John Schröeder Albums

In the spring of 1971 after Uriah Heep had finished the recordings sessions for Salisbury, David Byron went back into PYE Studios in London to record some tracks for a cover project known as The John Schröeder Orchestra. The band nor the management didn't have any idea that this was done so no information can be traced back to them as this was just a project David did to make extra income on his own without consent or regard to contract. The proceeding two albums that came out these sessions were not merely budget albums but rather legitimate releases since these gave credits to all the musicians and information found on official album sleeves. John himself only gives this one statement that helps on the sessions which was published as a liner note on the second LP, "The album was inspired by some very good songs".

Although most of the tracks on both releases are instrumentals the only vocalist listed is David Byron. His voice can only be heard on five tracks on the first album, four songs on the second one and in limited fashion on some versions of these songs. If you notice the credits, most of them are the same with minor exceptions. The labels provide many questions concerning this set of work; PYE and Marble Arch were both instrumental in the early session work in David's career.

Witchi Tai To

Recorded Spring of 1971
PYE Studios / London, England

Initial release 1971

Track Listing: [Sound files listed in yellow]

Side One:

1. Wanna Thank You Girl *
2. Back In The USSR *
3. A Picture Of You
4. Wana Neme Wana Nana

Side Two:

1. Witchi-Tai-To *
2. The Bird Hs Flown *
3. Family Of Man
4. Smooth Heat
5. Wigwam *

Original Album Credits:

Vocals: David Byron *
Acoustic Guitar: Clive Hicks
Baritone Saxophone: Don Huneywill
Bass Guitar: Brian Ogers
Drums: Clem Cattini
Electric Guitar: Alan Parker, Mike Morgan
Organ: Alan Hawkeshawe, Harry Stoneham
Piano: Gerry Butler / Flute: Derek Grossmith
Tambourine, Congas: Tony Carr
Trombone [Tenor]: Johnny Edwards
Trumpet: Albert Hall, Bobby Hockey, Ray Davis
Vibraphone: Jim Lawless

Arranged by: Lew Warburton
Engineer: Alan Forence
Producer: John Schröeder

Label: PYE Records [NSLP 18362]

Witchi-Tai-To Single Release:

You've Made Me So Very Happy

Recorded Spring of 1971
PYE Studios / London, England

Initial release 1971

Track Listing:

Side One:

1. You've Made Me So Very Happy *
2. Headband
3. Tears Of A Clown
4. Cherokee Woman
5. 25 Or 6 To 4 *

Side Two:

1. Still Waters [Love]
2. Freedom Village
3. My Cherie Amour *
4. Ten Bottle Funk
5. Spinning Wheel *

Original Album Credits:

Vocals: David Byron *
Acoustic Guitar: Vic Flick
Electric Guitar: Alan Parker, Mike Morgan
Bass Guitar: Brian Ogers
Drums: Clem Cattini
Organ: Harry Stoneham
Piano: Gerry Butler
Tambourine, Congas: Tony Carr
Trombone: Don Honeywell, Johnny Edwards
Trumpet: Albert Hall, Bobby Hockey, Ray Davis

Arranged by: Alan Tew
Engineer: Alan Forence
Producer: John Schröeder

Label: Marble Arch Records [MALS 1381]