Aviator-Turbulence (1980) (UK)

Aviator was a short-lived British band (not to be confused with the American band of the same name) formed by three legendary musicians from iconic groups such as Manfred Mann, Jethro Tull, and Blodwyn Pig. These were saxophonist Jack Lancaster, drummer Clive Bunker, and guitarist and singer Mick Rogers, who, along with bassist John G. Perry, released two interesting albums in the late 1970s. In 1978, under the production of Brand X keyboardist Robin Lumley, they released their debut album, showcasing an eclectic style that ranged from art rock to late progressive rock. Highlights from this first release include the hypnotic "Keep Your Heart Right", the rock melodies of "Evil Eye", and the progressive hard rock track "Morning Journey". A year later, Lancaster left the band, leaving Aviator as a trio and releasing their epitaph, "Turbulence", a work more in line with the sounds of the eighties and produced by Wil Malone, a producer who would go on to work with Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Depeche Mode, and The Verve. Without completely abandoning their progressive side, the album features everything from refined pop-rock tracks like "The American" to progressive blues-rock songs like "Fallen Star" and "Strange Worlds", as well as the predictable pop sounds of the newly begun decade, such as "All Your Love Is Gone" and the appealing country-rock track "Wood Wharf Gumbo". After this second and final album, the band ended their short recording career. A few years later, another American band with the same name emerged, playing melodic rock and AOR.