Judd Lander
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Vocals
- harmonica
Judd Lander | |
|---|---|
 Judd takes the puppet out for a day in the park. | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 1 March 1948 Liverpool, England |
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 1960s–present |
| Formerly of | The Hideaways |
Judd Lander (born 1 March 1948)[1] is an English harmonicist. Originally from Liverpool, Lander was previously a member of the band the Hideaways. He has experienced success as a prolific session musician, record industry executive, and company director.
Lander has played on hits such as Culture Club's "Karma Chameleon"[2] as well as "Church of the Poison Mind" and the Spice Girls' hit "Say You'll Be There".[3] He has played with many musicians including Paul McCartney, Annie Lennox,[4] ABC[5] and Madness.[6]
Lander was an intricate part of the late Mersey Beat scene, playing with well-known local band the Hideaways. The band were one of the first R&B groups in Liverpool and to this day hold the record for the most performances in the Cavern's history, surpassing the Beatles. In the mid-1960s Lander kindled a relationship with Sonny Boy Williamson II (Aleck Ford 'Rice' Miller) who taught him the intricacies of the Blues Harmonica.[7] Lander's playing technique became much in demand and his enthusiasm for the music industry led him to record label Charisma Records, whilst still retaining his status as a respected session musician.
His reputation as both PR-man and session musician continued to grow and in 1975 he was approached by Apple Records to help with John Lennon's Rock 'n' Roll album. As a musician he was invited to perform on various in-house sessions with artists such as Billy Preston.[8] Over the course of his career and directorships at various major labels, he has been instrumental in the careers of artists such ABBA,[9] Michael Jackson,[10] Nigel Dick[11] and the Proclaimers.[12] He was also responsible for breaking Meat Loaf in the UK,[13] receiving a proclamation by the Mayor of the City Of Cleveland. Lander is also noted for persuading a rather recluse guitar icon Jeff Beck into doing a TV interview which had a bizarre result.[14] Head-hunted by RCA records to run their Motown UK Record division, Lander joined them at the historic Motown 25th anniversary show: "Yesterday, Today, Forever".
Whilst at Motown Lander was called to a session at Red Bus Studios in London to lay down a harmonica part with a then relatively unknown band called Culture Club which led him to create the now-famous harmonica lead on their No 1 – million seller "Karma Chameleon" and on "Church of the Poison Mind". Following the release came a glut of TV and Wembley Stadium appearances. Around this period Lander was invited to join Paul McCartney[15] on stage at The Odeon Hammersmith for a charity concert, and has since worked with Paul on his Flowers in the Dirt.[16]
As a musician Lander is credited with performances on over 2000 recording sessions. He is noted for his work with artists such as The Beach Boys,[17] Nazareth,[18] The Proclaimers,[12] Kirsty MacColl,[18] Prefab Sprout,[18] Maxi Priest,[18] Madness, The The,[18] Tina Turner,[18] Mike Oldfield,[18] The Communards,[18] Richard Ashcroft,[18] Annie Lennox.[18] In addition, he has an entry in Who's Who in the Music Industry[18] and has received one of the highest musical accolades – the Gold Award from BASCA, the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, held at London's Savoy hotel. This coveted award celebrates the achievements of a group of people who have made an outstanding contribution to Britain's music industry. Lander was also involved in the biggest event in the UK music calendar – The BRIT AWARDS. Lander had worked on this show for the past 22 years as floor cam director.[18]