Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash - Official Site: Personnel

Claire Hamill was born in Middlesbrough in 1954 and began her musical career playing in local clubs. By the time she was in her late teens, she had already composed a wealth of material and had secured a recording contract with Island Records, who released her first albums, “One House Left Standing” (1971). She also appeared on The Old Grey Whistle Test live to an audience of an estimated 13 million people. A second album for Island, “October” followed in 1972. During this period Claire also toured intensely on both sides of the Atlantic. As well as performing club and college dates in her own right, she also performed opening slots for established artists such as Jess Roden, John Martyn, Jethro Tull, Procul Harum and King Crimson.

In 1973 Claire signed to Ray Davies’ Konk Records and recorded her third album “Stage Door Johnnies” with Ray producing. This was fallowed by the self-produced “Abracadabra” in 1975, a move away from her earlier folk-orientated material. In April 1976 Claire became the lead vocalist of Ric Grech’s SDM, a short lived project which failed to get off the ground and soon folded.

The late seventies saw Claire in great demand as a session vocalist and, following a meeting with Wishbone Ash manager John Sherry, 1979 saw Claire recording backing vocals for the band’s “Just Testing” album. Notable highlights of the album included Claire’s duet with Martin Turner on “Master of Disguise” as well as the single “Living Proof”, co-written by Claire and Laurie Wisefield.

1980 saw Claire contributing her distinctive vocals to a solo album by Yes guitarist Steve Howe. The end of the year saw Clare recording with Wishbone Ash for their “Number The Brave” album. In 1981 Claire was invited to perform onstage with Wishbone Ash on a UK and European tour to promote the album.

Various sessions followed and in 1984 Claire released a new solo album “Touchpaper” (which featured Laurie Wisefield on guitar) through Beggars Banquet and toured supporting Rick Wakeman. 1986 saw a change of direction with the New Age orientated “Voices” album released through Coda, the basis of the album being the layering of Claire’s voice to form beautiful cascades and textures. A second Coda album “Love In The Afternoon” followed in 1988.

In 1992 Claire's marriage to Beggars Banquet MD Nick Austin broke up and she went with her daughters to live in nearby Hastings. She was introduced to Andrew Warren, who was composing dance music in his studio and looking for a female singer. Andrew and Claire started collaborating on songs and released an album in 1998 called “Summer“ through Voiceprint. At the time of writing Claire is presently preparing material for a new solo album. In addition recent years have seen the wheel turning full circle with Claire working with Wishbone Ash again on the “Bare Bones” album project, as well as making various live appearances with the band.