Fusion Orchestra

The Profile

Fusion Orchestra were a British progressive rock band active from 1969 to 1975, best known for the 1973 album Skeleton in Armour. Fronted by vocalist/flutist Jill Saward (later of Shakatak), they blended ambitious compositions with theatrical, Canterbury-tinged touches.

Review-cited lineup on Skeleton in Armour: Jill Saward (vocals, guitar, flute), Colin Dawson (guitar), Dave Cowell (bass, harmonica), Dave Bell (drums), Stan Land (guitars, synthesizers, percussion, winds). The album features tracks such as Sonata in Z, Have I Left the Gas On?, Skeleton in Armour, When My Mamma’s Not at Home, Don’t Be Silly Jilly, Talk to the Man In the Sky, and Fanfairy Suite For 1000 Trampits (Pt. One/Two).

One review hails Fusion Orchestra’s 1973 progressive rock album Skeleton in Armour as a near-masterpiece. It highlights Jill Saward’s distinctive vocals and flute, complex compositions with Canterbury-tinged humor, and standout tracks like Sonata in Z and Talk to the Man In the Sky. Energetic musicianship and dynamic arrangements are praised throughout.