Principal Edwards Magic Theatre
Principal Edwards: 1972 - 1974
Musicians
Root Cartwright : guitar / mandolin / recorderBelinda Bourquin : fiddle / piano / recorder
Richard Jones : bass guitar / vocals
Geoff Nicholls : drums
David Jones : percussion
Nick Pallett : vocals / guitar
A new group simply called Principal Edwards was formed in 1972 by three of the original musicians, who were joined by Richard Jones and then by Nick Pallett and Geoff Nicholls.
This smaller, tighter unit produced a more rock-oriented sound, but still with theatrical performances.
Over the next three years they went on the road presenting three complete stage musicals at venues all over the country:
King of Changes;
StoneAge Sam;
The Glass White Gangster
The band secured a record deal with Deram Records who released 2 singles (Captain Lifeboy and Weekdaze) and an album (Round One).
By 1974, they were managed by Miles Copeland (later to manage Police).
In the summer of 1974, David was replaced briefly by Peter White (keyboards).
Extensive writing and rehearsing in a cottage in Devon resulted in the Devon Tapes.
At the end of the year, Miles Copeland parted company with the band and Richard was approached to rejoin Climax Blues Band who were also managed by Miles Copeland.