Curved Air

The Profile

Curved Air are a British progressive rock band formed in 1970, noted for integrating electric violin into rock. Fronted by Sonja Kristina with key contributions from Darryl Way, Francis Monkman, and Florian Pilkington-Miksa, they scored a UK hit with Back Street Luv (1971). Their name was inspired by Terry Riley’s A Rainbow in Curved Air.

Name inspired by Terry Riley’s A Rainbow in Curved Air; classic lineup included Sonja Kristina, Darryl Way, Francis Monkman, and Florian Pilkington-Miksa; UK hit single “Back Street Luv” (1971); reformed in 1990 and again from 2008 with ongoing activity.

Five DeBaser reviews track Curved Air from the violin-charged debut to suites, hard-rock detours, and a fiery live set. Sonja Kristina’s voice and Darryl Way/Francis Monkman’s interplay dominate, with “Vivaldi,” “Marie Antoinette,” and “Back Street Luv” called out. Air Cut shows a harder edge and Eddie Jobson’s chops. A 1974 live reunion earns unexpected praise; a 2008 Isle of Wight return is noted.