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Biography
The Pasadenas had a brief moment in the spotlight in the late 80s as a vocal group firmly focused on the sounds of music and artists from earlier decades. Formed in the UK by brothers David and Michael Milliner along with Andrew Banfield, Aaron Brown and Hamish Seelochan, the act was signed by Columbia Records and created its own post-Motown sound, liberally borrowing from 50s doo-wop and 60s soul, but with rather sanitized 80s arrangements.
The group scored a big hit in 1988 with its initial release, "Tribute (Right On)," a decent if rather generic uptempo cut that paid homage to soul luminaries such as Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye. The companion album To Whom It May Concern was a positive, if uneven, effort that was a refreshing variation from the electronic funk that dominated R&B radio at the time. In addition to "Tribute," the disc included the minor hit "Riding on a Train" and a fair version of the Chi-Lites' "Living In the Footsteps of Another Man."
The group followed with Elevate in 1991 and Yours Sincerely in 1992 but never again charted in the US, though they landed a UK hit with a remake of New York City's "I'm Doin' Fine."
The Pasadenas ceased recording after Yours Sincerely, but continued to perform around the UK into the 21st century.
By Chris Rizik
Video
Comments
Billy Griffin and the Pasadenas
billygriffin - March 7th, 2008
This is a song I produced on the Pasadenas in the early 90s. We also did a single called "Moving In the Right Direction". These guys should have been on Motown in the 80s along with Boys to Men. Their live shows were electrifying.
Andrew Banfield (the lead singer) reminded me of Phillipe Wynn of the Spinners. Uniniqe and talented. Of all the acts I produced...
I enjoyed these sessions emensly along with the Boy Band "Take That" sessions in London.
