Back Door

Biography

Back Door was a British jazz-rock trio formed in 1971 in Redcar, North Yorkshire, by bassist Colin Hodgkinson, saxophonist and keyboardist Ron Aspery, and drummer Tony Hicks. Emerging from the vibrant jazz-rock scene, the band distinguished itself with an unconventional instrumentation of bass, drums, and saxophone, delivering energetic performances that blended jazz improvisation, rock drive, and blues elements. Their raw, hungry sound captured attention in the early 1970s British progressive and fusion circuits, leading to a series of albums that showcased their instrumental prowess and live intensity.

The group's career developed through relentless touring and recordings on labels like Warner Bros., with standout releases highlighting Hodgkinson's virtuosic bass work, Aspery's versatile reeds, and Hicks' solid drumming. Though they remained somewhat under the radar compared to peers, Back Door's music exemplified the late-blooming jazz-rock spirit of the era, influencing niche fusion audiences with their minimalist yet powerful setup. The band disbanded in the late 1970s, but their legacy endures among fans of instrumental jazz-rock for pioneering a stripped-down trio format that prioritized spontaneity and technical skill.

Fun Facts

• Back Door's highly unusual lineup of bass, drums, and saxophone set them apart in the jazz-rock scene, with no guitar or traditional frontline instruments.
• The band originated in the coastal town of Redcar, North Yorkshire, a hub for emerging British fusion talent in the early 1970s.
• They were described as 'the hungriest of them all' for their relentless energy and live performances.

Musical Connections

Key Collaborators

• Colin Hodgkinson - bassist and vocalist, founding member (Back Door albums) [1971-1970s]
• Ron Aspery - saxophonist and keyboardist, founding member (Back Door albums) [1971-1970s]
• Tony Hicks - drummer, founding member (Back Door albums) [1971-1970s]

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #jazz