(c’76-’78) Neil Pyzer (sax / vocals), Richard Atterbury (guitar / vocals), Nic Whitehouse (bass / vocals) and Gerald Eyton-Jones (drums).

This Godalming based band won the Surrey heat of Melody Maker’s Rock/Folk Contest 1977 held on 7 May ’77 at the University of Surrey, Guildford and the subsequent South of England heats held at the Marquee, London. The final was at Fairfield Hall, Croydon on 26 June ’77 and featured Cado Belle, Steve Adams, Paul Goodman, Richard Piper, Hokum Kavana, Mike Waller, Breaker, Girl, Jack Easy, Joe’s Diner, Roger the Cat, Six Hand in Tempo, Six of One, Staa Marx, and Tiger Lily, along with Jasmine Pie who regrettably did not win. ’77 was also the year the band played at Guildford Lido.

Liz Hall joined the band as dedicated vocalist sometime in late ’77 / early ’78. On 14 April ’78 the band headlined the Wooden Bridge, Guildford, with Brandenburg in support. Ten days later they were headlining again at The Junction held at Bunters, Guildford with The Reaction opening the show.

Pyzer, who also performed with UBz, White Gold and Bloodhound, would join Crosswinds after Jasmine Pie and has since appeared with Keith James and enjoyed a playing career with Spear of Destiny, Geno Washington and now with The Selector.

Gallery:

26 June 1977: Jasmine Pie performed at the National Final’s of Melody Maker’s Rock / Folk Contest. Picture courtesy of Gerald Eyton-Jones
14 April 1978: Jasmine Pie, supported by Brandenburg, were at The Wooden Bridge, Guildford. Picture courtesy of Gerald Eyton-Jones