Best known as the bassist for the Electric Light Orchestra from 1972 to 1974, Michael de Albuquerque has far more strings to his musical bow than you might think. Not only does he have a splendid 1971 jazz fusion album, First Wind (with percussionist Frank Ricotti) under his belt, but also two much sought-after solo albums, both of which feature Patto guitarist Ollie Halsall. He was also the guitarist in Violinski with ELO compatriot and violinist Mik Kaminski.
Beyond that, he played on soul singer Maxine Nightingale’s 1976 debut Right Back Where I Started From – the title track of which hit the UK’s Top 10 – and his own songs have been covered by Tim Hardin and the Lovin’ Spoonful’s John Sebastian, among others. In the early 80s, he also featured in Sundance alongside Those Were The Days singer Mary Hopkin.
