Robin Lumley

Lore & Background

Robin Lumley was born in the Alexandra Nursing Home in Devonport, Plymouth, Devon. He attended Plympton Grammar School and trained as a teacher at St. Luke's College, Exeter. He began playing drums in a student band that reached the finals of the Melody Maker talent contest in the early 1970s, after which he switched to keyboards. Moving to London, he did odd jobs before working as a session musician on recordings for David Bowie (though he never toured with Bowie's band or received a phone call from Bowie to replace an ill keyboard player). He met Jack Lancaster and began session work, eventually encountering Phil Collins of Genesis, but Brand X was actually founded by Lumley with John Goodsall and Percy Jones, with Collins joining later as drummer. From 1974 to 1983, Lumley was the keyboard player for Brand X, taking leave in 1978 to focus on producing but returning for the band's final albums and tours. He also produced albums for Rod Argent.

Reader's Guide

Robin Lumley's significance lies in his role as a founding member of Brand X, a pioneering jazz fusion band that featured Phil Collins on drums. His work with the group from 1974 to 1983 produced a series of influential albums, including 'Unorthodox Behaviour' and 'Moroccan Roll'. Beyond Brand X, Lumley's career as a session musician and record producer connected him to a wide range of artists, from David Bowie to Rod Argent. His later work included forming jazz-rock bands and producing instructional videos with Roland Corporation. Lumley also authored a book on the Tay Bridge disaster, a subject personal to his family history. His legacy is that of a versatile musician who bridged progressive rock and jazz fusion, contributing to the sound of the 1970s and 1980s.

Did You Know?

• Robin Lumley was a second cousin of actress Joanna Lumley.
• He worked as a session musician on some David Bowie recordings but did not tour with Bowie's band.
• He formed the band SETI in 2001 with Graeme Edge, Rob Burns, and Rod McGrath.