AFFINITY 1971-72

At the end of January 1971 both lead vocalist Linda Hoyle and organist Lynton Naiff left Affinity. Although the other three initially decided to go their separate ways they missed playing together so much that they instead looking for replacements. Singer Vivienne McAuliffe was the first on board. She had previously been in Principal Edwards Magic Theatre, and the line-up was completed by ex-Tornados keyboardist Dave Watts. In Vivienne they had a much more folky singer than previously, so some of the jazz edges were knocked off. Her voice is reminiscent at times of Sonja Kristina, or even Sandy Denny.

However, for one reason or another, this line-up never recorded an album and imploded in 1972. But Mo Foster and Mike Jopp have worked through demo tapes and taped rehearsals and have put together this album. What is immediately apparent is that not only is this an enjoyable outing throughout, but that Vivienne had a wonderful voice and it is beyond belief that she wasn't a far better known singer. She died in 1998, aged only fifty, but after Affinity had performed with Gerry Rafferty and Patrick Moraz among others. If you enjoy good strong songs and great female singing then this is worth seeking out.