Byzantium were an English psychedelic music band of the 1970s who released three albums and performed one Peel Session. They are perhaps best remembered for their role in the early careers of Shane Fontayne, Chaz Jankel and Robin Sylvester.

Formation

Formed as a school band at University College School, Hampstead, London, the original lineup included Nico Ramsden, Robin Lamble & Stevie Corduner who were soon joined by Chaz Jankel. Robin Sylvester and Jamie Rubinstein, who were both also studying at UCS were both contributors at this time, Jamie by way of songwriting and Robin in his role of recording engineer, arranger and later joint producer.

Byzantium were due to play at the famous Greasy Truckers Party in February 1972, but could not appear due to a power-cut, however, they were signed up by A&M Records. They did play the Great Western Express festival in Bardney in May 1972 featuring Shane Fontayne and Mick Barakan as well as a young Chaz Jankel and guitarist Neville Nixon from Third Ear Band

In 1972 Lamble, Jankel, Ramsden and Corduner recorded Byzantium, engineered by Roy Thomas Baker and produced by Stuart Taylor & Robin Sylvester at Trident Studios, London, on which Rubenstein, Alan Skidmore (sax) and Frank Ricotti (timpani) appeared as guests. Between the recording and the release of the album, Ramsden left, and Rubenstein and Barakan rejoined.

The following album Seasons Changing featured Lamble, Jankel, Barakan, Rubenstein and Corduner, augmented by B. J. Cole on pedal steel, Ricotti on Percussion and David Hentschel and Sylvester on synthesisers. Jankel's interest was moving towards soul music, so he left, and shortly after A&M dropped Byzantium.

In 1974 they recorded Live and Studio with a band line up comprising Jamie Rubenstein on 12 string guitar, guitarist Mick Barakan (later known as Shane Fontayne), bassist Robin Lamble and drummer Steve Corduner. The album, comprising one side of 5 studio tracks and one of 3 live tracks, predominantly in a psychedelic style, was self produced as a promotion, the back cover stating "Byzantium are seeking a hard working agency, recording company & publishing company". Only 100 were pressed, making it extremely collectable, and although "fans considered it their best set, ..... few were actually in a position to know".

The band played their only Peel Session in April 1974, by which time their line up was Rubinstein, Barakan, Lamble and Corduner. Byzantium continued touring until late in 1975 when they played their final concert at The Roundhouse.

Subsequent careers

Discography

Albums

Singles