Artist: Byzantium
Album: Byzantium/Seasons Changing
Country: UK
Genre: Classic Rock, Progressive Rock
Release: 1972-73
Quality: FLAC | lossless

Byzantium was an English psychedelic / progressive rock band of the 1970s who released three albums and four singles; performed one Peel Session in the '70s; released an album of previously unreleased '70s live recordings in 2018; and released a 5CD box set in 2021. They are perhaps best remembered for their role in the early careers of Mick Barakan (aka Shane Fontayne), Robin Lamble, Chaz Jankel and Robin Sylvester. Formed as a school band at University College School (UCS), Hampstead, London the original lineup included Nico Ramsden, and Jamie Rubinstein as a duo that quickly expanded with the addition of Robin Lamble, Beverly Baxter, and Stevie Corduner. Chas Jankel replaced Jamie Rubinstein, who still disillusioned over the failure of his pre Byzantium band, Ora, left as did Beverly Baxter. Jamie Rubinstein returned a short time later with Mick Barakan and the band's final lineup had taken shape. Jamie, Mick, and Robin (Lamble) contributed by way of songwriting and Robin Sylvester as recording engineer, arranger, and later joint producer. The band played their only Peel Session in April 1974, by which time their line up was Rubinstein, Barakan, Lamble and Corduner. Byzantium continued touring until late in 1975 when they played their final concert at The Roundhouse, in London, the same venue they had played their first concert.

Albums:
Byzantium 1972 (2014)
01. What Is Happening?
02. I Am A Stranger To My Life
03. Come Fair One
04. Baby I Can Hear You Calling Me
05. Trade Wind
06. Into The Country
07. Lady Friend
08. Why Or Maybe It's Because

Seasons Changing 1973 (2013)
01. What A Coincidence
02. My Season's Changing With The Sun
03. Show Me The Way
04. I'll Always Be Your Friend
05. October Lady
06. Something You Said - A Trilogy:
Part One: Something You Said
Part Two: I Can See You
Part Three: Morning

Personnel:
Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocals – Mick Barakan
Bass, Vocals – Robin Lamble
Congas, Cabasa – Frank Ricotti
Electric Guitar, Vocals – Chas Jankel
Shaker, Maracas – Stevie Corduner
Vocals – Jamie Rubinstein