The Wolfgang Press formed in 1983. They recorded numerous albums and singles until their final album, entitled "Funky Little Demons", in 1995. The band consisted of Michael Allen on vocals, Mark Cox on guitar, and Andrew Gray on drums. They were a band that expanded the music-lover's ability to accept new ideas. What kind of music did Wolfgang Press play? That's like asking what does water smell like. You're kind of left wondering. Although Wolfgang Press' music could be classified in various ways, I believe it was rooted in funk and rythm & blues.
Prior to the band's formation in 1983, Allen and Cox were both involved with other bands and recordings. Mick Allen was a member of a band called The Models as early as 1977. This band included Marco Pirroni, Cliff Fox, Terry Day and Allen. According to an article written by AG Wappat on February 22, 1995 , I know that there was at least one "7 single released by The Models, entitled "Freeze/Man of the Year" on Step Forward Records. From The Models evolved Rema Rema, which consisted of Marco Pirroni, Michael Allen, Mark Cox, Gary Asquith and a female drummer named Max. Rema Rema disbanded before the release of the classic "Wheel of Roses" EP on 4AD.
After Rema Rema came Mass, which consisted of Cox, Allen, Gary Asquith and Danny Briottet. Mass release their first single ("You and I/Cabbage")on 4AD records in 1980. In '81, they released the unforgettable "Labour of Love" album on 4AD.
Michael Allen and Mark Cox became The Wolfgang Press. In 1983, they released their first LP entitled "The Burden of Mules" on the 4AD record label. Andrew Gray played on some of the tracks on "Burden of Mules" as well as the next two EPs ("Scarecrow" and "Water") but did not officially become a member of Wolfgang Press until the release of the "Sweatbox" EP in 1985.
So, Wolfgang Press, from 1985 thrugh 1995, consisted of Michael Allen, Mark Cox, and Andrew Gray. Now they did utlize other 4AD musicians (Richard Thomas of Dif Juz, Manuela Zwingmann of Xmal Deutschland, Steven/Martyn Young of Colourbox, etc.) on some of their works.
Another band that will not be fogotten, The Wolfgang Press. LINKS The Official 4AD Website Eyesore: 4AD Database An Official Wolfgang Press Website WOLFGANG PRESS DISCOGRAPHY 1983
The Burden of Mules LP
1984
Scarecrow EP
1985
Water EP
Sweatbox EP
The Legendary Wolfgang Press and Other Tall Stories LP
1986
Standing Up Straight LP
1987
Big Sex EP
1988
King of Soul EP
Bird Wood Cage LP
1989
Kansas EP
Raintime EP
1991
Time EP
Mama Told Me Not To Come EP
Queer LP
1992
A Girl Like You EP
1995
Funky Little Demons LP
Remixes Number One EP
Remixes Number Two EP
Christianity EP
Going South EP
Thanks goes to A.G Wappat for information on the history of The Wolfgang Press, in an article dated February 22, 1995 |
