Brian Knowles formed the band Saffron together with Karen Chapman, Rusty Welch and fellow teacher Mike Nuttall in 1970. Frequent nights were spent moonlighting on Hayling Island where they worked in the Holiday Camps honing their act.
They were eventually signed to entertainment agent Joe Collins, the father of Joan and Jackie Collins, and took the risk of leaving their day jobs. This led to work in night clubs throughout the UK in cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle and Stoke on Trent. By 1974 they were signed to EMI Records and recorded their first album at Abbey Road Studios with many of the songs written by Brian and Mike Nuttall.
Their single ‘Charly’ climbed the charts rapidly but further progress was thwarted by a strike at the EMI pressing factory! Work with Marvin, Welch and Farrow followed. They were an off-shoot from the Shadows and working with them led Saffron to experience work at major venues throughout the UK.
Thereafter Joe Collins introduced the band to his wife Irene Collins who managed the internationally acclaimed singer/song writer and virtuoso whistler Roger Whittaker. From this point Saffron opened his shows with great success in the UK, Scandinavia, Germany, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
When Roger had his world-wide greatest hit ‘The Last Farewell’ work intensified even more, particularly in the now added market of USA. Roger was able then to purchase his own private plane, a great asset when touring, but there were also some intense worrying moments when extreme weather conditions were encountered!
Saffron eventually disbanded and Brian continued to work with Roger as his Touring Musical Director until 1988. During this period Roger recorded some of Brian’s many songs.
