Straits disbanding in '95, Chris's time with the band left an indelible mark on the music world, and he remains closely associated with their enduring legacy.

Beyond his work with Dire Straits, Chris White has built an impressive career as a session and touring musician, working with some of the biggest names in the industry.

He collaborated frequently with former Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler, contributing to Knopfler's solo projects and tours. White’s versatility allowed him to work across various musical genres, and he performed with a wide range of artists, including Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Joe Cocker, and Robbie Williams.

His ability to adapt to different styles and his reputation as a reliable, talented musician kept him in high demand in the post-Dire Straits years.

In addition to performing, Chris White ventured into music production, arrangement, and composition, expanding his influence beyond the stage. He contributed to several film soundtracks and was a member of multiple bands, showcasing his musical diversity. His career has spanned decades, and his contributions to rock, jazz, and pop music have solidified his place among the greats.

Chris White’s legacy is inseparably linked to his time with Dire Straits, where his saxophone work helped define some of the band’s most iconic sounds. His distinctive style, blending rock, jazz, and pop influences, made him a standout musician, and his career has continued to flourish long after his time with Dire Straits.

Today Chris leads a band called The Dire Straits Experience, which he co-founded to keep the spirit of Dire Straits' music alive. The band brings together world-class musicians to perform classic Dire Straits songs like "Sultans of Swing," "Romeo and Juliet," "Money for Nothing," and, of course, "Your Latest Trick."

The band tours globally, celebrating the legacy of one of rock’s most enduring groups.

Chris White joins us today to share the story of his incredible rise to fame.

Spencer Davis was a British rock musician and bandleader who became a major figure in the 1960s British Invasion, most notably as the founder of The Spencer Davis Group.

Born in Swansea, Wales, Davis began his musical journey at a young age, inspired by American blues, jazz, and skiffle music. After moving to Birmingham to attend university, Davis immersed himself in the city's burgeoning music scene, forming the Rhythm and Blues Quartet in 1963, which quickly evolved into The Spencer Davis Group.

The band’s classic lineup—featuring Spencer Davis on guitar and vocals, Steve Winwood on keyboards and vocals, Muff Winwood on bass, and Pete York on drums—created a distinctive blend of R&B, blues, and rock. With Steve Winwood’s soulful voice at the forefront, the band quickly found success with chart-topping hits like "Keep On Running," "Somebody Help Me," "Gimme Some Lovin'," and "I'm a Man." These tracks became iconic anthems of the era, solidifying their place in British rock history.

The Spencer Davis Group was known for its energetic performances and blues-driven sound, and their influence extended across the Atlantic, helping to shape the sound of the British Invasion in the U.S. Davis's keen eye for talent was evident in his discovery of Steve Winwood, whose vocals and keyboard skills were integral to the group's success. While Steve Winwood's presence made the band famous, Davis was the guiding force, handling the management and direction of the group.

When Winwood left in 1967 to form Traffic, The Spencer Davis Group underwent changes but continued to release music. Though the post-Winwood years didn't achieve the same level of success, Davis remained an active and passionate musician. He relocated to the U.S. in the late 1970s and became involved in various music projects, including collaborations with other musicians and solo work. He also became an advocate for preserving the legacy of 1960s rock music.

Spencer Davis’s contributions to rock extended beyond just his band’s success. He played a crucial role in bringing American blues and R&B influences into the British mainstream, helping shape the direction of rock music in the 1960s. His ability to bridge these genres created a lasting impact on both sides of the Atlantic.

Davis continued performing well into his later years, touring and reuniting with various iterations of The Spencer Davis Group. His career, spanning over six decades, is a testament to his enduring passion for music. Spencer Davis passed away in 2020 at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of musicians.

His influence on rock music, particularly the fusion of blues and rock, remains a cornerstone of his legacy. As the leader of one of the British Invasion’s most iconic bands, Spencer Davis helped to define the sound of an era, and his contributions to music continue to resonate today.

This week we're joined by Spencer's friend and bandmate, Ed Tree who is a highly respected American guitarist, producer, and songwriter known for his versatile work across genres like rock, Americana, country, and blues.

He gained widespread recognition for his collaboration with British rock icon Spencer Davis, performing as Davis’s guitarist and musical partner for many years. Tree’s exceptional guitar skills and keen musical sensibilities made him an integral part of Davis’s live performances, adding depth to the iconic sound of The Spencer Davis Group in its later iterations.

Beyond his work with Spencer, Ed Tree has enjoyed a rich career as a session musician, playing with renowned artists such as Rita Coolidge, Juice Newton, and Al Stewart. He has also produced numerous albums, further solidifying his reputation in the music industry. As a songwriter, Tree has contributed to a wide array of projects, showcasing his talent for crafting songs that resonate across multiple genres.

Ed honours his friend Spencer by sharing his story with us.