Most Prog fans
listen the name Phil Collins and immediately think in the great GENESIS
and BRAND X drummer or make a grimace of pain remembering the late
Genesis era, but almost nobody even mention the excellent 60's
Psyche/Proto Prog band in which he was a clue member.This is something
really unfair, because this guys were doing a solid act which included
not only orchestral sections, but even dared to make a tribute to Holst
with their very clever piece inspired in The Planets by the mentioned
artist.The band was formed by the former keybordist of THE WARRIORS
(with Jon Anderson) Brian Chatton who also added vocals, Ronnie Caryl on
bass and vocals, Gordon Smith guitar, bass & vocals, plus of course
Phil Collins in the drums, organ and vocals. Later and for a short
period, Rod Mayall joined the band to play organ, adding a touch of free
Jazz.In 1969, Fontana Records released The band's only LP called Ark 2
which blends various styles and genres, from British Invasion to Proto
Prog and Acid Psychedelia, passing through Melodic Rock, in other words a
gem for lovers of early predecessors of Prog.Despite the good material
and critics, the commercial success eluded the album so FLAMING YOUTH
made an attempt of reviving their career with the single Man. Woman and
Child, but it was too late, the band dissolved.All the original FLAMING
YOUTH members had a long career, Phil Collins and Ronnie Caryl
auditioned for GENESIS, but only Collins was recruited (the rest is
history), Ronnie later performed with such artists as David Hentschel,
David Bishop and his old friend Phil Collins.Brian Chatton was member of
a band called Boys Don't Cry and played with musicias such as Collins
or Meatloaf among others. Last but not least, Gordon Smith became a
respected session musician with a long career. Despite the pass of time,
Ark 2 remains as one of the finest examples of the fusion between
Psychedelia and Proto Prog. Line-up / Musicians Gordon Smith/Guitar,Bass,Vocals Ronnie Caryl/Bass,Guitar,Vocals Brian Chatton/Organ,Piano,Vocals Phil Collins/Drums,Organ,Vocals Discography Ark 2 1969
1.Guide Me, Orion 2.Earthglow 3.Weightless 4.The Planets 5.Changes 6.Pulsar 7.Spacechild 8.In the Light of Love 9.From Now On
