The 801 Photo Archive No. 5
Back to the Photo Archive Main Page								Simon Phillips (drums) and Francis Monkman (keyboards) are two of the best musicians money can buy. But, with the 801 project, they did it for pleasure (and for a share of the royalties of the live album, but they weren't to know that at the time). Simon had been working with Phil on the 'Listen Now' album and had come highly recommended by engineer and producer Rhett Davies. A phenomenal drummer, Simon was that rarity who combined incredible skill and technique with great imagination, enthusiasm and panache. The '801 Live' album stands testimony to his immense abilities. It would not have been the same without him. Francis was also working on 'Listen Now' but had been a friend of Bill MacCormick's since 1973, when only Robert Wyatt's tragic accident prevented a new Matching Mole being formed by the three of them and the late, great sax player Gary Windo. Francis' work with Curved Air and Sky needs no introduction, but with the 801 he revealed his great strengths as a rock musician - allying his classical keyboard training to the drama and drive of the live performance.
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