The Sandy Davis Story
Well known for his time in early 70s progressive rock band “Gracious“, afterwards which, Sandy began a well respected solo and collaborative career releasing many albums and singles. In 1980 Sandy moved to Germany, eventually pursuing a successful live and studio career before moving back to the UK in 2012.
1948
Paul Andrew Davis is born in Walton-on-Thames, he grows up in Esher, Surrey.
Inspiration
It was upon hearing ‘The Beatles’ for the first time on Radio Luxembourg, Paul begins to play drums, nicknamed ‘Sandy’ based on pop drummer Sandy Nelson.
1962
Satans Disciples
Paul forms Satans Disciples, with two classmates Alan Cowderoy and Peter Lawes. Their first gig at the sixth form review goes down a storm.
1964
Satans Disciples - Gracious
With the addition of pianist Martin Kitcat, bassist Mark Laird, and drummer Robert Lipson, the first rendition of Gracious is complete.
1968
1968
1969
Gracious
Mark Laird parts from Gracious and ex roadie Tim Wheatley is invited and joins.
The band records a series of singles with Tim Rice for Polydor, “Beautiful“ is released.
“Opus 41” a four seasons symphony, is written and performed live by the band though never recorded
Gracious
The band records both “Gracious!“ and “This is…Gracious!!“, the debut is released later that year.
The band continues to perform regular gigs, including a lot of universities and festivals.
Sandy is featured as Peter on “Jesus Christ Superstar”
Frustrated with a lack of sales or support form the record company, Robert Lipson leaves the band. He is replaced by Chris ‘Wheelbarrow‘ Brayne.
1970
Gracious - Solo
Martin Kitcat leaves the band before their tour of Germany, Sandy handles the live mellotron parts.
During summer, the band eventually split, Alan Cowderoy and Tim Wheatley briefly start a new band with Chris Brayne though it does not continue.
Paul moves back to his parents home, to work and focus on songwriting.
1971
United Artists
Paul fully adopts the Sandy name because of an already popular American songwriter Paul Davis.
Following a series of home recorded demos, Sandy spends a week recording an album of songs with Neil Innes producing, recordings are completed though the album is shelved.
Gracious reunites for a one-off promotional gig at the Marquee club for “This is…Gracious!!“.
”Be On Your Best Behaviour” is recorded and released.
1972
EMI
After another series of home recorded demos, Sandy meets manager Johnny Stirling and soon signs a 2 album deal at EMI.
Sandy records “Inside Every Fat Man“, produced by Andrew Pryce Jackman and featuring musicians Peter Skellern, Martin Briley, Chris Squire…
1973
Back On My Feet Again
“Inside Ever Fat Man“ is released to the public, though not long after, Sandy is in the studio again recording “Back On My Feet Again“ produced by Geoffrey Haslam.
Haslam never showed up to final recordings and the remaining album was produced and mixed by Sandy and Trevor Vallis; the album engineer.
1974
1975
Roobarb
“Back On My Feet Again” is released as Sandy and Paul Travis begin to write and record “Roobarb“ and album based on the children’s tv show of the same name.
The album was co-produced and engineered by Trevor Vallis.
Travis & Davis
“Roobarb“ is released though deemed a commercial failure.
Travis & Davis record a series of disco pop songs in North London with session musicians.
1976
1977
Travis & Davis -Headwaiter
The duo finish as Paul Travis leaves the UK to record an album with his band “Liar“.
Sandy moves to Guildford and resides in Tim Wheatleys farmhouse, he works at Tims Chestnut studios, producing and engineering artists.
Sandy joins progressive rock/pop group “Headwaiter” for their first tour of the Netherlands
Headwaiter/Solo
Wrote and recorded pop singles with Tim Wheatley at Chestnut studios, also at Mayfair studios, produced by Trevor Vallis, “A.P.B.” is released.
Headwaiter records 3 tracks for the Guildford band album “Who Invited Them?“
1978
Moving to Germany
Following a short break from music, Sandy moved to Germany in 1980 to raise enough money to build his own recording studio.
Whilst in a pub, Sandy met Thomas Lomberg, who upon hearing of Sandys “Long Way To Heaven“ connected Sandy to Frank Farian.
Enjoying life and beginning to find work as a live musician, Sandy decides to stay in Germany.
78-82
Sandy Davis Band
Following some recording sessions with new material from Sandy, a single “Long Way To Heaven“ is released as Sandy Davis “Band“ though it is a solo project by Sandy.
The songs were recorded at Frank Farians studio in Frankfurt, studio time was given to Sandy following his contributions to Boney M. that year.
1983
1989
Travis & Davis
Following a visit to the UK, Sandy met Paul Travis again and Paul was shortly lured to Germany where the duo reformed and joined local band “The NightBirds“
The pop duo released “Burn a Candle For Me“ that year.
Life In Germany
In 1990, Paul Travis returns to the UK, Sandy decides to stay in Germany.
Sandy continues to perform regular gigs with “The NightBirds“ and as a solo live musician.
In 1996, Sandy records “Guestbook“, a collection of Sandys songs, some sung by guest vocalists from Saarland.
-1996
2023
Today
Today Sandy is retired and lives in Sheffield where he moved in 2012.
In 2021 Sandy reconnected with Martin Briley, a collaborator who had played guitars on both his EMI albums. 2 tracks “One More Lonely Heart“ and “Something In The Air“ were re-written, recorded and released under “Dead Sea Squirrels“.
