Esperanto

Esperanto was a Belgo-English band begun in 1971 by violinist Raymond Vincent (leader of the Wallace Collection) and pianist Bruno Libert. They added Glenn Shorrock (later of Little River Band), former Cliff Richards backup singers Joy Yates, Janice Slater and Bridget Dudoit, and a string section consisting of a second violinist (Godfrey Salmon), a viola (Tony Harris) and a cello (Timothy Kraemer). 1st album “Esperanto Rock Orchestra” was released in 1973. Glenn Shorrock left and was replaced by Keith Christmas for 2nd LP “Danse Macabre” - produced by King Crimson's Pete Sinfield - released in 1974. The line-up changed considerably for 3rd LP “Last Tango” produced by Robin Geoffrey Cable & released in 1975. With the retraction of the record industry after the 1973-1974 oil crisis, A&M did not renew their contract and Esperanto disbanded.