Circus

Argent released a live album, Encore, at the end of 1974, which showcased the considerable talents of the original quartet. However, Russ Ballard then would exit for a rewarding career as a songwriter; while the remaining members would draft two guitarists, John Grimaldi and John Verity, as replacements, beginning with their 1975 studio release, Circus. Produced by Zombie alumnus Chris White, the album indeed revolves around the concept of a circus. Mellotrons ablaze, the title track starts the show, revealing a jazzy undertone to Argent's progressive rock. "Highwire" quickly changes pace: rollicking one moment, fiery fusion the next. Rod Argent's voice is rich and his vocal delivery convincing. "Clown" dials down the intensity of the proceedings; but the following "Trapeze," penned by Jim Rodford, gets the show back on course with a strong bass line and some trademark Hammond, before jumping back into a funky little groove. A couple more tracks round out the story before the rousing finale of the "The Jester" closes. The album is a testament to Rod Argent's songwriting and deft arrangements, as well as the band's impressive execution. Argent recorded one final album, Counterpoint, in late 1975, again venturing further into the fusion zone. But without any commercial success, and Bob Henrit in poor health, the band called it quits the following year. Subsequently, Rod Argent went into session work, opened a keyboard shop in London and recorded a lone solo album, Moving Home, with an A-list of guests (Phil Collins, Alphonso Johnson, Gary Moore) in 1978. The others formed the hard-rocking Phoenix, after which Rodford and Henrit both ended up in The Kinks, though at different junctures. Grimaldi sadly succumbed to multiple sclerosis in 1983.