Panache by Panache

Panache was formed during 1976 when Alan Mackie (Bass), George McClarkin (Drums) and Dougie Campbell (Guitar) joined forces with Pat Hamill (Vocals) and Robert Williams (Keyboards) in an attempt to become Scotland’s “Steely Dan”. Based in Greenock with a regular gig at the Victorian Carriage in Inverkip Street, the band performed their cover versions of “Kid Charlemagne” and “Haitian Divorce” as well as songs by Stevie Wonder, Hall and Oates and others.
All the while, they mixed in their original songs and explored tasty arrangements and 5-part harmonies. The focus of the band was the unique voice of Pat Hamill – sometimes sweet and soulful, sometimes soaring and passionate.
The other musicians in the band were also passionate about their craft and Panache became a collective music academy in pursuit of musical excellence. There were a couple of line-up changes. Robert left and Alastair Sinclair joined on keyboards. George left and Derek Taylor joined on drums. In the few years that Panache played out in the West of Scotland, their sound evolved into a funky fusion of rock, soul and jazz - we might call it Yacht Rock today - that attracted interest from the music industry in London and the U.S.A.
This is a collection of original songs recorded in studios in Glasgow, Manchester and London, as well as demo recordings made by the band during rehearsals and in live performance.