Pilgrym is a new band based in West Yorkshire, England and was formed in 2003 by Andy Wells (ex-John Verity band) (vocals, guitar, bass, piano, mellotron, synths) and Tony Drake (vocals, guitars). The lineup is completed by Kevin Mulvihill on percussion, Oliver Drake on additional guitars and bass, and Emma Pearson on keyboards. The album was produced mixed and engineered by Andy Wells, who also composed all of the songs. The band states that "many influences on the album come from the UK bands like King Crimson, ELP, Greenslade etc., which can also be heard alongside echoes of Kansas and early Styx" and that “the album leans towards the old school of British progressive music.
Andy Wells' Humanized album showcased the birth of the Pilgrym style. His EP leaned more towards a more progressive side than his prior solo work and adding the rest of the group... the band was formed.
Their debut CD `Pilgrimage,' was released by the band on April 5, 2004 in association with Hollyground Records and was released internationally by the Swedish Transubstans Label.
The band's debut album has been given excellent reviews and has been given solid airplay on prog internet radio sites.
In 2004, Rob Jarvis (guitars and keyboards), replaced Emma Louise Pearson. Rob is classical trained.
The group released a limited-edition EP single on Nov. 1, 2004 called- `Believe Me Now,' on Holyground Records.
Guitarist Tony Drake started on a solo album- `believe in the Dream' 5/04, then dropped it about artwork was finished.
Band leader- Andy Wells is well into the writing and recording the second Pilgrym album- `The Great Divide.' The album will be more `proggier' than `Pilgrimage,' and will sport a 20 min. plus track. Production was slowed when Guitarist- Tony Drake's mother passed away as well as Andy breaking his finger and severely hurting his elbow. Also due to a huge hard drive disaster, the band and Tony Drake lost a huge amount of group and solo music, which is starting to get rerecorded.
In late 2004, Andy Wells released a prior local-released album of classical-structured music- `Lost Toys,' with reworked artwork.
With the delays and ill-luck, Wells has invited new blood into the band: with a number of additions, but the albums, YEARS later isn't finish.
Discography:
Pilgrimage 2003
Believe In Me EP 2004
Andy Wells Solo albums:
2004 Lost Toys
2001/2 Lost The Will To Play
2003 Humanized
