Unicorn Jones: Biography

• Overview
• Discography
• Biography
• Related Artists

• Burt Bacharach
• Scott Walker
• Jacques Brel

Formed:

Jan 1, 1996

Genre:

Rock Music

Decades Active:

1990's|2000's

Unicorn Jones calls its musical style "high cabaret," although the trio won't clarify exactly what the term might mean. Interestingly enough, bandmembers got together while vocalist David Banks called on Dick Nolan and John Beck to aid in the making of an all-Burt Bacharach record. When they ended up tinkering with a cover of Motörhead's "Ace of Spades" instead, they realized they had something they could work with. The Bacharach idea was shelved while Banks, Nolan, and Beck spent the following 12 months penning more than 30 original numbers.

The Bacharach incident was not the first time the trio had tried to work together. Bassist Nolan and keyboardist Beck had previously been members of It Bites. When the band's singer left in 1990 during the making of their fourth album, Virgin Records recommended that they audition Banks. He flew to Los Angeles from England to try out with It Bites. The chemistry wasn't there for the band, but the three got along otherwise and a friendship developed. They frequently crossed paths in London and learned that they shared an admiration of such artists as Bacharach, Jacques Brel, and Scott Walker. Banks' previous credits include a stint as singer for Mummy Calls, an '80s band that recorded for Geffen Records. He is featured on the Mummy Calls track "Beauty Has Her Way," which appears on The Lost Boys soundtrack.

- Linda Seida, All Music Guide